Short, Catchy Intro

So you are craving something tasty but too lazy to spend forever in the kitchen huh Same. This creamy beef pasta is exactly the cozy, slightly indulgent meal that answers that call. It hits all the comfort food notes without demanding you perform any culinary gymnastics. Stick on some music, open a wine or a soda, and let this one-pan vibe do the heavy lifting.

If you like riffs on creamy pasta classics you might also enjoy this creamy Velveeta beef bowtie pasta I tried last week and it was dangerously easy to finish in one sitting.

Why This Recipe is Awesome

It makes you look like a kitchen boss with minimal drama.
It tastes rich and decadent even though it takes less than an hour.
It uses pantry staples you probably already have unless you live under a rock.
It is idiot proof. Seriously I messed up other recipes but this one forgives a lot.
It scales up or down like a dream so you can feed one, two, or an army.

Ingredients You’ll Need

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

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
In a large skillet over medium heat add olive oil. Sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant about 5 minutes.
Add ground beef to the skillet breaking it apart as it cooks until browned about 7 minutes. Season with salt pepper and Italian seasoning.
Lower heat and stir in heavy cream. Gradually add reserved pasta water until desired sauce consistency is reached. Mix in grated Parmesan until melted.
Combine cooked pasta with the sauce in the skillet tossing gently to coat.
Serve hot garnished with additional Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.

Tip in the pan here Save a little more pasta water if your sauce gets too thick You can always thin it out but you cannot un-thin it

If you are craving a garlic heavy fix try this creamy garlic butter pasta for a slightly different take on saucy noodles

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the pasta until mushy. Nobody likes noodle soup. Aim for al dente.
Skimping on seasoning while browning the beef. Salt early and taste later. Meat needs love.
Dumping all the pasta water in at once. Add gradually and control the sauce texture.
Letting the cream boil hard. Keep it low and gentle to avoid grainy sauce.
Forgetting to reserve pasta water. That starchy magic fixes many disasters.

Alternatives & Substitutions

No heavy cream What about whole milk plus a tablespoon of flour to thicken It works but the sauce will feel lighter.
Want less beef Try half beef half Italian sausage for a flavor punch. You get spice and richness without trying.
Parmesan missing Use Pecorino Romano or a sharp cheddar in a pinch The flavor profile changes but still tasty.
Vegetarian swap Skip the beef and add mushrooms or cooked lentils for texture and heft.
Gluten free Use gluten free penne and check labels on any packaged seasonings.
FYI I sometimes toss in a handful of spinach at the end just to feel like I ate my greens

If you want a taco twist see this cheesy beef taco pasta which is basically this recipe but wearing a sombrero

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q What if my sauce is too thin Do I keep simmering Yes simmer gently and stir Until it reduces the sauce will thicken and flavors concentrate

Q Can I make this ahead of time Absolutely Cool it then store in the fridge for up to three days Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or pasta water to revive it

Q Can I freeze this meal Yes but textures shift Freeze in portioned containers and thaw in the fridge before reheating Slowly reheat on low with a bit of extra cream or water

Q Is ground turkey or chicken okay Sure but brown it well and boost the seasoning It has less fat so add a touch more salt or a splash of olive oil for flavor

Q Do I have to use Parmesan Seriously yes if you want that nutty salty finish But if you must substitute use another hard salty cheese like Pecorino

Q Can kids help make this Yep give them a spoon to stir and a hat to wear They will take half the pasta and then claim credit

Q How do I make this spicier Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while the cream simmers You control the burn level

Final Thoughts

This recipe is one of those rare wins that makes busy weeknights feel fancy. You get creamy sauce comfort and meaty satisfaction without breaking a sweat. Do not underestimate the power of reserved pasta water It is the secret sauce glue that makes everything silky. Make it on a weeknight or for guests when you want to impress without stressing. IMO this is the kind of meal that earns you random compliments and second helpings.

Now go impress someone or yourself with your new culinary skills You have earned it

Conclusion

If you want a slightly different spin on creamy beef pasta that cooks in one pot check out One pot creamy tomato beef pasta – RecipeTin Eats for more inspiration and a tomato forward version of this cozy classic