Description

This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is a hearty and flavorful pasta dish combining tender ground beef cooked in garlic butter with Italian seasonings, tossed with al dente penne pasta and melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it offers rich cheesy goodness with a touch of spice and fresh parsley garnish.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Broth

12 oz penne pasta
1/2 cup beef broth

Seasonings and Herbs

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
Brown Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
Season Meat: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using, mixing well to combine all the flavors.
Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to meld the flavors and slightly reduce the liquid.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the beef and sauce.
Add Cheese: Stir in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, mixing until both cheeses melt completely and the sauce becomes creamy and cheesy.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh finish, then serve the dish hot for best taste.

Notes

You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add sautéed spinach or mushrooms while cooking the beef for extra vegetables and nutrients.
Double the cheese quantities for an even gooier, richer pasta dish.
This recipe reheats well and makes great leftovers that maintain their creamy texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 550 mg
Fat: 22 g
Saturated Fat: 10 g
Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g
Cholesterol: 85 mg