Dreamy Creamy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight Recipe for Dinner

Weeknight dinners demand something special, and this creamy beef Alfredo pasta recipe delivers pure comfort.

Rich, velvety sauce coats every strand of pasta perfectly.

Tender beef adds a hearty protein punch to the classic Italian-inspired dish.

Home cooks will appreciate how quickly this meal comes together with simple ingredients.

Each forkful promises a delightful blend of creamy sauce and savory meat.

The combination of smooth Alfredo and perfectly seasoned beef creates a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily prepare at home.

Grab your apron and let the culinary magic begin!

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 690 kcal

Servings: 4

Ingredients in Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight

• Penne Pasta: Sturdy pasta shape that perfectly captures creamy sauce, choose high-quality durum wheat variety.
• Fettuccine: Alternative pasta option with wider surface for better sauce absorption.

• Ground Beef: Lean protein with rich flavor, select 85% lean for balanced texture and minimal greasiness.
• Onion: Builds foundational flavor profile, use sweet or yellow varieties for deeper taste.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth, fresh cloves preferred over pre-minced for vibrant taste.

• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce base, ensure fresh and high-fat content.
• Butter: Enhances richness and smoothness, unsalted recommended for better control of salt levels.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides sharp, salty undertones, freshly grated delivers superior melting quality.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Delivers creamy stretch and mild flavor, whole milk version preferred.
• Garlic Powder: Intensifies garlic essence, choose aluminum-free variety.

• Salt: Enhances overall flavor, use kosher or sea salt for balanced taste.
• Black Pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity, freshly ground recommended.
• Italian Seasoning: Blends herbs for authentic Mediterranean touch.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces subtle spicy kick.
• Smoked Paprika: Contributes subtle smoky undertone.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh herbaceous note, chop finely just before serving.

Tools That Make Cheesy Alfredo Pasta Easier

• Large pot: For boiling pasta with plenty of space.
• Colander: To drain pasta quickly and efficiently.
• Large skillet: Essential for cooking beef and creating creamy sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and mixing ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps measure seasonings accurately.
• Sharp knife: For chopping herbs and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting board: Provides clean surface for ingredient preparation.
• Cheese grater (optional): Useful if grating fresh Parmesan cheese.

Instructions for Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta in Minutes

• Boil Pasta

Grab a big pot and fill it with salted water. Cook pasta until it’s perfectly tender and has that classic al dente bite. Once done, drain and set aside.

• Brown the Beef

Fire up a large skillet with some olive oil over medium-high heat. Toss in ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned and crumbly, about 5-6 minutes. Drain away any extra fat.

• Build Flavor Base

Introduce diced onions and minced garlic to the beef, letting them dance together for 2-3 minutes until wonderfully fragrant. Sprinkle in your favorite seasonings – salt, black pepper, Italian herbs, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and drop in some butter. Pour heavy cream into the skillet and let it simmer gently for 2 minutes. Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, along with garlic powder and smoked paprika until the sauce becomes luxuriously smooth and creamy.

• Combine and Finish

Slide the cooked pasta into the skillet, tossing everything until each noodle is gloriously coated in the cheesy sauce. Scatter extra mozzarella on top and cover for 2 minutes to create a melty cheese blanket.

• Serve with Flair

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color. Serve piping hot alongside some crispy garlic bread or a fresh green salad for a complete, mouth-watering meal.

Cheesy Alfredo Tips to Boost Beefy Flavor

• Perfect Pasta Pause: Let sauce rest for 1-2 minutes after cooking to help it thicken naturally and develop richer flavors.
• Beef Swap Strategy: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that keeps the dish light and nutritious.
• Gluten-Free Hack: Use gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles to make this recipe completely gluten-free without compromising taste or texture.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – reduce for mild flavor or increase for a spicier kick that adds excitement to the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the sauce and meat mixture in advance, store separately in refrigerator, and quickly reheat with fresh pasta when ready to serve for a convenient meal prep option.

Serving Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta Like a Pro

• Cozy Family Feast Night: Gather everyone around the table and enjoy this hearty pasta as a comforting weekend dinner that brings smiles to faces.
• Gourmet Meal Upgrade: Enhance the dish by adding sautéed mushrooms or roasted bell peppers for extra texture and flavor complexity that elevates the classic recipe.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich, creamy sauce and savory beef notes.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped basil or additional fresh parsley just before serving to add brightness and a pop of color that makes the dish look restaurant-worthy.

Store & Reheat Cheesy Alfredo Pasta Like a Chef

• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Enjoy delicious pasta within 3-4 days for optimal taste and texture.
• Quick Reheat Magic: Warm refrigerated pasta in microwave with 1-2 tablespoons of extra cream or milk. Stir halfway through heating to distribute warmth evenly and prevent drying.
• Freezer-Friendly Hack: Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating for best results.
• Meal Prep Champion: Prepare sauce and beef separately, storing in different containers. Combine ingredients just before serving to maintain pasta's perfect consistency and prevent soggy texture.

Creamy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Cheesy beef alfredo pasta delight delivers a comforting Italian-American fusion that satisfies hearty appetites. Creamy parmesan sauce, seasoned ground beef, and al dente pasta create a rich meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (450 grams) ground beef
• 12 oz (340 grams) penne or fettuccine pasta
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsps butter
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
• Chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil, then cook pasta until perfectly al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving the pasta for later incorporation.
2. Beef Searing: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Introduce ground beef, browning thoroughly for 5-6 minutes to develop deep, caramelized flavors. Drain excess fat to ensure a clean, concentrated protein base.
3. Aromatic Infusion: Fold in finely chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their fragrant essence. Sprinkle with salt, cracked black pepper, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes to elevate the flavor profile.
4. Sauce Creation: Reduce heat to medium-low, adding a pat of butter to create a luxurious foundation. Pour in heavy cream, allowing it to simmer and develop a silky consistency. Gradually whisk in Parmesan, mozzarella, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until the sauce transforms into a seamless, creamy masterpiece.
5. Final Assembly: Reunite the reserved pasta with the decadent sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete, even coating. Shower with an additional layer of mozzarella, covering briefly to create a golden, bubbling cheese blanket. Garnish with fresh parsley for a vibrant finishing touch.
6. Serving Suggestion: Plate the Cheesy Beef Alfredo Pasta Delight while piping hot, accompanied by crisp garlic bread or a refreshing side salad to complete this indulgent culinary experience.

Notes

• Optimize Pasta Texture: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness, ensuring a delightful bite that holds up perfectly in the creamy sauce.
• Control Beef Browning: Allow ground beef to develop deep caramelization without burning, creating rich flavor foundations through proper heat management and occasional stirring.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually off direct heat, stirring constantly to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth, velvety sauce without separating or becoming grainy.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that maintains the dish’s rich, comforting essence while reducing carbohydrate content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 740
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg