Description
A rich, savory, and velvety creamy beef pasta that comes together in just 20 minutes. This weeknight hero uses simple pantry staples like ground beef, cream cheese, and heavy cream for a comforting meal that is perfect for busy evenings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
- 12 oz spaghetti or fettuccine
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 4 oz full-fat brick cream cheese, cubed
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Reserved pasta water as needed
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente. About two minutes before done, scoop out half a cup of starchy pasta water and set aside. Drain pasta and set aside.
- While water boils, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and diced onion. Break beef apart and cook for 5-7 minutes until beef is no longer pink and onions are translucent. Drain excess grease if necessary, leaving some for flavor.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes to the beef. Stir constantly for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in chicken broth and scrape up browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add heavy cream and cubed cream cheese. Stir gently until cream cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth (2-3 minutes). If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly. Sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan, fresh parsley, or olive oil if desired.
Notes
Do not overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the hot sauce; aim for al dente. Ensure cream cheese is cubed or softened before adding to prevent lumps. If the sauce becomes too thick, use reserved pasta water to thin it. For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or use turkey instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 4
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 30
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, 20 minute dinner, easy weeknight meals, ground beef recipes, comfort food, quick pasta