Description
Cheesy penne with beef and garlic delight delivers incredible flavors from classic Italian-American comfort cuisine. Hearty ingredients combine with rich seasonings, creating a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz (340 g) penne pasta
- 3 tbsps butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt
- Black pepper
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Bring a generously salted water pot to a vigorous boil and cook penne until achieving a perfectly firm al dente texture.
- Beef Caramelization: In a large skillet, melt butter and sauté ground beef, developing a rich golden-brown exterior that promises intense flavor complexity.
- Aromatic Base: Introduce finely minced garlic and diced onions into the sizzling beef, stirring continuously to release their deep, fragrant essences and establish a robust flavor foundation.
- Seasoning Layer: Sprinkle a harmonious blend of herbs and spices across the beef mixture, ensuring comprehensive flavor integration and depth.
- Sauce Development: Stream beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, transforming the mixture into a luxurious, gradually thickening sauce with a velvety smooth consistency.
- Cheese Incorporation: Gently fold Parmesan cheese into the simmering sauce, allowing it to melt seamlessly and enhance the creamy mixture’s richness.
- Pasta Fusion: Drain cooked pasta and combine directly with beef and sauce, thoroughly coating each pasta tube in the decadent mixture.
- Final Cheese Layer: Distribute mozzarella cheese across the top, creating a golden, bubbling surface that promises a delightful cheesy experience.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish, then serve immediately while the dish remains piping hot and the cheese remains molten, beckoning eager diners to indulge.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Cook penne exactly al dente to maintain ideal texture and prevent mushiness.
- Beef Browning Technique: Allow ground beef to caramelize without stirring constantly for deeper, richer flavor development.
- Cheese Melting Secret: Add Parmesan and mozzarella gradually off direct heat to prevent clumping and ensure smooth, creamy integration.
- Fresh Herb Finishing: Sprinkle parsley just before serving to preserve vibrant color and maximize fresh, aromatic notes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 640
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg