Velvety Creamy Beef and Garlic Penne Pasta

Introduction

Velvety Creamy Beef and Garlic Penne Pasta is a comforting dish that brings together rich flavors and a creamy texture. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, it combines tender ground beef, garlic, and pasta smothered in a cheesy sauce that everyone will love. You can whip this dish up quickly, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is not only delicious but also easy to make. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a meal that feels special. The creamy texture and savory flavors make it appealing for all ages. You can enjoy it fresh and warm from the stove, satisfying both your stomach and your taste buds.

How to Make Velvety Creamy Beef and Garlic Penne Pasta

Ingredients:

1 pound penne pasta
1.5 pounds ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium yellow onion, chopped
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
4 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
8 ounces cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt to taste
Chopped green onions for garnish

Directions:

Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess grease.
Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and fragrant.
Stir in Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Stir in heavy cream and softened cream cheese until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
Stir in cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese until melted and evenly distributed.
Season with salt to taste. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving. Serve immediately and enjoy!

How to Serve Velvety Creamy Beef and Garlic Penne Pasta

Serve this dish hot, right out of the skillet. It pairs nicely with a simple green salad or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce. You can also sprinkle more cheese or fresh herbs on top for an added touch.

How to Store Velvety Creamy Beef and Garlic Penne Pasta

To store leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can use the microwave or heat it gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce is too thick.

Tips to Make Velvety Creamy Beef and Garlic Penne Pasta

Make sure not to overcook the penne pasta; it should be al dente before mixing it with the sauce.
You can tweak the seasonings to suit your taste. If you prefer it spicier, add more Cajun seasoning or even a pinch of cayenne pepper.
For extra creaminess, you can add more cream cheese or heavy cream.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe by adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition. You can also substitute the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Yes, you can substitute penne pasta with any pasta of your choice, like rotini or fusilli.

Q: Is this dish suitable for freezing?
A: While it can be frozen, the creaminess may change upon thawing. Best to enjoy it fresh, but if you freeze it, be sure to reheat gently.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
A: Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

This Velvety Creamy Beef and Garlic Penne Pasta is sure to become a favorite. Enjoy the comforting goodness and share it with your loved ones!