Creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef Pasta 🍝🧄🥩🧀

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 12 oz (340 g) penne or rotini pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente.

Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked.

Drain excess grease if necessary.

3. Add the Garlic and Onion

Add the butter and diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion begins to soften.

Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Season the Beef

Add Italian seasoning, paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and salt.

Stir well so the seasonings coat the beef evenly.

5. Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally.

6. Add the Parmesan

Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Add the mozzarella and stir until smooth.

If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

7. Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet.

Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy garlic Parmesan sauce.

Simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors come together.

8. Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.

Add red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

Serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.

Tips for the Best Beef Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan because it melts more smoothly into the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly firm pasta holds the creamy sauce better.
• Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce without making it watery.
• Ground beef with moderate fat content adds extra flavor, but drain excess grease if needed.
• Add mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra flavor and vegetables.
• For an even richer sauce, add 2 tablespoons of cream cheese.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, shells, fettuccine, and bow-tie pasta all work well.

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes. Ground turkey can be substituted, although the flavor will be slightly lighter.

Q: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes. Half-and-half can be used, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy.

Q: What vegetables can I add?
Mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes are delicious additions.

Q: How do I make the sauce thicker?
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes, or add a little more Parmesan cheese.

Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.

Q: How should I reheat it?
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving:

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 31g
• Carbohydrates: 52g
• Fat: 34g
• Fiber: 3g