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To make Beef and Cream Pasta, gather these ingredients: - 8 oz (225 g) penne pasta - 1 lb (450 g) ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup beef broth - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Measuring ingredients correctly is key. Use a kitchen scale for precise weights. For liquids, use a measuring cup. When measuring dry herbs, use a teaspoon or tablespoon. Level off the top for accuracy. Fresh herbs can be chopped and packed into your measuring spoon for a burst of flavor. You can swap some ingredients based on your needs: - Use another pasta shape like fusilli or spaghetti if you don't have penne. - Ground turkey or chicken works well instead of beef. - For a lighter sauce, try half-and-half instead of heavy cream. - Vegetable broth can replace beef broth for a lighter flavor. - Nutritional yeast can stand in for Parmesan if you're dairy-free. These swaps keep the dish tasty while fitting your diet. Enjoy making this creamy delight! To start, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. This adds flavor to the pasta. Add 8 oz of penne pasta. Cook it until it is al dente, which means it should be firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside. Next, grab a large skillet and pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it on medium. Once hot, add 1 medium chopped onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them until the onion turns soft, about 3 minutes. Now, raise the heat to medium-high. Add 1 lb of ground beef. Use a spoon to break it apart. Cook until it is fully browned, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes. Season it with salt, pepper, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat. Once the beef is browned, lower the heat to medium. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1 cup of beef broth. Stir in 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs. Let this mixture come to a slight simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring often. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. Now, add the cooked penne pasta into the skillet. Toss it well to coat the pasta with the creamy beef sauce. Mix in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. This will make your dish rich and creamy. Finally, remove the skillet from heat. You can garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions above! To make great pasta, use a large pot. Add enough water and salt. The salt flavors the pasta. Stir often while cooking. This stops pasta from sticking. Cook until it's al dente, or firm to the bite. Drain the pasta, but save some water. This water can help your sauce stick. Season your beef well. Use salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes for a kick. Dried Italian herbs add depth. Don't skip the garlic and onion; they bring great flavor. If you want a richer taste, try adding more Parmesan cheese. It melts well and makes the dish creamy. Serve in a wide bowl for a nice look. Top with fresh parsley for color. Add extra Parmesan on top for flair. You can even drizzle a bit of olive oil for shine. The way you present food can make it more appetizing. This dish is tasty and looks great, too! For more details, check out the Full Recipe. {{image_2}} You can make this dish vegetarian by swapping the ground beef for mushrooms or lentils. Both options add great texture. Use hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello. Sauté them until browned, just like you would the meat. For lentils, cook them separately, then mix them in with the sauce. This keeps the dish filling and tasty without meat. Want some heat? You can add more red pepper flakes to the sauce. If you prefer milder flavors, skip the flakes altogether. For a different kick, try a dash of cayenne pepper or even some hot sauce. Adjust the spice to match your taste and make it your own. While penne is a great choice, feel free to use other pasta shapes. Fusilli or rigatoni work well, too. These shapes hold onto the sauce nicely. You can even try spaghetti for a twist. Just remember to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose. Each shape gives a unique twist to the dish. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Beef & Herb Pasta 🥩 section above. After you enjoy your Beef and Cream Pasta, store leftovers properly. Place the pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. Let the pasta cool before sealing. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Reheating Beef and Cream Pasta is easy. You can use a microwave or stove. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot. If using the stove, add a splash of water to a skillet. Heat over low heat, stirring gently until warm. Freezing Beef and Cream Pasta is simple. First, let it cool completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. Seal it tightly to prevent freezer burn. The pasta can stay frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy your creamy comfort food any time! To make beef and cream pasta from scratch, gather your ingredients first. You need penne pasta, ground beef, onion, garlic, heavy cream, beef broth, herbs, and cheese. Start by boiling water and cooking the penne as per the package. While that cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet. Add chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft. Then, add ground beef and brown it well. Mix in heavy cream, beef broth, and herbs to form the sauce. Finally, toss the penne into the sauce and stir in cheese. This process takes about 30 minutes. For the full recipe, check the details above. You can serve beef and cream pasta with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette works well. Garlic bread also pairs nicely, adding a crunchy texture. For a heartier meal, consider roasted vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers. A glass of red wine complements the dish beautifully, enhancing the flavors. Yes, you can use different meats in this recipe. Ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives. They provide a lighter option while still being tasty. If you prefer something richer, try ground lamb or pork. Each meat brings its own flavor to the dish, so feel free to experiment based on your tastes. This blog post covered key steps for making Beef and Cream Pasta. We discussed vital ingredients, measuring tips, and substitutions. I shared step-by-step cooking instructions and my tips for perfect pasta. You learned about variations and how to store leftovers. Cooking can be fun and simple. With these tips, you can impress with this dish. Now, go ahead and make your own version! Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Beef and Cream Pasta

Indulge in the rich flavors of creamy beef & herb pasta with this easy recipe! With just a few simple ingredients like ground beef, heavy cream, and aromatic herbs, you'll create a satisfying meal in just 30 minutes. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this dish is sure to impress. Click through to discover the step-by-step instructions and make your dinner unforgettable!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz (225 g) penne pasta

1 lb (450 g) ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup beef broth

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

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 and set aside.

    Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until the onion becomes translucent (about 3 minutes).

      Add Ground Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high, then add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until fully browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.

        Create the Sauce: Lower the heat to medium, then add the heavy cream and beef broth to the skillet. Stir in the dried Italian herbs and bring the mixture to a slight simmer. Allow to cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly.

          Combine: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce. Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

            Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 4