The Art of Perfect Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Creation

Perfect Pasta Cooking

Master the technique of cooking pasta to al dente perfection and reserving starchy water for sauce.

Ground Beef Excellence

Learn the art of properly browning ground beef for maximum flavor and ideal texture in pasta dish.

Garlic Butter Sauce

Perfect the skill of creating smooth, aromatic garlic butter sauce that doesn't break or separate.

Cheese Integration

Master the technique of melting multiple cheeses smoothly without clumping for creamy finish.

Final Assembly

Learn proper tossing and finishing techniques for restaurant-quality pasta dish presentation.

Expert Tips for Perfect Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Mastery

Pasta Perfection: Cook pasta just until al dente as it will continue cooking when tossed with hot sauce.

Beef Browning: Don't overcrowd beef in pan and let it brown properly for maximum flavor development.

Sauce Consistency: Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency - the starch helps bind everything.

Cheese Integration: Add cheese off heat and toss quickly to prevent clumping and ensure smooth melting.

Fresh Herb Timing: Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright color and fresh flavor.

Serving Temperature: Serve immediately while hot for best texture and optimal cheese consistency.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef - Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Name: Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef - Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: Italian-American Comfort Food
Ingredients: For Penne Pasta:; 1 lb penne pasta; 2 tablespoons kosher salt; 1 tablespoon olive oil; For Ground Beef:; 1.5 lbs ground beef, 80/20 blend; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes; For Garlic Butter Sauce:; 6 tablespoons unsalted butter; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup dry white wine; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon white pepper; For Cheese Blend:; 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded; 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded; 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

The most incredibly delicious Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef you'll ever make with perfectly cooked penne pasta, savory seasoned ground beef, rich garlic butter sauce, and melted cheese blend throughout. Features perfectly al dente penne pasta with tender, satisfying texture, seasoned ground beef with savory, hearty flavor, aromatic garlic butter with rich, luxurious consistency, melted cheese blend with creamy, indulgent finish, fresh herbs for bright flavor enhancement, and that irresistible comfort food appeal that makes it absolutely perfect for family dinners, weeknight meals, comfort food cravings, or any special pasta celebration.

Prep Time

15 Minutes

Cook Time

25 Minutes

Total Time

40 Minutes

Chef

JUE

Ingredients

Custard Cream

For Penne Pasta:

1 lb penne pasta

2 tablespoons kosher salt

1 tablespoon olive oil

For Ground Beef:

1.5 lbs ground beef, 80/20 blend

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons tomato paste

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

For Garlic Butter Sauce:

6 tablespoons unsalted butter

6 cloves garlic, minced

1/4 cup dry white wine

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup chicken broth

2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon white pepper

For Cheese Blend:

2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded

1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

1/4 cup Romano cheese, grated

For Fresh Herbs:

1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped

2 green onions, sliced

For Vegetable Enhancement:

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped

2 tablespoons capers, drained

For Seasoning Blend:

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon dried basil

1/4 teaspoon fennel seeds, crushed

For Finishing Touches:

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup white wine

2 tablespoons lemon juice

1 teaspoon lemon zest

For Optional Additions:

Crispy bacon bits

Sautéed mushrooms

Roasted garlic cloves

Pine nuts, toasted

For Equipment Needed:

Large pot for pasta

Large skillet or Dutch oven

Colander

Wooden spoon

Cheese grater

For Serving:

Serving bowls

Grated cheese for topping

Crusty bread

For Storage:

Refrigerator containers

Plastic wrap

Aluminum foil

For Variations:

Spicy Italian sausage version

Chicken and broccoli style

Vegetarian mushroom variation

Seafood and shrimp twist

Instructions

Bring large pot of salted water to rolling boil and add penne pasta with olive oil.

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Reserve 1 cup pasta cooking water before draining pasta in colander, then set aside.

Heat large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until hot and ready.

Add ground beef to hot skillet, breaking apart with wooden spoon into small pieces.

Cook beef for 5-6 minutes until browned, then add diced onion and cook until softened.

Stir in minced garlic and tomato paste, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant throughout.

Season beef mixture with Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.

Add diced bell pepper and cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp.

Remove beef mixture from skillet and set aside, keeping warm for final assembly.

In same skillet, melt butter over medium heat until foaming and fragrant.

Add minced garlic to butter and sauté for 30 seconds until aromatic but not browned.

Pour in white wine and cook for 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits from bottom.

Add heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing mixture to gentle simmer over medium heat.

Whisk in softened cream cheese until smooth, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and white pepper.

Return cooked beef mixture to skillet with garlic butter sauce, stirring to combine.

Add drained penne pasta to skillet, tossing to coat with sauce and beef mixture.

Add cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers, stirring gently to distribute evenly.

Gradually add cheese blend, tossing constantly until melted and creamy throughout.

Add splash of reserved pasta water if needed to achieve desired creamy consistency.

Stir in fresh herbs, reserving some for garnish, and adjust seasoning to taste.

Finish with butter, white wine, lemon juice, and lemon zest for bright flavor enhancement.

Remove from heat and let stand for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to thicken slightly.

Serve immediately in warmed bowls, garnished with reserved herbs and extra cheese.

Drizzle with olive oil and serve with crusty bread for complete comfort food experience.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef - Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

JUE

Essential Ingredients Selection

Creating Your Masterpiece

The Art of Perfect Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef Creation

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef - Ultimate Comfort Food Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions