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–+ servings
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Irresistibly Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting, flavor-packed dish that's beginner-friendly and quick to prepare.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta
  • 8 oz Penne Pasta Can substitute with rigatoni or fusilli.
For the Beef Mixture
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Can swap with turkey or veggie crumbles.
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil Substitute with avocado oil if desired.
  • 3 cloves Minced Garlic Use fresh garlic.
  • 1 tsp Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1 tsp Black Pepper Season to preference.
  • 1 tbsp Italian Seasoning Can substitute with fresh herbs.
  • 1/2 tsp Crushed Red Pepper Flakes Optional.
For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream Can substitute with half-and-half.
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Can use chicken broth instead.
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese Fresh is preferred.
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese Can use provolone or dairy-free alternative.
For Garnish
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Parsley Omit if unavailable.

Equipment

  • large pot
  • Large skillet
  • spatula

Method
 

Instructions
  1. Boil salted water in a pot. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, usually about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute or until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  4. Sprinkle in salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
  5. Lower the heat to medium and pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and let it simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
  6. Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet. Mix thoroughly until each piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
  7. Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce and thicken it up.
  8. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese generously over the top. Cover the skillet for a few minutes to help the cheese melt.
  9. Once the cheese is melted, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve warm and enjoy.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 100mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 600mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 600IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 250mgIron: 3mg

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

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