Name: Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces penne pasta; 1 pound lean ground beef; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for the ultimate comfort food that blends savory flavor, velvety sauce, and a touch of indulgence, Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is about to become your new obsession. This cozy pasta dish puts a rich twist on classic penne, thanks to a luxurious cheese sauce, aromatic garlic, and juicy ground beef all swirled together for the perfect weeknight dinner. It’s fast enough for busy evenings but decadent enough for a special treat—every bite is hearty, creamy, and packed with bold flavor.

Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of my favorite things about Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is how you can create something spectacular with just a handful of pantry staples. Every ingredient serves a purpose, building layers of flavor and comforting texture you’ll savor in every spoonful.

12 ounces penne pasta: This tubular pasta holds the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is full of creamy goodness.
1 pound lean ground beef: The hearty base of the dish, ground beef adds protein and rich, meaty flavor.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Nothing compares to the delicious punch of fresh garlic, infusing the beef with irresistible aroma and warmth.
1 cup heavy cream: This transforms the sauce from good to utterly luscious, making the pasta irresistible.
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese: Cheddar brings tangy creaminess and that gorgeous melted cheese pull.
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that ties every flavor together and adds a little sparkle.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for balancing flavors and drawing out every nuance in your Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.

How to Make Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your penne and cook until just al dente, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes. Properly cooked penne makes all the difference because you want it to hold up under that glorious creamy sauce. Once it’s ready, drain and set aside—but don’t rinse, as that starchy surface will help the sauce cling perfectly.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta bubbles away, grab your favorite skillet and heat it over medium. Toss in the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks. After 6 to 8 minutes, you’ll have beautifully browned beef. Be sure to drain off excess grease—this step keeps your Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef rich, not greasy.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic and Herbs

With the beef shimmering in the pan, add your minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Stir everything together and let the aromatics bloom for a few minutes. This little moment is when the kitchen starts smelling absolutely irresistible, as the garlic mellows and the herbs release their oils.

Step 4: Make the Cheese Sauce

Turn the heat down and pour in the heavy cream, gently stirring to combine. Begin adding the cheddar cheese a bit at a time, allowing each handful to melt completely before adding more. The result is a silky, cheesy sauce that envelops every morsel of beef. Add salt and pepper to taste; don’t skip this, as seasoning really brings the sauce to life.

Step 5: Combine and Coat the Pasta

Fold the cooked penne into the creamy cheese and beef mixture. Take a moment here to ensure every piece of pasta is covered—this is where the magic happens, transforming the ingredients into Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef that’s worthy of your dinner table.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the finished pasta onto plates or a family-style platter. If you’re feeling extra, top with a sprinkle of shredded cheese or fresh herbs. This is pure comfort in a bowl—serve immediately while everything is melty and irresistible!

How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

Garnishes

Elevate your Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef by showering it with freshly grated parmesan, extra cheddar, or a scattering of chopped parsley for freshness. Sometimes a pinch of red pepper flakes adds a subtle kick for those who like a little heat. Serving with a lemon wedge on the side provides a zippy counterpoint to the richness.

Side Dishes

This hearty pasta pairs brilliantly with a simple side salad, like crisp romaine with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls are always a hit—perfect for swiping up that sauce! Roasted vegetables, such as broccoli or asparagus, also complement your Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef by adding color and texture.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, try serving this dish in mini cast-iron skillets for an individual touch or ladle it into large pasta bowls for a family-style feast. For gatherings, bake the prepared pasta with a cheesy topping until bubbly—crispy on top, creamy inside. However you plate it, Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef is guaranteed to steal the show.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay delicious for up to 3 days—just be sure to let it cool slightly before covering to prevent condensation from making it soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze portions of this dish if you want to have a comfort food fix ready for later. Allow everything to cool completely, then seal in a freezer-safe container. For best taste and texture, enjoy your frozen Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef within 2 months.

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, or zap individual servings in the microwave—just stir often for even warmth and maximum creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While penne is classic for this recipe, feel free to use rigatoni, rotini, or fusilli. Any short, sturdy pasta will catch the rich Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef sauce beautifully.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

If you’re short on heavy cream, you can substitute half-and-half or even whole milk with a bit of extra cheese. It won’t be as rich, but the dish will still deliver that hallmark creaminess.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Definitely! Try swapping the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. The cheese and garlic butter flavors will still shine in your Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef.

Is it possible to add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, and it’s a delicious way to stretch the meal! Toss in some sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, or peas during the final mixing step. The veggies add color and freshness without overpowering the main flavors.

How can I make it spicier?

If you crave a bit of heat, try adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while you sauté the garlic. This gives Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef a delightful little kick that pairs perfectly with the rich cheese sauce.

Final Thoughts

Next time you need a soul-warming meal that brings everyone running to the table, give Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef a whirl. Packed with flavor and so satisfyingly creamy, it’s a dish that’s sure to win over friends, family, or anyone craving something truly comforting. Prepare to see plates wiped clean—don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your recipe rotation!

Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 13 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Creamy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef. This hearty pasta dish combines tender penne with savory ground beef, creamy cheddar cheese, and aromatic garlic, creating a satisfying meal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Penne Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Ground Beef:

1 pound lean ground beef

Garlic Butter Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Penne: Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente (10-12 minutes). Drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef for 6-8 minutes; drain excess grease.
Add Flavor: Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning during the last few minutes of beef cooking.
Create the Sauce: Lower heat, pour in heavy cream, and gradually add cheddar cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Everything: Fold in the cooked penne until well coated in the creamy sauce.
Serve: Dish out the creamy cheesy penne and garnish with extra cheese or herbs as desired. Enjoy warm!

Notes

You can customize the cheese blend by adding different types like mozzarella or parmesan.
For a kick of heat, sprinkle red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce over the dish.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian