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Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef Recipe

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  • Author: admin
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 35 minutes
  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Stovetop and Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Description

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef is a comforting and indulgent pasta dish featuring tender penne cooked al dente, sautéed ground beef infused with garlic and butter, and a creamy, cheesy sauce made from cheddar, mozzarella, and heavy cream. Finished under the broiler for a golden crust and garnished with fresh herbs, this recipe is perfect for a hearty family dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 300 grams (about 10.5 oz) penne pasta

Beef & Aromatics

  • 500 grams (about 1 lb) ground beef
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 60 grams (about 4 tablespoons) butter

Dairy & Seasonings

  • 150 grams (about 1.5 cups) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 150 grams (about 1.5 cups) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 240 ml (about 1 cup) heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh herbs such as parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the cooking water, and set aside.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
  3. Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  4. Create Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture. Stir well and let it simmer gently for 3-5 minutes to thicken and blend the flavors.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
  6. Add Cheeses: Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses into the pasta mixture until they melt completely and become evenly distributed throughout.
  7. Broil for Golden Crust: Transfer the cheesy pasta mix into a baking dish. Optionally, sprinkle a little extra cheese on top. Place the dish under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
  8. Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with freshly chopped herbs such as parsley or basil. Serve warm and enjoy your comforting cheesy penne with garlic butter beef.

Notes

  • Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
  • Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor; garlic powder won’t provide the same aroma.
  • Broiling is optional but adds a lovely golden crust and extra cheesy texture.
  • For a lighter dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
  • Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition.

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Find it online: https://aswoonfulofsugar.com/cheesy-penne-with-garlic-butter-beef-recipe/