Description
Savory cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef brings comfort straight from Italian-American kitchens to your dinner table. Rich pasta layers meld perfectly with seasoned beef, creating a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook penne pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature. Melt butter and introduce ground beef, breaking into small crumbles. Cook until deep brown and completely rendered, about 6-7 minutes.
- Create flavor base by pushing beef to one side of skillet. Add remaining butter, then incorporate minced garlic and diced onions. Saute until aromatic and translucent, releasing robust fragrance.
- Season the mixture with Italian herbs, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Distribute spices evenly throughout the meat and aromatics.
- Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet. Allow liquid to simmer and reduce, creating a rich, velvety sauce. Stir consistently to prevent scorching.
- Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese, whisking until sauce becomes smooth and integrated. The cheese will naturally thicken the mixture.
- Fold cooked penne into the sauce, ensuring each pasta piece gets thoroughly coated with the luxurious garlic butter beef mixture.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese across the top. Cover skillet and let cheese melt completely for 2-3 minutes over low heat.
- Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot and bubbling.
Notes
- Swap lean ground beef for ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, healthier version that still delivers incredible flavor.
- Control the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes or omitting them completely for a milder dish perfect for kids and sensitive palates.
- Use gluten-free penne for a celiac-friendly meal without compromising the creamy, cheesy texture and rich taste of the original recipe.
- Prep ingredients beforehand and store in separate containers to create a quick weeknight meal that comes together in less than 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 730 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 43 g
- Fiber: 2.5 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg