Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is one of those meals that has the power to turn an ordinary evening into a cozy, flavor-packed celebration. Under the subtitle Savor the Comfort of Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, this dish combines al dente penne pasta with succulent ground beef in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, topped with melty mozzarella and Parmesan for a truly satisfying meal. Each hollow tube of pasta cradles pools of velvety sauce, while tender crumbles of beef add hearty texture and savory depth. As you swirl your fork, waves of garlic-infused butter and fragrant Italian herbs envelop every bite, and the gooey cheese brings a sense of melting bliss to your palate.
I vividly recall the first time I whipped this up on a busy weeknight after a long day; within 30 minutes, the kitchen was a hub of laughter and happy grumbles as forks clinked against plates. Even picky eaters who typically shy away from pasta begged for seconds, drawn in by that perfect pull of melted mozzarella and the nutty sparkle of Parmesan. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple, making it a go-to for family meals, friendly get-togethers, or a comforting solo feast.
This recipe is a Beginner-friendly marvel, requiring just a handful of pantry staples and straightforward steps that yield restaurant-quality results. With only 10 minutes of prep time, 30 minutes of cooking, and no resting to worry about, you’ll have a hearty dish on the table in around 40 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu dinner invitations. Each serving clocks in at approximately 650 calories, making this dish a satisfying and well-balanced option for Lunch or Dinner. Whether you’re hosting friends over for casual bites, prepping meals to enjoy throughout the week, or simply craving a quick escape into creamy, cheesy comfort, this penne has got your back.
Armed with a single pot for pasta, a skillet for the sauce, and basic kitchen tools, you’ll feel like a seasoned chef in no time. Adjust the seasonings to your liking—sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat, swap penne for rigatoni or fusilli to mix things up, or lighten it by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. No matter how you customize it, this dish is proof that simple ingredients can shine brilliantly when combined with care, a dash of cheese, and a whole lot of love.
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CREAMY CHEESY PENNE WITH GARLIC BUTTER GROUND BEEF
To bring this indulgent pasta together, you’ll lean on a mix of pantry staples and fresh touches that each play a vital role. From the foundation of tender noodles to the finishing sprinkle of herbs, every component builds upon the last to create a harmonious, comforting bowl.
- Penne Pasta
The classic tube-shaped pasta that holds onto sauce beautifully. Its ridged surface ensures every strand is coated in creamy garlic butter goodness.
- Ground Beef
Provides the hearty, savory backbone of the dish. Browning it releases rich flavors and creates those delicious browned bits that deepen the sauce.
- Unsalted Butter
Melts into a silky base for the sauce and gently cooks the garlic without adding extra saltiness, giving you full control over seasoning.
- Garlic (minced)
Infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor. When sautéed until golden, garlic releases its natural sweetness and fragrant oils.
- Onion Powder
Adds subtle depth and a touch of savory onion flavor without the need for fresh onions or extra prep work.
- Italian Seasoning
A blend of dried herbs—usually oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary—that brings Mediterranean flair and complexity to the beef.
- Salt
Enhances and balances all the flavors, ensuring that every ingredient—from pasta to cheese—shines through.
- Black Pepper
Introduces a mild heat and earthy spice that complements the richness of the cream and beef.
- Heavy Cream
Creates the luscious, velvety texture of the sauce. It gently simmers down to thicken and coat every ingredient in richness.
- Mozzarella Cheese
Melts into stretchy, gooey strands that make each bite extra indulgent. Its mild flavor pairs perfectly with sharper cheeses.
- Parmesan Cheese
Adds a nutty, salty tang that elevates the sauce’s complexity and helps thicken it into a silky coating.
- Beef Broth
Used to deglaze the pan and capture all those flavorful browned bits, building a robust, savory base for the cream sauce.
- All-Purpose Flour
Acts as a thickening agent. Sprinkled over the beef, it helps the sauce reach that perfectly creamy consistency.
- Fresh Parsley (chopped, optional)
A bright, herbaceous garnish that adds color and freshness, cutting through the richness.
- Extra Parmesan Cheese (for serving)
Let guests sprinkle on more sharp, salty flavor right before diving in, personalizing each plate to taste.
HOW TO MAKE CREAMY CHEESY PENNE WITH GARLIC BUTTER GROUND BEEF
Let’s roll up our sleeves and walk through the simple steps that turn these ingredients into a bowl of pure comfort. Each stage builds flavor and texture, ensuring your pasta comes out perfectly coated in cheesy, garlicky sauce.
1. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Taste a piece to ensure it’s tender but still firm to the bite. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a splash of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it shimmers. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until the edges of the garlic turn a gentle golden color and release their fragrance.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the beef is browned all over and no longer pink. Sprinkle in the onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring to combine so the spices coat every bit of meat.
4. Sprinkle the all-purpose flour evenly over the beef mixture and stir to coat the meat and fat. This helps the sauce thicken up later and prevents lumps in the final sauce.
5. Pour in the beef broth, using your spoon to deglaze the pan—scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are flavor gold, so be thorough. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly.
6. Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep an eye on the edges of the sauce as it thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
7. Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until each addition melts completely and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
8. Add the cooked penne pasta back into the skillet and toss to coat every piece in that rich, cheesy beef mixture. Use tongs or two large spoons to gently fold the pasta without breaking the tubes.
9. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes over low heat, allowing the pasta to soak up the sauce and marry flavors fully. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
10. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling. Enjoy while hot and bubbling!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CREAMY CHEESY PENNE WITH GARLIC BUTTER GROUND BEEF
Once your creamy cheesy penne is ready, the way you serve it can elevate the experience even more. Whether you’re plating for a family dinner or impressing guests, these ideas will help you create a well-rounded, restaurant-worthy presentation.
- Crispy Garlic Bread
Slice a baguette, brush with garlic butter, and toast until golden brown. The crunch and extra garlic complement the creamy pasta and soak up any leftover sauce fabulously.
- Bright Garden Salad
Toss mixed greens with cherry tomatoes, cucumber ribbons, and a light lemon vinaigrette. The fresh, acidic notes cut through the richness and add a healthy contrast.
- Lemon Zest and Herbs
Grate a bit of fresh lemon zest over the finished dish and sprinkle with chopped basil or extra parsley. The citrus brightness wakes up the flavors and adds a fragrant twist.
- Spicy Red Pepper Flakes
Offer a small dish of red pepper flakes at the table for those who love a kick. The pop of heat balances the creamy, cheesy sauce and keeps the palate intrigued.
HOW TO STORE CREAMY CHEESY PENNE WITH GARLIC BUTTER GROUND BEEF
This dish reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic candidate for leftovers and make-ahead meals. Follow these tips to keep your penne tasting fresh, creamy, and just as delicious the second time around.
- Refrigeration
Transfer cooled pasta into an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pasta to minimize drying.
- Freezing
Let the pasta cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating
Warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. On the stove, gently heat in a skillet over low, stirring often and adding liquid as needed.
- Sauce Separation
If you anticipate storing for longer, you can prep the sauce and pasta separately. Refrigerate the sauce in one container and the pasta in another. Reheat the sauce gently before tossing in the noodles to maintain the best texture.
CONCLUSION
We’ve taken a deep dive into the world of Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef—an effortless, beginner-friendly recipe that delivers on flavor, comfort, and satisfaction. From boiling your pasta to deglazing the skillet and stirring in gooey mozzarella and Parmesan, each step is straightforward yet rewarding. With just 10 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of cooking, and no resting time, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a bowl of pure indulgence that clocks in at around 650 calories per serving. Whether you’re serving it for Lunch or Dinner, alongside a crisp salad or golden garlic bread, you’ll find that the harmonious blend of garlic butter, beef, and melty cheeses is impossible to resist.
Feel free to print or save this article for later use—and don’t forget, you can always scroll down to find a FAQ section that answers common questions about substitutions, spice levels, and variations. If you give this recipe a whirl, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Share your experiences, ask any questions, or leave feedback in the comments below. Your tips and tweaks might just inspire the next person to fall in love with this creamy, cheesy, utterly comforting penne. Happy cooking!
Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Description
This dish combines al dente penne pasta with succulent ground beef in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, topped with melty cheeses for a truly satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant and golden.
-
Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Sprinkle in the onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine well.
-
Sprinkle the tablespoon of flour over the beef mixture and stir to coat evenly.
-
Pour in the beef broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and dissolve any browned bits from the bottom. Allow to simmer for about 2 minutes.
-
Stir in the heavy cream and allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, thickening slightly.
-
Reduce the heat to low and gradually add the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and the sauce is creamy.
-
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat well with the creamy, cheesy beef mixture.
-
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors.
-
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve with extra Parmesan cheese on the side.
Note
- You can substitute penne with any short pasta you prefer, like rigatoni or fusilli.
- To make it a bit spicier, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the black pepper.
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- If you prefer a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
