There’s nothing quite like the smell of garlic, beef, and cream simmering on the stove after a long day. My Creamy Beef Pasta is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl—simple, satisfying, and rich with flavor. It’s the kind of recipe you can whip up fast but still impress the family with.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef Pasta
This creamy pasta is the ultimate balance of hearty and smooth.
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Uses simple pantry staples
- Perfectly seasoned and balanced
- Creamy sauce without being too heavy
- Great for meal prep or leftovers
- Family-friendly comfort food
This one takes me right back to my early days of cooking on a shoestring budget. I didn’t have fancy pans or imported ingredients—just a skillet, some ground beef, and a craving for something hearty. That’s how this dish was born: practical, delicious, and deeply comforting.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this creamy, restaurant-worthy pasta.
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil, for sautéing
Optional Add-Ons or Substitutes
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version
- Add spinach or peas for a pop of green
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for less richness
- Mix in sun-dried tomatoes for tang
- Try gluten-free pasta if needed
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for gentle heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe comes together quickly and delivers big on flavor.
- Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Brown the beef. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat.
- Add aromatics. Stir in diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Season. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly.
- Create the sauce. Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and stir well. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cheese. Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and creamy. Adjust thickness with a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Combine. Toss cooked pasta into the skillet and mix until fully coated
- Serve. Garnish with more Parmesan, black pepper, and fresh herbs if desired.
Quick Reminders:
- Don’t overcook pasta—it’ll soften in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melt and flavor.
- Stir sauce gently to avoid curdling the cream.
- Add pasta water gradually to control sauce texture.
Expert Tips for Success
Making the perfect creamy beef pasta is all about timing and texture.
- Always brown beef well for deeper flavor
- Simmer sauce low and slow—don’t rush it
- Use good-quality cream for richness
- Save pasta water—it’s your creamy sauce’s best friend
- Add cheese off the heat to keep the sauce smooth
- For an upgrade, top with breadcrumbs and broil for 2 minutes
If you love rich, beefy flavors, check out my Pappardelle Bolognese—it’s another cozy pasta that feels straight out of an Italian kitchen.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta can easily be a full meal, but pairing it with the right sides makes it restaurant-worthy.
- Serve with garlic bread or focaccia
- Add a green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Pair with roasted vegetables or broccoli
- Try alongside Greek Beef Orzo Pasta for a fun pasta night variety
- Sprinkle chili flakes for spice lovers
- Serve with a glass of sparkling water and lemon for balance
I love serving this one in big bowls—the sauce clings to every piece of pasta, and everyone always asks for seconds.
Storing and Reheating
This creamy beef pasta reheats beautifully, making it great for leftovers.
How to Store It
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Cool completely before sealing
- Add a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking
- Avoid freezing—it can alter the creamy texture
How to Reheat It
- Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat
- Add 1–2 tablespoons of milk or cream to loosen the sauce
- Stir often to prevent scorching
- Microwave individual portions at 50% power in 30-second intervals
Even after a day or two, the sauce stays flavorful and smooth—just like fresh.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Calories: 590
Fat: 34g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Protein: 31g
Sodium: 620mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be lighter. Add extra cheese for richness.
Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely—just add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne pepper.
What pasta shape works best?
Short shapes like penne or rigatoni hold the sauce best.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef Pasta is a love letter to simple cooking—rich, cozy, and deeply satisfying. It’s proof that with a few pantry staples and a good skillet, you can make magic any night of the week.
- Brown the beef well—it’s where the flavor begins.
- Stir patiently—the sauce rewards you for it.
- Serve warm, fresh, and with good company.
For another comforting twist, try my French Onion Soup Pasta or the spicy Rattlesnake Pasta. Both are cozy, creamy, and made for nights when you just want something warm and satisfying.
Creamy Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to season the beef mixture.
- Reduce heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and stir. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with more Parmesan, black pepper, or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Recipe allows swaps such as ground turkey or chicken for lighter versions.
- Add-ins like spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or chili flakes are optional.
- Use half-and-half instead of cream for reduced richness.
