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Creamy Beef Penne Pasta Dish

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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!

Ingredients

Scale

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.