Creamy Beef Penne Pasta Dish

This Creamy Beef Penne Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender ground beef, a creamy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s an easy, one-pan meal perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich & Creamy – A luscious sauce coats every bite of pasta.
• One-Pan Wonder – Easy cleanup with minimal dishes.
• Hearty & Satisfying – Packed with ground beef and cheese.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Customizable – Adjust spices, add veggies, or make it spicy.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Pasta & Beef:

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• ½ onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 1 can (14 oz) tomato sauce
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (drained)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Cook the Pasta

• Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente.
• Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
• Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Sauté Aromatics

• Add onion and garlic, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.

4. Make the Sauce

• Pour in tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
• Simmer for 5-7 minutes to blend flavors.
• Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth.

5. Combine & Melt Cheese

• Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat.
• Stir in mozzarella cheese and let it melt.

6. Serve & Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh basil or parsley.
• Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Kick – Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Cheesy Upgrade – Add ricotta or cream cheese for extra creaminess.
• Low-Carb Option – Swap penne for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
• Different Meat – Try ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! Rigatoni, farfalle, or fusilli work great.

How do I make it thicker?

Simmer longer or add 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with water.

Can I make this without heavy cream?

Yes! Use half & half or whole milk, but the sauce will be lighter.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Store unbaked pasta in the fridge and bake before serving.

What’s the best cheese for this dish?

Mozzarella, Parmesan, or provolone melt well.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes! Add ¼ cup red wine when cooking the beef for extra flavor.

What sides go well with this?

Try it with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a Caesar salad.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook beef first, then add everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.

How do I keep pasta from getting mushy?

Cook it al dente and don’t overmix when combining.

Can I add bacon?

Yes! Crispy bacon bits add a smoky, salty touch.

Conclusion

This Creamy Beef Penne Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prep, this easy one-pan dish is guaranteed to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a restaurant-quality pasta at home!

Print