![To make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef, gather these ingredients: - 2 cups penne pasta - 1 pound ground beef - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup heavy cream - 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference. Here are some tips to help you: - Pasta: Look for high-quality penne. Whole wheat options add fiber. - Beef: Choose fresh, lean ground beef. It will taste better and be healthier. - Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control of salt in your dish. - Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a strong, vibrant taste. Avoid pre-minced garlic. - Cheese: Use fresh mozzarella and Parmesan for the best melt and flavor. - Herbs: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish. If using dried, check for freshness. You can easily make swaps to fit your needs: - Pasta: Use gluten-free penne for a gluten-free option. - Beef: Ground turkey or chicken works well for a lighter meal. - Dairy-Free: Substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream. - Cheese: Use vegan cheese if you want a dairy-free version. - Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs can be mixed. Adjust to your taste. For the full recipe, refer to the section above. First, fill a large pot with water. Add a good pinch of salt to it. Bring the water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 2 cups of penne pasta. Cook the penne according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta. Set it aside for later. In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 1 medium onion that you have chopped finely. Sauté the onion until it turns translucent, which takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for another minute. Next, increase the heat to medium-high. Add 1 pound of ground beef to the skilled. Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink, about 5 to 7 minutes. Season it with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Now, pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir everything together well. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. Once it is ready, lower the heat. Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet. Stir in 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the pasta is creamy. In a separate small skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over low heat. Add a bit more minced garlic and let it bubble for 1 to 2 minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Drizzle this garlic butter over the penne mixture. Gently combine it all together. Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and more cheese if you like. Serve your cheesy penne warm and enjoy! For the complete recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. To cook penne pasta just right, use a big pot. Fill it with water and add salt. Bring the water to a boil, then add the penne. Stir it often. Cook until it's al dente, about 9 to 11 minutes. Check the package for exact times. Drain the pasta, but save some cooking water. It helps make the sauce smooth later. Garlic butter brings big flavor to your dish. Start by melting butter in a small pan over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn't burn. Once it’s ready, drizzle this garlic butter over the penne mixture. This step makes each bite tasty and rich. There are a few easy mistakes to watch for. Don't overcook the pasta; it should have a slight bite. Also, avoid skipping the garlic butter. It adds a key flavor. Lastly, don’t forget to taste your sauce. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. These small steps can make a big difference in your dish. For the complete recipe, check the Full Recipe section. {{image_2}} You can boost this dish with vegetables. Adding veggies makes it colorful and healthy. Try spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. - Add 1 cup of fresh spinach for extra greens. - Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms with the onion. - Mix in 1 cup of diced bell peppers for crunch. These veggies cook quickly and blend well with the cheesy penne. They also add flavor and texture. If you want to switch up the protein, you have great choices. Ground turkey or chicken works well instead of beef. - Use 1 pound of ground turkey for a leaner meal. - Swap the beef for 1 pound of cooked sausage for a spicy kick. You can also try shrimp or tofu for a seafood or vegetarian twist. Just adjust the cooking time as needed. For those who love heat, you can spice things up. Adding chili flakes or jalapeños makes it exciting. - Mix in 1 teaspoon of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef. - Add diced jalapeños to the sauce for a bold flavor. These spicy add-ons create a fun twist on the classic recipe. You can enjoy your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef in a whole new way. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. Store any leftover cheesy penne in an airtight container. Let it cool to room temperature first. This helps keep the flavor fresh. Place it in the fridge. It will stay good for about three to four days. Make sure to label the container. This way, you know when to eat it! To reheat, use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or cream for moisture. Stir often to heat evenly. This keeps the dish creamy and tasty. You can also use the microwave. Place it in a bowl, cover it, and heat in short bursts. Stir in between to avoid hot spots. You can freeze cheesy penne for longer storage. Use a freezer-safe container. Make sure to leave some space at the top for expansion. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently, and enjoy! Check the [Full Recipe] for more tips. It takes about 30 minutes to make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef. You spend 10 minutes prepping and 20 minutes cooking. It’s quick and easy, perfect for a busy night. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the penne and beef, then store them separately. When you are ready to eat, reheat and combine them. This keeps everything fresh and tasty. You can serve this dish with a simple green salad or garlic bread. A side of steamed vegetables also works well. These options add color and balance to your meal. This recipe blends Italian and American flavors. Penne pasta is popular in Italy, while garlic butter beef adds a savory twist. It’s a tasty fusion that many home cooks love. For the full recipe, check out the details above. This blog post showed you how to make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef. We covered key ingredients and tips for choosing the best ones. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking the dish, along with tips for success. You learned variations to suit your taste and how to store leftovers. In closing, enjoy making this dish your own. With the right tips and ingredients, you can create a tasty meal everyone will love.](https://therecipehatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/82b52eb8-792c-4afb-aca7-8f0a4ac3d78a-300x300.webp)
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef
Indulge in the deliciousness of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef! This creamy pasta dish combines tender penne and seasoned ground beef in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with gooey mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this recipe is quick and easy, taking just 30 minutes from prep to plate. Click to explore this mouthwatering recipe and elevate your weeknight meals with ease!