Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

If there was ever a dish that tasted like a warm hug in a bowl, this is it. Picture this: tender penne pasta smothered in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, studded with perfectly seasoned ground beef, and topped with a gooey blanket of mozzarella and Parmesan. Yeah, we’re talking about Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef your new favorite comfort food.

And the best part? It all comes together in about 30 minutes, in one skillet, with ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re feeding hungry kids, fueling up after work, or just craving something seriously satisfying, this one checks all the boxes.

So let me walk you through how to make the creamy penne pasta dinner dreams are made of.

Key Ingredients (And Why They Matter)

Penne Pasta

It holds sauce like a champ and cooks up perfectly al dente every time. It’s the best pasta for creamy sauces because all those little tubes trap flavor.

Ground Beef

Juicy, savory, and super versatile. Use 80/20 for flavor, or lean if you’re keeping it light. It adds that hearty bite that makes this a full meal.

Garlic (Minced + Powder)

Minced garlic melts into the butter for deep flavor, while garlic powder gives a mellow backbone.

Onion Powder + Red Pepper Flakes

Seasoning MVPs. Onion powder adds depth; red pepper flakes give just enough heat to wake up the richness.

Unsalted Butter

This is a garlic butter pasta after all. Go unsalted so you can control the flavor.

Heavy Cream

This turns everything into a rich creamy sauce that clings to each piece of pasta like it’s meant to be there.

Mozzarella & Parmesan Cheese

Stretchy, salty, melty heaven. Use shredded mozzarella and grated parmesan for best melt and flavor.

Fresh Parsley

It’s the pop of green that makes the whole dish feel fresh and fancy. Optional, but highly encouraged.

Olive Oil

A splash keeps the beef from sticking and adds extra richness to the sauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions (The Fun Part!)

This is a 30-minute pasta recipe that doesn’t cut corners on flavor. Here’s how to do it:

1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Toss in your penne and cook until al dente (usually 9–11 minutes).
3. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of that starchy pasta water. Trust me. It’s your sauce’s best friend.
4. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

2: Brown the Ground Beef

5. In a large skillet, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
6. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spoon.
7. Season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.
8. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 6–8 minutes).
9. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Don’t wipe out the pan!

3: Build That Garlic Butter Base

10. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp unsalted butter.
11. Once melted, toss in 4 cloves of minced garlic.
12. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (but not browned).
13. Stir in ½ cup of the pasta water and scrape up any browned bits.

4: Creamy Dreamy Time

14. Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir well.
15. Lower the heat to medium-low.
16. Add ½ cup grated parmesan and 1 cup shredded mozzarella.
17. Stir until melted and smooth. Sauce should be glossy and just thick enough to coat a spoon.

5: Combine & Melt

18. Add the cooked penne and ground beef back into the skillet.
19. Toss everything together gently.
20. Add more pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
21. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
22. Top with extra mozzarella and parsley. Let it melt in or give it a quick broil for a melty top.

Serving Suggestions

this recipe

This cheesy penne is a full-on comfort meal, but if you’re going big:

• Pair it with a simple green salad (think lemon vinaigrette).
• Add a side of warm garlic bread to soak up that sauce.
• Craving a soup pairing? Try our hearty potato-based soups or comforting caldo de pollo for a cozy night in.

Leftovers & Storage Tips

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth and microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Or warm it gently on the stove.

Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe bag or container (without parsley topping). Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Leftover Magic:

• Turn it into a cheesy pasta bake by topping with more cheese and baking at 375°F for 15 minutes.
• Or use it to stuff bell peppers and bake.

Why You’ll Make This Again (and Again)

It’s indulgent, easy, and endlessly customizable. Swap the beef for turkey or go meatless. Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted veggies. Add hot sauce if you’re spicy like that.

And when you’re in the mood for more comfort food, might I suggest:

• Chicken drumsticks with tomatoes and peppers
• Chicken and rice skillet meals
• How to make chicken bone broth

FAQs

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

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• Author: Jake
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

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Description

This ultra-comforting Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef comes together in under 30 minutes—creamy, savory, and perfect for feeding a crowd.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (or to taste)
• Salt & black pepper
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella
• ½ cup grated parmesan
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• Fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook penne pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef with onion powder, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Set aside once cooked.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, mozzarella, parmesan, and reserved pasta water. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
5. Add the cooked pasta and ground beef to the skillet. Toss everything together until well coated.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust spice level with more or less red pepper flakes. Leftovers reheat beautifully the next day.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1.5 cups
• Calories: 620
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 95mg

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