Description

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a comforting pasta dish with tender penne, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb ground beef

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. If using, add red pepper flakes. Remove the beef and set aside.
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Stir in the heavy cream, bring to a simmer, and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, use plant-based ground meat or cooked lentils.
Increase red pepper flakes or add cayenne pepper for extra spice.
Add sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for more nutrition.
Try using a combination of cheddar and mozzarella for a different cheesy flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 550
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 90mg