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Easy Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Penne – Creamy Parmesan Comfort Food Dinner

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Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Penne in Creamy Parmesan Sauce is the ultimate comfort pasta dish. Tender penne pasta is tossed with savory browned ground beef and coated in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce loaded with cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheese. This hearty skillet meal is incredibly satisfying, full of flavor, and perfect for a cozy family dinner.

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tbsp all purpose flour
  • 1 cup broth (chicken or beef)
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 tbsp butter, optional for finishing
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until tender but still slightly firm. Drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it apart with a spoon. Let it brown well so it develops rich flavor. Season with salt and black pepper, then transfer the cooked beef to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the diced onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until soft and lightly golden.
  4. Add the minced garlic, oregano, and garlic powder. Stir and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir continuously for about a minute so it blends smoothly into the butter and forms a creamy base.
  6. Slowly pour in the broth while stirring constantly to keep the sauce smooth. Add the heavy cream and let the mixture simmer gently for several minutes until it thickens.
  7. Reduce the heat and add the cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and mozzarella a little at a time, stirring after each addition until fully melted and creamy.
  8. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir until it is fully coated in the rich garlic butter cheese sauce.
  9. Add the drained penne and gently toss everything together until the pasta tubes are filled and coated with the creamy cheddar Parmesan sauce.
  10. Remove from the heat and stir in the extra tablespoon of butter if you want a richer finish. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
  • Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
  • If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
  • Author: lily
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American