I love how quickly this dish comes together without sacrificing flavor. The creamy tomato sauce envelops each penne noodle, while the browned beef adds that perfect hearty touch.
One evening after a long day, I threw this meal together in under 30 minutes. The kitchen filled with the inviting aroma of garlic and basil, and by the time I plated it, I couldn’t wait to dig in. It’s that kind of meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
Why You’ll Love It:
– Ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights
– Rich, creamy tomato sauce with tender pasta and flavorful browned beef
– Fresh basil and parmesan cheese add an elegant finishing touch
– Simple ingredients you likely have on hand
Comfort on your plate in no time.
Print30-Minute Creamy Beef Pasta
A quick, creamy tomato sauce coats tender penne pasta and browned ground beef, finished with parmesan and fresh basil for a comforting dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
12 ounces penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and black pepper.
Pour in diced tomatoes with their juice. Stir to combine and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Allow to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until sauce is creamy and slightly thickened.
Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta evenly with sauce and beef mixture.
Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese.
To serve, twirl pasta into neat mounds on shallow white plates. Sprinkle extra parmesan on top and garnish each plate with a fresh basil leaf.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Q: What’s the easiest way to reheat leftovers?
A: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent sticking.
Give this creamy beef pasta a try tonight—save, print, or cook to bring cozy comfort to your table.