![To whip up this hearty meal, gather these ingredients: - 12 ounces penne pasta - 1 pound ground beef - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional for heat) - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) You can switch some ingredients if you need to. Here are a few ideas: - For a lighter dish, try using ground turkey instead of beef. - Use whole wheat penne for a health boost. - If you want a non-dairy option, use plant-based cream and cheese. - For extra flavor, add sautéed onions or bell peppers. These swaps keep the meal tasty and fun! This dish is a comfort food staple, but let’s check its nutrition: - Calories: About 700 per serving - Protein: Roughly 35 grams - Fat: Around 40 grams - Carbohydrates: About 50 grams It’s filling and good for a cozy night in. Enjoy this cheesy penne as a treat! For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps. To start, fill a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add 12 ounces of penne pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions for about 8 to 10 minutes. You want it to be al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. This step is key for a perfect texture in your dish. Next, take a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks. Stir it frequently until the beef is browned and no longer pink. This should take about 6 to 8 minutes. If you see excess fat, drain it off. You want your beef to be flavorful, not greasy. Now, reduce the heat to low. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the beef. Let the butter melt completely. Once melted, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like some heat. Cook this mixture for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring until the garlic smells great but does not burn. This step adds a rich flavor to the dish. Slowly pour in 1 cup of heavy cream, mixing well with the garlic butter beef. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 3 to 4 minutes. Stir it occasionally until it thickens slightly. Then, gradually add 1 ½ cups of shredded mozzarella and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, add the drained penne pasta right into the skillet. Use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together. Make sure every piece of pasta gets coated in that delicious sauce. This hearty comfort meal is now ready to serve! For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. To make a creamy sauce, start with fresh ingredients. Use heavy cream for richness. Heat your garlic butter mixture gently. Avoid high heat; let it simmer slowly. This helps the flavors blend without burning the garlic. Stir in the cheese gradually. This keeps the sauce smooth and creamy. Be patient and let it melt completely. For extra flavor, try adding herbs like basil or thyme. Fresh herbs brighten up the dish. You can also add a splash of white wine for depth. If you enjoy spice, increase the red pepper flakes. For a touch of acidity, squeeze some lemon juice in before serving. This will balance the richness of the sauce. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. Always cook it al dente, so it stays firm. Another mistake is not draining the beef properly. Excess fat can make the sauce greasy. Make sure to stir the sauce often. If you let it sit too long, it can thicken too much. Lastly, don’t skip seasoning; taste your sauce before serving! For the complete recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_4}} You can add veggies to your cheesy penne for more taste and health. Try adding spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers. They cook fast and blend well with the beef and cheese. For spinach, add it in the last few minutes of cooking. If using broccoli or bell peppers, sauté them with the beef. This way, you get extra vitamins and a pop of color. Cheese is key to this dish. While mozzarella and Parmesan work great, you can swap them for other types. Cheddar adds a sharp bite. Gouda gives a rich and creamy flavor. If you love blue cheese, it can bring a bold twist to your meal. Mix and match to find your favorite combo. If you like heat, red pepper flakes are your friend. You can adjust the amount to fit your taste. Start with a little, maybe half a teaspoon. You can always add more if you want it spicier. This simple step can take your cheesy penne to a whole new level. For more details on the recipe, check the Full Recipe. To keep your cheesy penne fresh, store it in an airtight container. Make sure the dish cools completely before sealing. This helps prevent moisture buildup, which can make the pasta soggy. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you plan to eat it later, label the container with the date. This way, you always know how fresh it is. When it’s time to reheat your cheesy penne, use a skillet for the best taste. Add a splash of cream or water to help revive the sauce. Heat it over low to medium heat, stirring often. This method keeps the pasta creamy and avoids burning. You can also use the microwave, but make sure to cover it to keep moisture in. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. If you want to save your cheesy penne for later, freezing is a great option. Portion the dish into smaller containers for easy meals later on. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container, as the pasta will expand. Wrap each container tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavors intact and the texture nice. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Yes, you can use other pastas! Bowtie, fusilli, or rigatoni work well. They all hold the sauce nicely. Stick to similar sizes for even cooking. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta shape you choose. To make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef healthier, consider these tips: - Lean Meat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. - Whole Wheat Pasta: This adds fiber and nutrients. - Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, bell peppers, or broccoli for more vitamins. - Less Cheese: Reduce cheese for a lighter sauce, or use low-fat options. - Swap Cream: Use Greek yogurt or a plant-based cream for fewer calories. Great sides can elevate your meal! Try these: - Garlic Bread: Perfect for scooping up the cheesy sauce. - Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette adds freshness. - Roasted Veggies: Oven-roasted veggies complement the rich flavors. - Steamed Broccoli: This adds color and a healthy crunch. For the full recipe, check out the details above! In this blog post, I covered how to make cheesy penne with garlic butter beef. You learned about the ingredients, cooking steps, and helpful tips. I shared storage info and FAQs to answer common questions. Keep these lessons in mind as you cook. Don’t be afraid to add your twist. Enjoy transforming this dish into your family's new favorite.](https://roastedflavors.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/7b71d61d-6222-4a89-a731-bd529574ea6d-300x300.webp)
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef
Savor the ultimate comfort food with this Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef recipe! It's a delicious blend of penne pasta, ground beef, and a creamy cheese sauce that's easy to whip up in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will delight your taste buds. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress your family with this cheesy delight that’s sure to become a favorite!