Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef

$- 8 oz penne pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste The main ingredients for this dish make it rich and tasty. The penne pasta holds the sauce well, while the ground beef gives it heartiness. Garlic adds a nice kick, and the heavy cream makes the sauce creamy. Mozzarella and Parmesan bring great cheesy flavor. Italian seasoning ties it all together, adding depth. - Fresh parsley for garnish Garnishing with parsley adds a fresh touch. It looks nice and gives a bit of color. You can also use red pepper flakes if you want a spicy kick. - Large pot for boiling pasta - Large skillet for cooking beef and sauce - Wooden spoon for stirring - Colander for draining pasta These tools make cooking easy. A large pot helps you boil the pasta well. A skillet is best for browning the beef and making the sauce. A wooden spoon is great for mixing, while a colander drains the pasta without a mess. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start with a large pot of boiling salted water. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Use a spoon to break the beef apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until it is no longer pink. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, add 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. Then, lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning along with salt and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Next, it’s time to make the sauce cheesy. Gradually stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy. Now, add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together so that the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy garlic beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Serve your cheesy penne hot, and sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a nice touch. Enjoy this delightful dish with a side salad or garlic bread to complete your meal! To get the best pasta, cook the penne until it is al dente. This means the pasta is firm, not mushy. I suggest boiling it for about 8 to 10 minutes. Always use lots of salted water. This helps the pasta stay tasty. After cooking, drain it right away. Don’t rinse the pasta. This keeps the starch that helps the sauce stick. For cheesy goodness, I love using mozzarella and Parmesan. Mozzarella melts well and gives a nice stretch. Parmesan adds a sharp flavor. You can mix in other cheeses too. Cheddar can add a nice twist. Or try gouda for a smoky taste. Just remember, fresh cheese gives the best results. Herbs and spices can boost your dish. Italian seasoning is great for this recipe. It has a mix of herbs like oregano and basil. You can also add fresh herbs. Try parsley or basil for a fresh touch. A pinch of red pepper flakes will add some heat if you like spice. Don’t forget to taste your sauce. This way, you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always cook your penne pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Garlic Goodness: For an extra depth of flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic. Cheesy Texture: For a creamier sauce, reserve a small amount of the pasta cooking water to add if the sauce is too thick. Fresh Finish: Always garnish with fresh parsley just before serving to add a pop of color and freshness to the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the ground beef for a meat alternative. Try using lentils or plant-based ground meat. Both options work well with the creamy sauce. Using these alternatives keeps the dish rich, flavorful, and fun. You’ll still get a hearty meal that everyone will enjoy. Vegetables add great flavor and nutrition to your cheesy penne. Think about adding spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. Just chop them small and sauté with the garlic. This makes it easy to mix into the sauce and pasta. Every bite will be colorful and packed with nutrients. Want to add some kick? You can spice things up with red pepper flakes or jalapeños. For a smoky taste, try smoked paprika or chipotle powder. These spices can change the whole dish. Experiment with the amounts to find your perfect balance. To store leftovers, place the cheesy penne in an airtight container. Make sure to let it cool down first. This way, it won’t steam and get soggy. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Reheating is simple. You can use the microwave or the stove. For the microwave, place a portion in a bowl and cover it. Heat it for about one to two minutes. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating. On the stove, add a splash of water or cream. Heat over low until warm, stirring often. Freezing the cheesy penne is easy. Place it in a freezer-safe container and seal it tightly. You can also use freezer bags. Just make sure to remove as much air as possible. It will stay good for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. Then, follow the reheating instructions to enjoy it again. Yes, you can make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef ahead of time. Cook the dish and let it cool. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. It can last for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it. You can use milk mixed with butter as a substitute for heavy cream. Mix 3/4 cup of milk with 1/4 cup of melted butter. This mix will add richness to your dish. You can also use half-and-half if you have it. To prevent pasta from sticking, stir it in boiling water. Add a bit of olive oil to the water too. After draining, toss it with a bit of olive oil. This will help keep the penne separate until you mix it with the sauce. Yes, you can use other types of pasta. Bowties, rotini, or even spaghetti work well. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you choose. Make sure it is cooked al dente for the best texture. The best way to reheat it is on the stove. Add a little milk or cream to the pan. Heat it over low heat and stir often. This keeps the pasta creamy and prevents it from drying out. You can also use a microwave if you prefer. You learned how to make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef, from ingredients to storage. We explored main ingredients, optional garnishes, and essential tools. Cooking techniques helped you create the perfect dish. Tips on pasta texture and cheese choices added depth. Consider variations for every taste. Best of all, knowing how to store and reheat ensures your meal remains delicious. Now, you’re ready to impress with this tasty dish! Enjoy your cooking adventure.$

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Beef

A creamy and cheesy pasta dish featuring ground beef and garlic.

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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, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
0.5 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir in Italian seasoning and season with salt and pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Gradually stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy garlic beef mixture. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until heated through.
Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Notes

Garnish with fresh parsley for added flavor.

Keyword beef, cheesy, garlic, pasta