Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Penne Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This stovetop creamy ground beef pasta is a comforting and flavorful one-pan meal that comes together quickly. Rich, hearty, and creamy, it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without fuss.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
2. Step 2: Add the olive oil and let it warm up.
3. Step 3: Sauté the chopped onion for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
4. Step 4: Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Add the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks.
6. Step 6: Cook the beef until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Step 7: Season with dried oregano, basil, and red pepper flakes, stirring to combine.
8. Step 8: Cook the seasoned beef for 1 minute to let the flavors meld.
9. Step 9: Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices, stirring to combine.
10. Step 10: Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5 minutes.
11. Step 11: Add the penne pasta, distributing it evenly into the sauce.
12. Step 12: Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 10-12 minutes until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
13. Step 13: Stir in the heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
14. Step 14: Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
15. Step 15: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan until melted and incorporated.
16. Step 16: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan if desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder dish, omit or reduce the red pepper flakes.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner substitute for ground beef.
• Swap penne pasta for rigatoni, rotini, or another favorite short pasta shape.
• Add a handful of fresh spinach or chopped bell peppers for extra veggies.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli works well and will cook similarly in the sauce.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, omit the Parmesan and use a dairy-free cream substitute or coconut milk instead of heavy cream.

Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Penne Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 111 reviews

This Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta combines tender penne pasta with a rich and savory ground beef sauce infused with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes. Finished with creamy heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, this comforting one-pan meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 8 ounces penne pasta
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat to warm up for cooking.
2. Sauté onions: Add olive oil to the skillet. Once heated, add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and translucent.
3. Add garlic: Incorporate minced garlic and sauté for 1 more minute until fragrant.
4. Brown the ground beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
5. Season the beef: Sprinkle dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes over the beef. Stir well and cook for 1 minute to blend flavors.
6. Add liquids and tomatoes: Pour in beef broth and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
7. Cook pasta in sauce: Add penne pasta, spreading it evenly in the sauce. Cover skillet with a lid and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
8. Make sauce creamy: Stir in heavy cream and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy.
9. Season to taste: Add salt and black pepper as needed to adjust seasoning.
10. Add cheese and finish: Remove from heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated.
11. Serve: Dish out the creamy ground beef pasta immediately. Optionally garnish with extra Parmesan cheese.

Notes

• For a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes according to preference.
• Use fresh herbs if available for more vibrant flavor, adjusting quantities to taste.
• To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lower-fat milk alternative, but the sauce may be less rich.
• Stir occasionally when cooking pasta to prevent sticking to the skillet.
• Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: creamy ground beef pasta, one pan pasta, stovetop pasta recipe, easy dinner, creamy pasta with beef