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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Ground Beef Pasta Skillet

creamy garlic parmesan ground beef pasta skillet - featured image
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A quick and easy skillet meal combining ground beef, garlic, parmesan, and pasta in a creamy sauce. Perfect for cozy dinners and busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) lean ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 8 oz (225 g) penne or rotini pasta (gluten-free pasta optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half or milk and cream blend for lighter version)
  • 1 cup (100 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Parmigiano-Reggiano recommended)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a 10-12 inch skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 6-8 minutes until browned and cooked through, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Reduce heat to medium. Add 2 tablespoons butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Pour in 8 oz dry pasta directly into the skillet. Stir to coat pasta with garlic butter and beef mixture.
  4. Add 1 cup heavy cream and 1 cup water (or broth for extra flavor). Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  5. Bring mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to low, cover skillet, and simmer for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until pasta is tender.
  6. Remove lid and stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Sauce will thicken and become creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top before serving, if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

If sauce is too thick, add a splash of warm water or cream to loosen. Stir frequently during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking. Use freshly grated Parmesan for best texture and flavor. For dairy-free, substitute cream with coconut cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast. For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.

Nutrition

Keywords: ground beef pasta, creamy garlic parmesan, skillet dinner, easy weeknight meal, comfort food, one-pan pasta

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-ground-beef-pasta-skillet-recipe-easy-and-perfect-dinner-idea/