This Quick Creamy Beef Pasta combines savory ground beef, perfectly cooked penne, and a rich, velvety tomato-cream sauce that comes together in under 30 minutes.
Quick Creamy Beef Pasta
If you’re looking for a cozy, crowd-pleasing meal that doesn't require hours in the kitchen, this creamy beef pasta is about to become your new go-to. It’s rich, deeply savory, and tastes like it simmered all afternoon, but it actually comes together in just a single pan and a pasta pot. Perfect for those hectic weeknights when everyone is starving.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Servings: 4-6
Ingredients
1 lb (450g) penne pasta (or your favorite short pasta shape)
1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (un-drained)
2 tbsp tomato paste
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp paprika
½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
Fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Cook the penne according to the package instructions until it's just al dente (it will cook a bit more in the sauce later). Drain, but reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water just in case you need to thin out the sauce later.
Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or deep pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook, breaking the meat apart with a wooden spoon, until the beef is beautifully browned and the onions are soft (about 5-6 minutes). Drain off any excess grease.
Add the Aromatics & Spices: Stir in the minced garlic, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and paprika. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant and the tomato paste darkens slightly in color.
Simmer the Sauce: Pour in the canned diced tomatoes with their juices. Turn the heat down to low and let the mixture simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Make it Creamy: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for another minute until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce turns a gorgeous, silky orange-pink hue. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
Toss and Serve: Add the cooked penne directly into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together until every piece of pasta is perfectly coated. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, splash in a little of your reserved pasta water.
The Finishing Touch: Divide the pasta into warm bowls, top with a generous sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately with extra Parmesan if you're feeling indulgent.
Pro-Tips for Success
Spice it up: If you like a little kick, toss a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes in with the garlic.
Veggie boost: You can easily sneak in some spinach at the very end until it wilts, or toss in some chopped bell peppers with the onions.
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