Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef Delight

$- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend - Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnishing You will need 8 ounces of penne pasta. This amount serves about four people. For the meat, use 1 pound of ground beef. The garlic adds flavor, so use 4 cloves minced. Heavy cream gives the sauce its richness, so you'll want 1 cup. For cheese, use 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan. Extra virgin olive oil is used for cooking the beef, so a tablespoon is enough. A teaspoon of Italian seasoning adds great flavor, while salt and pepper will enhance all the tastes. Fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. You can add more grated Parmesan on top for extra flavor. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes could add some heat if you like it spicy. A few slices of fresh basil can also make the dish pop with fresh taste. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water to enhance the flavor. Once the water is boiling, add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it for about 8-10 minutes until it is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. When done, drain the pasta in a colander. Save a cup of water from the pot for later use. This helps if the sauce gets too thick. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes until it is browned and no pink remains. If there is too much fat, drain it carefully. This step adds flavor and texture to your dish. Next, add 4 finely minced cloves of garlic to the beef. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes. You want the garlic fragrant but not brown. Burning garlic makes it bitter. After that, lower the heat to a gentle simmer. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing well. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground pepper. Let this simmer for 3-5 minutes. The sauce should thicken slightly during this time. Now it’s time to add cheese! Gradually mix in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/2 cup of finely grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely. This will make your sauce rich and creamy. The combination of these cheeses adds a delicious depth of flavor. Add the drained penne pasta to the beef and sauce mixture. Gently toss the pasta so it is evenly coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Heat everything together for another 2-3 minutes. This step ensures that every bite is flavorful and creamy. Once everything is heated through, remove it from the heat. Transfer the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef to a serving platter or bowls. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with garlic bread and a simple salad. It makes for a delightful meal that you and your family will love. Enjoy! To make a creamy sauce, use heavy cream. It adds a rich texture. If your sauce is too thick, add some pasta water. This water helps loosen the sauce without losing flavor. Stir the sauce often while it simmers. This keeps it from sticking or burning. When cooking garlic, mince it finely. This allows it to cook evenly. Add it to the pan after the beef browns. Cook the garlic for just 1-2 minutes. Too long will make it bitter. You want it fragrant and soft, not brown. Use shredded cheese for easy melting. Mix mozzarella and Parmesan together. Add the cheese gradually to the sauce. Stir constantly until the cheese melts smoothly. If it clumps, lower the heat and keep stirring. This ensures a creamy sauce without lumps. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor, always use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced options. Fresh garlic adds a robust taste that enhances the dish. Cheese Variations: Feel free to mix your favorite cheeses! Combining mozzarella with provolone or fontina can provide a unique flavor profile. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Ensure you cook the penne to al dente. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce, preventing it from becoming mushy. Enhance with Vegetables: Add sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms to the beef mixture for added nutrition and flavor. {{image_4}} You can easily add vegetables to this dish for extra flavor and nutrition. Spinach, broccoli, and bell peppers work well. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces. Sauté them with the garlic before adding the cream. This step helps the veggies soften and blend into the dish. You can also try zucchini or peas for a pop of color and taste. If you want to change the protein, try ground turkey or chicken. These options give a lighter taste while keeping it rich. For a meat-free meal, use lentils or chickpeas. They add protein and fiber, making the dish hearty and filling. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegan option. Just follow the same steps in the recipe. To make this dish gluten-free, swap the penne pasta for gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options that taste just as good. Be sure to check the packaging for cooking times. The rest of the recipe stays the same. You can enjoy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef without worrying about gluten. After you enjoy your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef, store leftovers in a tight container. Let the dish cool first. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to cover it well to keep the flavors fresh. To reheat, place the leftovers in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep the sauce creamy. Stir often until hot. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, the dish stays creamy and tasty. You can freeze Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef for later. Place it in a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space for expansion. It can stay in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat as mentioned before for the best taste. To add spice, try using red pepper flakes. Start with a pinch. You can add more if you like it hotter. Another option is to use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. This will bring a new flavor and heat. Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. The sauce will be lighter but still tasty. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or cashew cream. These will change the flavor but keep it creamy. Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef goes great with garlic bread. A simple green salad adds freshness too. You can also serve it with steamed broccoli for some crunch. These sides balance the rich flavors of the dish. This blog post covered all you need to know to make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef. We looked at the right ingredients, how to cook the pasta and beef, and tips for the best sauce. I shared ways to store leftovers and how to make tasty variations. With these steps, you can enjoy a great meal with ease. Try it out and make it your own!$

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef Delight

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish featuring ground beef and garlic, perfect for a comforting meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz penne pasta
1 lb ground beef
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
to taste Salt and freshly ground pepper
for garnishing Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a large pot of rapidly boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente, which should take about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce consistency later.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, and cook until it is browned and fully cooked through with no traces of pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the garlic to cook until fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness.
Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, then add the heavy cream to the beef skillet. Mix in the Italian seasoning and season generously with salt and freshly ground pepper. Let the sauce simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 3-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Gradually mix in the shredded mozzarella and the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce becomes rich and creamy.
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss the pasta to ensure each piece is coated evenly with the cheesy garlic beef mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired creamy consistency. Cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
Remove from heat and transfer the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef to a serving platter or individual bowls. Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the dish in warm bowls and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan on top. Accompany with garlic bread and a simple green salad for a delightful meal experience.

Keyword beef, cheesy, comfort food, garlic, pasta