This Cheesy Garlic Butter Penne is like a warm hug for your taste buds! With creamy cheese, flavorful garlic, and hearty ground beef, it’s comfort food at its best.
You can’t go wrong with gooey cheese and buttery pasta. I love how quick this dish is to whip up—perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something tasty fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This pasta is great for holding onto the sauce. If you don’t have penne, you can use rigatoni or farfalle. Gluten-free pasta works too if you need a gluten-free option!
Ground Beef: While I use ground beef for its flavor, you can swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner dish. Lentils or mushrooms are great vegetarian substitutes too!
Butter: Unsalted butter adds rich flavor, but you can use olive oil or even ghee if you like. Just make sure to adjust seasoning since salted butter is different.
Cheeses: I love a mix of mozzarella and cheddar for that melty texture. If you can’t find them, try gouda or Monterey Jack. For a stronger flavor, blue cheese could be fun, but use sparingly!
Heavy Cream: This gives the sauce its creaminess. Half-and-half is a lighter alternative, or use coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
How Do You Ensure the Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta perfectly can be tricky, but here’s how to nail it! First, use a large pot of water so the pasta has room to move. Salt your water well; it should taste like the sea!
- Bring water to a rolling boil before adding pasta.
- Follow package instructions for cooking time, but taste a minute before the time is up. You want it al dente—a bit firm in the center.
- Once done, drain it, but don’t rinse! You want the starch to help the sauce cling to the pasta.
By following these steps, your penne will perfectly complement the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Enjoy!
Cheesy Garlic Butter Penne with Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Meat:
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
For the Sauce:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Cheese:
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Time Needed:
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend around 10 minutes boiling the pasta and making the sauce, plus a few extra minutes for combining everything. Quick and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s bubbling away, add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (firm to the bite). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. If there’s a lot of excess fat, drain it out carefully.
3. Sauté the Onion:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté together for about 3-4 minutes, until the onion is soft and translucent.
4. Add Flavor:
Now, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat!). Let this cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant—this is where the magic happens!
5. Create the Sauce:
Turn down the heat a bit and add the unsalted butter to the skillet, letting it melt. Then, pour in the heavy cream and milk, giving it all a good stir to combine the flavors.
6. Add the Cheeses:
Gradually mix in the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until everything is melted and creamy. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste. Yum!
7. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together so that the pasta is nicely coated in the cheesy beef sauce.
8. Heat Together:
Let the mixture cook together for another 1-2 minutes to allow the pasta to soak up some of that delicious sauce.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Before serving, sprinkle the dish with some chopped fresh parsley for color and flavour. Enjoy every cheesy, garlicky bite!
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Penne with Ground Beef is a perfect meal for any night of the week. Enjoy your cooking adventure!
FAQ: Cheesy Garlic Butter Penne with Ground Beef
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat penne will add a nutty flavor and extra nutrients, while gluten-free pasta works well for those with dietary restrictions. Just cook according to package instructions for the best results.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
To make this dish vegetarian, simply replace the ground beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or veggie crumbles. You can also add your favorite chopped vegetables for extra flavor and nutrition!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of milk and a bit of cornstarch to thicken it. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a non-dairy milk with a thickening agent.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creaminess!