Dinner

Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

ByElla Hart November 25, 2025November 25, 2025

Introduction

This creamy beef pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Combining tender penne with a rich, cheesy sauce and savory ground beef, it’s a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please the whole family.

The image shows a white bowl filled with creamy pasta. The bottom layer is short tube-shaped pasta coated lightly in a light beige creamy sauce. Scattered over the pasta are small pieces of browned sausage, adding a speckled texture and a rich brown color. The top layer is melted cheese with a smooth, slightly bubbly texture and golden brown spots. There is a small sprig of green parsley placed near the center for color contrast. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb lean ground beef
1 cup heavy cream
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tsp Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tsp olive oil for sautéing

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1 cup of the cooking water.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned, about 7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Step 4: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Gradually add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly.
Step 6: Serve the creamy beef pasta hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh parsley.

Tips & Variations

For added flavor, try using a mix of Parmesan and Pecorino Romano cheese.
Swap penne with rigatoni or fusilli for a different texture.
To make it spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the onions and garlic.
Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to beef.
Adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end enhances freshness.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.

How to Serve

A white bowl is filled with creamy pasta, showing about two layers: the bottom layer is golden yellow penne pasta, soft and smooth, mixed with small chunks of browned sausage scattered evenly. The top layer is thick, light brown cheese sauce that coats the pasta and sausage, sprinkled with small bits of green herbs and black pepper. A small sprig of fresh green parsley is placed in the center on top as garnish. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with warm lighting highlighting the creamy texture and rich colors. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most types of pasta. Choose shapes that hold sauce well, like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle.

How can I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

To thicken the sauce, reduce the amount of reserved pasta water or simmer it longer. To thin it, gradually add more pasta water or cream until you reach the desired consistency.