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5-Star Creamy Beef Pasta in 25 Min

Close-up of a white bowl filled with creamy beef pasta, featuring penne, ground beef, and wilted spinach.

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Make this quick, comforting creamy beef pasta on the stovetop. This one-pan recipe uses simple ingredients like ground beef and cream cheese to create a rich, velvety sauce perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 pound pasta (shells, rotini, or penne)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, cut into cubes
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup fresh spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Drain off any excess grease.
  2. Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their liquid) and the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Add the dry pasta to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
  6. Cover the skillet and cook according to the pasta package directions, usually 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
  7. Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
  8. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until fully incorporated. If using, add the fresh spinach and stir until it wilts.
  9. Remove from heat. Let the pasta sit for 2 minutes before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For a high-protein version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
  • You can substitute cream cheese with an equal amount of mascarpone for a slightly richer flavor.
  • If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or extra broth until you reach your desired consistency.

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