This creamy beef penne pasta dish is the perfect combination of rich flavors, tender beef, and a velvety sauce that coats every bite. It’s a comforting and satisfying meal that’s easy to make, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy – Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Rich and Creamy – The luscious sauce is packed with flavor, complementing the tender beef and pasta.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
- Customizable – Easily tweak ingredients to suit your taste preferences.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Penne pasta
- Ground beef
- Onion, diced
- Garlic, minced
- Tomato sauce
- Heavy cream
- Beef broth
- Italian seasoning
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil
Directions
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and cook until soft.
- Add ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Pour in tomato sauce and beef broth, then add Italian seasoning. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat and add heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and Parmesan cheese, tossing to coat evenly.
- Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Variations
- Add Veggies – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Spicy Kick – Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce for some heat.
- Different Protein – Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Cheesy Upgrade – Mix in mozzarella or cheddar for an even creamier dish.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore creaminess.
FAQs
How can I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Avoid boiling the sauce after adding the cream; simmer on low heat instead.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or farfalle works well.
What’s the best beef to use?
Lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) is ideal for flavor without excessive grease.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Prepare and store it in the fridge, then reheat when ready to serve.
What cheese can I use instead of Parmesan?
Try Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or a blend of Italian cheeses.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Can I add wine to the sauce?
Yes, deglaze the pan with a splash of red wine before adding the tomato sauce.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer longer or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Use whole milk or a mix of milk and butter.
What can I serve with this dish?
Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables complement it well.
Conclusion
This creamy beef penne pasta dish is a comforting, flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether for a casual family dinner or a special gathering, this rich and creamy pasta will become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Enjoy!
PrintCreamy Beef Penne Pasta Dish
This creamy beef penne pasta is a hearty, comforting dish packed with tender ground beef, a rich tomato and cream sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s an easy, one-pan meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights and sure to please the whole family!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
-
Cook the Beef:
- In a large skillet or deep pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
- Drain excess grease if needed.
-
Add Aromatics & Sauce:
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3 minutes until softened.
- Stir in the garlic, salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using), cooking for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
-
Make It Creamy:
- Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and cooked pasta.
- Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until everything is well combined.
-
Add Cheese & Serve:
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the pasta, cover with a lid, and let it melt for 2 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot!
Notes
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.