Description
A rich, hearty, and protein-packed creamy beef pasta recipe that comes together in less than 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: 1 cup spinach, chopped
- Optional: Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked—about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
- Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet and add the minced garlic to the empty space. Cook for 1 minute, just until fragrant.
- Stir the tomato paste into the garlic and beef mixture. Add the beef broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and let it simmer for 3-5 minutes, until slightly thickened.
- Add salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes to taste. Fold in the cooked pasta and toss until everything is coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve warm, topped with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
[‘Don’t overcook the pasta; al dente is key.’, ‘Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.’, ‘Taste and adjust the seasoning before adding the pasta.’, ‘Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to thicken and meld flavors.’, ‘Double the recipe for leftovers; it reheats beautifully.’]
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 35
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 25
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, high-protein dinner, quick pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, comfort food