This Cheesy Garlic Butter Penne is pure comfort on a plate! With creamy cheese, garlic, and tender ground beef, it’s a tasty dish everyone will love.
You can’t go wrong with that cheesy goodness! I like to sprinkle a little extra cheese on top before serving—because why not? 😄 This meal is super easy and gets the whole family smiling!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Penne Pasta: This dish works best with penne, but you can also use rotini, fusilli, or farfalle. If you’re gluten-free, try chickpea or brown rice pasta for a delicious swap.
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for this recipe, but turkey or chicken are great substitutes if you want a lighter option. You can even use meat alternatives like lentils or veggie crumbles for a vegetarian dish!
Cheese: This recipe shines with mozzarella and cheddar, but feel free to mix it up! Gouda or Monterey Jack can give a nice twist. If you’re dairy-free, try vegan cheese shreds that melt well.
Milk or Cream: Whole milk creates a creamy sauce, but you can substitute with skim milk or plant-based milk like almond or oat milk. For even creamier results, coconut cream is an interesting choice.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is a must for flavor. If you’re in a rush, use garlic powder, but the taste won’t be the same. I always prefer to stick with fresh!
How Do You Make the Sauce Smooth and Creamy?
The key to a creamy and smooth cheese sauce is to really take your time while melting the cheese. Here’s how to get it just right:
- After adding the milk or cream to the skillet, keep the heat at medium to avoid burning the sauce.
- Gradually stir in the cheeses one handful at a time. Let each addition melt fully before adding more.
- Use a whisk if you have trouble; it helps get rid of any lumps and makes the sauce creamy.
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to loosen it up.
Taking these little steps will help you achieve that perfect, velvety cheese sauce!
Cheesy Garlic Butter Penne with Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta & Protein:
- 12 oz (340g) penne pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
Flavor Base:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Cheesy Goodness:
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Liquid Ingredients:
- 1 cup whole milk or heavy cream
Seasoning & Garnish:
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning (or a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
You’ll need about 30 minutes in total! Around 10 minutes for prepping ingredients, 15 minutes for cooking, and the rest for garnishing and serving. Quick and perfect for a delicious weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Brown the beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until the onions are translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Make the Cheese Sauce:
Pour in the milk or heavy cream and stir to combine everything nicely. Gradually add the mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Keep stirring until all the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Combine with Beef and Season:
Stir in the cooked ground beef and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Give everything a good mix and adjust the salt and pepper to your taste.
6. Mix in the Pasta:
Add the cooked penne pasta to the cheese and beef mixture. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the cheesy sauce.
7. Final Touches:
Remove the skillet from the heat and let it sit for a minute so the sauce thickens slightly. This will help it adhere better to the pasta.
8. Serve:
Plate the pasta and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Dig into your creamy, cheesy Garlic Butter Penne with savory ground beef, and see everyone smile at the dinner table!
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! You can use whole wheat penne for a healthier option or gluten-free pasta if you have dietary restrictions. Just be sure to check the cooking times as they may vary.
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you want to switch it up, ground turkey or chicken work wonderfully as lighter alternatives. You can also use lentils or plant-based meat substitutes for a vegetarian option.
How Do I 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 milk if the sauce thickens too much.
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Yes! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor. Just sauté them with the onion and garlic at the beginning for the best results!
