Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef
Indulge in Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef! This creamy, savory dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. 🍝✨
Equipment
- 1 Large Pot For boiling pasta.
- 1 Large Skillet For sautéing beef and making sauce.
- 1 Oven-safe dish For baking the pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces penne pasta This pasta shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully.
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef Choose lean ground beef for a healthier option.
Butter and Garlic
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter Essential for rich garlic butter flavor.
- 4 cloves garlic Fresh garlic is a must for aromatic kick.
Broth and Cream
- 1 cup chicken or vegetable broth Adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream Gives the dish its creamy texture.
Cheese
- 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese A classic choice for cheesiness.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a nice salty flavor.
Seasoning
- to taste salt and pepper Crucial to enhance all the flavors.
- optional fresh parsley A sprinkle on top adds a pop of color.
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Sautéing the Garlic and Beef
- In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Then, add 1 pound of ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Seasoning the Mixture
- Once the beef is browned, season it with salt, pepper, and any additional herbs you like. Stir well to combine.
Creating the Creamy Sauce
- Lower the heat and add 1 cup of chicken or vegetable broth to the skillet. Then, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow the mixture to simmer for about 5 minutes, letting it thicken slightly.
Combining Ingredients
- Add the cooked penne to the skillet, along with 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce and the cheese is melted.
Baking for Extra Flavor
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the cheesy pasta mixture into an oven-safe dish. Top it with an additional sprinkle of cheese. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
Serving
- Once baked, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve hot.