Robust Beef Penne Pasta Recipe: Cozy Comfort in Every Bite

Bubbling with rich flavors and comfort, this beef penne pasta dish delivers a satisfying meal that will make taste buds dance with excitement.

Italian-inspired cuisine meets hearty home cooking in a recipe that blends tender beef and perfectly cooked pasta.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen as the ingredients meld together in a delightful harmony.

Packed with robust seasonings and a robust sauce, this dish promises a delectable dining experience.

Each forkful brings layers of flavor that comfort and nourish.

The combination of pasta and beef creates a balanced meal that works for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.

Hungry diners will be drawn to this irresistible pasta creation that transforms simple ingredients into a memorable feast.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 738 kcal

Servings: 4

What You’ll Need for Creamy Beef Penne Pasta Delight

• Penne Pasta: Classic tubular pasta that holds sauce beautifully, choose high-quality bronze-cut pasta for better texture.

• Ground Beef: Rich and hearty protein that creates a robust flavor, look for lean cuts with good marbling.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational flavor builders that add depth and complexity, select fresh, firm vegetables without soft spots.
• Italian Seasoning: Herbal blend that provides authentic Mediterranean warmth, opt for fresh or high-quality dried mix.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that balance and elevate dish's taste profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adds subtle heat and exciting spicy kick, adjust quantity based on personal heat preference.

• Beef Broth: Intensifies meaty flavor and provides rich cooking liquid, choose low-sodium for better control.
• Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture, select fresh, high-fat content cream.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that thickens sauce, use good quality paste for deeper taste.

• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds tangy, umami complexity, select traditional style for authentic taste.
• Smoked Paprika: Introduces smoky undertone and vibrant color, choose high-quality Spanish variety.
• Parmesan Cheese: Provides salty, nutty finish, grate fresh for maximum flavor impact.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh finish that adds color and subtle herbaceous note, choose vibrant green leaves.

Tools to Prepare Creamy Beef Penne Pasta the Way

• Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Colander: Needed to drain cooked pasta smoothly.
• Large skillet: Critical for browning beef and creating creamy sauce.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and breaking up ground beef.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Help ensure accurate ingredient quantities.
• Cutting board: For chopping onions and garlic.
• Sharp knife: Required for precise ingredient preparation.

How to Cook Creamy Beef Penne Pasta Dish Step-by-Step

• Boil Pasta

Toss penne into a pot of salted water, cooking until soft yet firm. Once done, drain and set aside.

• Brown the Beef

Sizzle olive oil in a skillet, add ground beef and break it into crumbles. Cook until golden and drain any extra fat.

• Build Flavor Base

Toss chopped onions and minced garlic into the beef, letting them dance and release their aromatic magic.

• Season and Simmer

Sprinkle in Italian herbs, salt, pepper, and a dash of red pepper flakes. Pour beef broth, cream, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Let everything bubble and meld together for several minutes.

• Create Creamy Sauce

Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes silky and smooth.

• Combine and Finish

Fold cooked pasta into the rich sauce, ensuring every noodle gets coated. Let it all simmer briefly to absorb the flavors.

• Serve with Flair

Top with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy presentation.

Flavor Tips for Rich & Creamy Beef Penne Pasta

• Perfect Al Dente Technique: Cook pasta exactly 1 minute less than package instructions to maintain a firm texture that beautifully absorbs the creamy sauce.
• Dairy-Free Swap: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a lactose-free version that doesn't compromise rich flavor.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust red pepper flakes to personal heat preference – reduce for mild or increase for a fiery kick that adds exciting depth to the dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare sauce and pasta separately, storing them refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore creamy consistency when serving.
• Veggie Boost Option: Fold in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers during the final simmer to increase nutritional value and add colorful, fresh elements to the classic recipe.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Beef Penne Pasta Fans

• Family Feast Companion: Serve this hearty pasta alongside a crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette for a balanced meal that adds fresh contrast to the rich, creamy sauce.
• Bread Lover's Dream: Warm garlic bread or crusty Italian bread works perfectly for soaking up extra sauce, giving diners an extra delicious treat with every bite.
• Wine Pairing Perfection: A medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon complements the beef's robust flavor and cuts through the creamy sauce's richness, elevating the entire dining experience.
• Veggie Boost Option: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus can be mixed directly into the pasta or served on the side to increase nutritional value and add vibrant color to the plate.

Storing Creamy Beef Penne Pasta the Smart Way

• Refrigerator Storage Strategy: Transfer leftovers to airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor integrity.
• Freezer-Friendly Approach: Portion meal into individual freezer-safe containers, allowing space for expansion. Seal tightly and freeze for up to 3 months, ensuring best taste and texture upon reheating.
• Reheating Magic: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm gently in a skillet with a splash of beef broth or cream to restore creamy consistency. Microwave works too, stirring every 30 seconds to prevent sauce separation.
• Meal Prep Wisdom: Prepare sauce and pasta components separately to extend freshness. Store sauce and cooked pasta in different containers, combining just before serving to prevent soggy noodles and maintain optimal texture.

Hearty Beef Penne Pasta Dish Recipe

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4.7 from 31 reviews

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

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Description

Savory beef penne pasta blends Italian comfort with hearty flavors. Rich sauce and tender meat create a satisfying meal that connects family and friends around the dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for extra depth of flavor)
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Bring a large pot of salted water to a vigorous boil, submerge penne pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Meat Searing: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Introduce ground beef, fragmenting it into fine pieces and browning thoroughly. Drain excess fat.
3. Aromatics Infusion: Add diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and translucent. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, stirring to distribute evenly.
4. Sauce Development: Pour beef broth, heavy cream, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and paprika into the skillet. Simmer for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
5. Cheese Integration: Incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce transforms into a smooth, creamy consistency.
6. Final Assembly: Introduce cooked pasta to the sauce, gently tossing to ensure complete coverage. Allow the mixture to bubble for 2 minutes, enabling pasta to absorb the rich, savory essence.
7. Garnish and Serve: Conclude by sprinkling fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese over the dish, creating a vibrant and appetizing presentation.

Notes

• Prevent Pasta Overcooking: Test pasta’s doneness 1-2 minutes before package instructions to maintain perfect al dente texture.
• Control Meat Browning: Use high heat and avoid stirring too frequently to achieve deep, caramelized flavor without steaming the ground beef.
• Manage Sauce Consistency: Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and allow cream to thicken naturally without breaking.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Remove skillet from heat before adding Parmesan to prevent grainy texture and ensure smooth, silky sauce integration.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 650
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 40g
• Saturated Fat: 20g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 110mg