Description
Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights is a comforting one-pan meal made with tender ground beef, a rich tomato-cream sauce, and pasta tossed together into a warm, flavorful bowl of coziness. Perfect for weeknights or chilly evenings.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
- 2 oz cream cheese (optional, for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1/2 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook 1 more minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika or Italian seasoning.
- Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
- Pour in beef broth and let simmer for 3–5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream and cream cheese (if using). Simmer gently until smooth and creamy.
- Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat in the sauce.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce.
- Add peas or spinach near the end for color and nutrition.
- Spice it up with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
