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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef for Cozy Nights

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting, beginner-friendly pasta dish that comes together quickly for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 ounces Penne Pasta can substitute with rigatoni or gluten-free pasta
  • 1 teaspoon Salt use sea salt or kosher salt for best results
For the Meat Sauce
  • 1 pound Ground Beef lean ground turkey is a great alternative
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil can be swapped with butter
  • 2 cloves Minced Garlic fresh preferred
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper freshly ground gives the best flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning dried basil or oregano can be used instead
  • 1/4 teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes optional, adjust to taste
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream half-and-half is a lighter option
  • 1 cup Beef Broth vegetable broth can lighten it up
For the Cheesy Topping
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Pecorino Romano is a suitable substitute
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese provolone can be used for a twist
For the Garnish
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley or use basil as an alternative

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Skillet
  • Spatula

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil until shimmering. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
  3. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
  4. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and cook for an additional minute.
  5. Lower heat to medium, pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring until mixed. Let simmer for 3-4 minutes.
  6. Fold in the drained penne pasta, stirring thoroughly for about 2 minutes until heated through.
  7. Gradually mix in Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
  8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, cover, and let sit on low heat for 3-5 minutes until melted.
  9. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 45gProtein: 30gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 12gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat gently, adding a splash of milk if necessary.

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