Description
This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a creamy, comforting pasta dish made with tender penne, savory ground beef, and a rich garlic butter cheese sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
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12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
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1 lb (450 g) ground beef, lean preferred
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3 tbsp unsalted butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream or half-and-half
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1 cup (100 g) shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup (50 g) grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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¼ cup (60 ml) reserved pasta water, if needed
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped for garnish
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne and cook until just al dente. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain.
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In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat and season with salt and pepper.
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Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet, then stir in minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes.
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Gradually stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted into a creamy sauce.
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Toss the cooked pasta and beef into the sauce, mixing well. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
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Garnish with parsley or basil and serve hot.
Notes
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For a lighter version, use ground turkey and half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
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Add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
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To make it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes or add cayenne.
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Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days and reheated with a splash of milk or broth.