This Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef Skillet is pure comfort on a plate! With tender penne pasta, juicy beef, and delightful cheesy goodness, it’s a crowd-pleaser.
You’ll love how quick and easy it is to whip up after a long day. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing with joy—mine certainly do every time I make it! 🕺
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This dish calls for penne, a tubular pasta that holds sauce well. If you don’t have penne, you can swap it for ziti, rigatoni, or fusilli. Each will give you a different texture but still taste amazing!
Ground Beef: I usually opt for ground beef for its flavor and texture, but you could use ground turkey for a leaner option. Beef strips could work too if you prefer a chunkier bite!
Cheddar Cheese: I love using sharp cheddar for its bold taste, but a mix of cheddar and mozzarella gives that nice stretchiness. If you’re avoiding dairy, try a plant-based cheese that melts well.
Heavy Cream: This adds richness to the sauce. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use whole milk or even Greek yogurt for a tangy flavor. Just add it off the heat to avoid curdling!
What’s the Best Way to Sauté Garlic Without Burning It?
Sautéing garlic is all about timing to avoid that bitter, burnt taste. Here’s how I do it:
- Always add garlic after your onions have cooked a bit. This way, the onions help to moderate the heat and cook evenly.
- Keep the heat at medium or medium-low. Garlic cooks fast, so you’ll want to stir it constantly for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until it’s fragrant.
- If garlic starts to turn brown quickly, remove your pan from the heat for a moment, then stir. Return to heat once everything is settled.
This way, you’ll have deliciously fragrant garlic that enhances your dish perfectly!
Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Beef Skillet
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Meat:
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (or beef strips)
For The Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For The Cheesy Goodness:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful recipe takes about 30 minutes total—10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking. In no time, you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. When finished, drain the pasta and set it aside for later.
2. Browning the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef and season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook the beef until it’s browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside in a bowl.
3. Sautéing the Aromatics:
In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped onion; sauté them until they’re fragrant and the onions are soft and translucent. This should take about 2-3 minutes.
4. Making the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. After it’s simmering, stir in the heavy cream, then reduce the heat slightly to keep it gently bubbling.
5. Mixing in the Pasta and Beef:
Now, return the cooked penne pasta and the browned beef back into the skillet. Stir everything together so it’s evenly coated with the sauce and heated through. This should just take a couple of minutes.
6. Adding the Cheesy Goodness:
Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Gently stir until the cheese melts beautifully into the creamy sauce, coating the pasta and beef.
7. Final Adjustments & Serving:
Taste your concoction and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve it hot right from the skillet. Enjoy this cheesy and comforting dish!
Enjoy your delicious, cheesy, garlicky beef and penne skillet!
Can I Use Leftover Pasta for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If you have leftover cooked pasta, you can add it directly to the skillet when mixing in the sauce. Just be sure to reduce the cooking time slightly to avoid overcooking the pasta.
How Can I Make This Recipe Healthier?
To lighten it up, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef. You can also substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or even vegetable broth to reduce calories while still keeping a creamy texture.
What Cheese Alternatives Can I Use?
If you’re looking for a dairy-free option, try using a vegan cheese that melts well, like cashew-based or almond-based cheese. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor if you want to keep it dairy-free!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed to refresh the consistency.
