Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

By Megan

June 26, 2025
5

Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: A Comforting Delight ๐Ÿ๐Ÿง„๐Ÿง€

1. Introduction

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, a delightful pasta dish that perfectly balances creamy textures with savory goodness. This tantalizing recipe is not only simple to prepare but also spectacularly satisfying, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings. The combination of tender penne tossed in a luscious cheese sauce with the rich undertones of garlic butter ground beef will have everyone requesting seconds. If youโ€™re looking for more dinner ideas, check out our general dinner recipes section for inspiration. Letโ€™s dive into this culinary adventure that is sure to please your palate and warm your soul! This recipe is a great way to use ground beef, if you enjoy the flavor of ground beef, then you should try our Chinese Beef and Broccoli.

Final presentation of creamy cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef, a comforting and delicious pasta dish ready to be served.

2. Ingredients

To make this delicious Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, gather the following ingredients:

  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 tablespoons garlic butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Consider pairing this pasta with Cunettoโ€™s Garlic Cheese Bread for a complete meal!

3. Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your own amazing Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Begin by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water. Follow the package instructions to achieve perfectly al dente pasta. Stir in fresh garlic and herbs in the boiling water for an aromatic flavor enhancement. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Making creamy cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef, pasta preparation in boiling water with fresh garlic and herbs.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef along with 2 tablespoons of garlic butter. Cook until the beef is browned and nicely caramelized, breaking it up into small pieces. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste for maximum flavor. If you love beef recipes, you might want to explore other beef recipes as well.

Cooking ground beef for creamy cheesy penne, browning meat and garlic in a skillet, creating the flavorful base.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Cheese Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously. Gradually add the shredded cheese, allowing it to melt and blend into a rich creamy sauce. Combine this delicious mixture with the browned ground beef, making sure every piece is coated in that cheesy goodness.

Preparing the creamy cheese sauce for penne pasta, mixing cream and cheese with seasoned ground beef for a rich flavor.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Finally, gently mix the cooked penne pasta into the creamy cheesy sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated. Allow it to simmer for a few more minutes for the flavors to meld together beautifully. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Combining creamy cheesy sauce with penne pasta, creating a deliciously mixed dish for the perfect comfort meal.

4. Storage Tips

Store any leftovers of Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

If youโ€™re looking for something different, you could also try our Smoked Shotgun Shells Bacon, another great dish for gatherings.

5. Serving Suggestions

Serve this creamy cheesy penne dish hot, optionally accompanied by a side salad or garlic bread. For extra indulgence, sprinkle with additional cheese or red pepper flakes for a little kick! Serve with a side of Peach Pecan Bread for a sweet and savory combination.

6. FAQs

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar cheese is commonly used for creamy cheesy penne, but you can also mix it with mozzarella or a creamy blend for enhanced flavor.

Can I add vegetables to the pasta?

Absolutely! Adding veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms can enhance both flavor and nutrition to your garlic butter ground beef penne.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with turkey or use a low-fat cream alternative. You can also reduce the cheese amount in this delightful penne pasta with ground beef. Check out this facebook post for an alternative version.

Can I make this into a soup?

Yes, you can transform this into a hearty soup by adding chicken broth or vegetable broth. If youโ€™re a fan of soups, consider exploring our soups category, or focusing on high protein soup recipes, for more ideas.

7. Conclusion

In conclusion, Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is an irresistible dish thatโ€™s sure to become a household favorite. With its quick recipe and comforting flavors, you can have an amazing meal on the table in no time. Give this delightful pasta recipe a try and enjoy the lovely blend of creamy cheese and rich beef goodness! This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients. Serve it with a side of Fluffy Pancake Recipe for a fun twist!

Print
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Final presentation of creamy cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef, a comforting and delicious pasta dish ready to be served.

Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef


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  • Author: Ashley Miller
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: High protein

Description

Indulge in the heartwarming flavors of Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, a delightful pasta dish that perfectly balances creamy textures with savory goodness. A perfect choice for family dinners or gatherings.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces penne pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 4 tablespoons garlic butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheese (cheddar or a blend)
  • 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
  2. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef with garlic butter, seasoning with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
  3. Reduce the heat and add heavy cream, stirring, then gradually add shredded cheese until melted, combining with the beef.
  4. Mix in the cooked penne pasta until well-coated and allow to simmer for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
  • For a lighter version, substitute ground beef with turkey or use low-fat cream.
  • Additional veggies can be added for extra nutrition.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Pasta
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 600 Kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 38g
  • Saturated Fat: 20g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg

Hi There!

Welcome to RecipesAlways.com! Iโ€™m Chef Megan, and Iโ€™m so excited to have you here as we embark on this flavorful journey together.

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