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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

A comforting and flavorful dish featuring perfectly cooked penne pasta, tender ground beef, and a creamy garlic butter sauce, topped with rich cheeses.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 6 servings
Calories 850 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Meat

  • 12 oz penne pasta Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if desired.
  • 1 lb ground beef Lean ground beef can be used to reduce fat.

Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic is recommended.
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes Optional for added spice.
  • 2 cups heavy cream For a lighter option, half-and-half can be used.
  • 1 cup beef broth Can use low-sodium broth.
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 2 cups mozzarella cheese, shredded

Garnish

  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Instructions
 

Cooking the Pasta

  • Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  • Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.

Preparing the Sauce

  • In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
  • Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, making sure it does not burn.
  • Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  • Season the beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Reduce heat to low and stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Allow to simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
  • Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
  • Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until it is melted and the sauce thickens.
  • Top the pasta with shredded mozzarella, cover with a lid, and let sit for a few minutes until the cheese melts.

Serving

  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve directly from the skillet.
  • Consider serving with a side salad or garlic bread.

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Notes

For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef for a plant-based alternative, and consider adding vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Keyword Cheesy Penne, Comfort Food, Garlic Butter Ground Beef, pasta, Quick Dinner