Description
A delightful and indulgent dish featuring al dente penne pasta enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce with lean ground beef and aromatic garlic, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne according to package directions until al dente. Drain, but reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté the diced onion until translucent, about 4–5 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Increase the heat to medium-high, add ground beef, and cook until browned (about 6–8 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat if needed, keeping the flavorful browned bits in the pan.
- Reduce the heat to low, pour in the heavy cream, and stir to combine. Gradually add reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Slowly stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Toss the cooked penne into the skillet, ensuring each piece is coated in the delicious sauce. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with more reserved pasta water.
- Serve immediately, topped with extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.
Notes
For a lighter option, substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken, or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian