Creamy Garlic Beef Penne

After a long day, there’s nothing quite like a comforting and flavorful meal to bring the family together. Our Creamy Garlic Beef Penne has become a staple in our home for just that reason. From the moment the aroma of garlic and browned beef fills the kitchen, everyone starts to gather, eager for a taste. This dish is more than just a recipe; it’s an experience. The rich, creamy sauce coats perfectly cooked penne pasta and tender beef, creating a symphony of flavors and textures that is simply irresistible. Even my pickiest eaters devour it, often asking for seconds (and sometimes thirds!). It’s become our go-to for busy weeknights and cozy weekend dinners alike, proving time and time again that simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly extraordinary. If you’re searching for a crowd-pleasing, satisfying, and utterly delicious meal, look no further – this Creamy Garlic Beef Penne is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your household too.

Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Beef Penne

• Penne Pasta: 1 pound. The perfect pasta shape to capture the creamy sauce, penne’s ridges and hollow center make each bite flavorful and satisfying.
• Beef Sirloin or Ribeye: 1.5 pounds, cut into bite-sized pieces. Choose a tender cut of beef that will cook quickly and remain juicy. Sirloin or ribeye are excellent choices for their flavor and texture.
• Heavy Cream: 2 cups. The foundation of our luscious creamy sauce, heavy cream provides richness and a velvety texture.
• Garlic: 8 cloves, minced. The star aromatic, garlic infuses the dish with its pungent and savory flavor, becoming mellow and sweet as it cooks.
• Parmesan Cheese: 1 cup, grated, plus more for serving. Adds a salty, nutty, and umami depth to the sauce, and melts beautifully into creamy perfection.
• Olive Oil: 3 tablespoons. Used for sautéing the beef and garlic, olive oil provides a healthy fat base and enhances the flavors of the ingredients.
• Dried Italian Herbs: 2 teaspoons. A blend of oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme, Italian herbs add a classic Mediterranean aroma and flavor complexity.
• Salt: 1.5 teaspoons, or to taste. Enhances all the flavors and balances the richness of the cream.
• Black Pepper: 1 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste. Adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor, complementing the garlic and beef.
• Fresh Parsley: ¼ cup, chopped, for garnish. Provides a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of color to finish the dish.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste (for a touch of heat). Adds a subtle kick for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Instructions for Making Creamy Garlic Beef Penne

1. Cook the Penne Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. “Al dente,” meaning “to the tooth,” ensures the pasta is cooked through but still has a slight firmness, perfect for holding its shape and texture in the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water. The pasta water, rich in starch, can be used to adjust the sauce consistency later, making it even creamier and helping it cling to the pasta.
2. Prepare the Beef: While the pasta is cooking, prepare the beef. Pat the bite-sized pieces of sirloin or ribeye dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step as it helps the beef to brown properly instead of steaming in the pan. Season the beef generously with salt and black pepper. Proper seasoning at this stage is key to building flavor from the ground up.
3. Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Make sure the skillet is hot before adding the beef. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the temperature and prevent proper browning. Sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned, about 2-3 minutes per side. Browning the beef, also known as the Maillard reaction, creates deep, savory flavors that are essential to the dish. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside. Don’t worry if the beef isn’t cooked through at this point, as it will finish cooking in the sauce later.
4. Sauté the Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir constantly to ensure even cooking and prevent burning. The aroma of sautéing garlic is a wonderful indicator that you’re on the right track to a delicious meal!
5. Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the sautéed garlic. Bring the cream to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Simmering helps to thicken the cream slightly and allows the garlic flavor to infuse into the cream. Stir in the dried Italian herbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the Parmesan cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. The Parmesan cheese not only adds flavor but also helps to thicken the sauce further.
6. Combine Beef and Sauce: Add the browned beef back into the skillet with the creamy garlic sauce. Stir to combine and ensure the beef is coated in the sauce. Let the beef simmer in the sauce for about 5-7 minutes, or until it is cooked through to your desired level of doneness and the sauce has thickened slightly. Simmering the beef in the sauce not only finishes cooking it but also allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
7. Combine with Pasta and Serve: Add the cooked and drained penne pasta to the skillet with the creamy garlic beef sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce and heated through. If needed, add a little more of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Freshly ground black pepper is especially nice at this stage.
8. Garnish and Serve Immediately: Remove from heat and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. Serve the Creamy Garlic Beef Penne immediately while it’s hot and the sauce is at its creamy best. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of fresh parsley on top for visual appeal and an extra burst of fresh flavor. If you like a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes sprinkled on top can also be a delightful addition. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts for Creamy Garlic Beef Penne (per serving, estimated)

• Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
• Calories: 650-750 kcal
• Protein: 40-45g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used, portion sizes, and cooking methods. For precise nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with specific ingredient brands and weights.

Preparation Time for Creamy Garlic Beef Penne

This Creamy Garlic Beef Penne recipe is wonderfully efficient, making it perfect for a satisfying meal even on busy evenings. Prep time is approximately 15 minutes, which includes cutting the beef, mincing the garlic, and grating the Parmesan cheese. The cook time is around 25 minutes, primarily spent cooking the pasta, browning the beef, and simmering the sauce. Therefore, the total time from start to finish is roughly 40 minutes. This quick preparation and cooking time makes it an ideal choice for a delicious and comforting weeknight dinner that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Beef Penne

Creamy Garlic Beef Penne is a complete and satisfying meal on its own, but you can elevate your dining experience with some thoughtfully chosen accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to complement this rich and flavorful pasta dish:

• Classic Garlic Bread: The quintessential pasta side, warm and crusty garlic bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of that creamy garlic sauce. You can opt for store-bought or make your own for an extra special touch.
• Fresh Green Salad: A light and refreshing green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a wonderful contrast to the richness of the pasta. Consider using mixed greens, romaine lettuce, or spinach with cucumber, tomatoes, and a light lemon vinaigrette.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, bell peppers, or zucchini add a healthy and colorful element to the meal. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and provides a nice textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Caesar Salad: For a slightly heartier salad option, a Caesar salad with its crisp romaine lettuce, creamy dressing, and crunchy croutons is a fantastic pairing.
• Italian Bruschetta: Toasted slices of bread topped with fresh tomatoes, basil, garlic, and olive oil make a delightful appetizer or side dish, adding a burst of fresh Mediterranean flavors.
• Simple Caprese Salad: The simplicity of a Caprese salad – fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze – complements the richness of the pasta beautifully.
• Light White Wine: A crisp, dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with creamy pasta dishes, cutting through the richness and enhancing the garlic flavors.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a squeeze of fresh lemon is a refreshing and palate-cleansing choice.

Additional Tips for Perfect Creamy Garlic Beef Penne

To ensure your Creamy Garlic Beef Penne is a resounding success every time, here are some additional tips and tricks to keep in mind:

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef: While sirloin or ribeye are recommended for their tenderness, you can also use other cuts like beef tenderloin or even flank steak. If using flank steak, slice it thinly against the grain after browning for maximum tenderness. The key is to use a cut that is relatively tender and cooks quickly to avoid toughness.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Al dente pasta is essential for this dish. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and lose its texture in the creamy sauce. Cook the penne according to package directions and test for doneness a minute or two before the recommended time.
3. Brown the Beef in Batches: Overcrowding the skillet when browning the beef will lead to steaming instead of searing. Brown the beef in smaller batches to ensure each piece gets a nice, flavorful crust. This step is crucial for developing deep, savory flavors.
4. Fresh Garlic is Best: While garlic powder is a pantry staple, fresh garlic cloves are highly recommended for this recipe. Freshly minced garlic offers a much brighter and more pungent flavor that is essential to the creamy garlic sauce.
5. Adjust Sauce Consistency with Pasta Water: Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, or if you want it to coat the pasta more evenly, add a splash or two of pasta water until it reaches your desired creaminess. The starch in the pasta water helps to emulsify the sauce and bind it to the pasta.
6. Add Vegetables for Extra Nutrition: Feel free to incorporate vegetables into this dish for added nutrition and flavor. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or peas would all be delicious additions. Add them to the skillet after sautéing the garlic or towards the end of the sauce simmering process.
7. Spice it Up: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while it’s simmering. You can also garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes when serving. Alternatively, a dash of hot sauce can also add a nice kick.
8. Garnish Generously: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a fresh, herbaceous flavor that brightens up the richness of the dish. Don’t skimp on the garnish! Extra grated Parmesan cheese is also always welcome for serving.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Creamy Garlic Beef Penne

Here are some common questions and answers to help you make the perfect Creamy Garlic Beef Penne:

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta instead of penne?
A: Absolutely! While penne is a great choice for its sauce-grabbing ridges, you can substitute it with other pasta shapes like rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti. Choose a pasta shape that you enjoy and that will hold the creamy sauce well.

Q2: Can I use ground beef instead of sirloin or ribeye?
A: Yes, you can use ground beef as a more budget-friendly option. Brown the ground beef in the skillet, drain off any excess fat, and then proceed with the recipe as instructed. The texture will be different, but it will still be delicious.

Q3: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: While Creamy Garlic Beef Penne is best served fresh, you can prepare components ahead of time. You can cook the pasta and store it separately in the refrigerator. You can also prepare the beef and sauce separately and combine them with the pasta when ready to serve. However, keep in mind that the sauce may thicken upon cooling, so you might need to add a little milk or pasta water when reheating to restore its creamy consistency.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store leftover Creamy Garlic Beef Penne in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Q5: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. Be careful not to overheat, as the cream sauce can separate if overheated.

Q6: Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?
A: To make this recipe dairy-free, you can substitute heavy cream with full-fat coconut milk or a plant-based heavy cream alternative. For a vegan version, you would also need to replace the beef with a plant-based beef substitute and use a vegan Parmesan cheese alternative. The flavor profile will be different, but you can still create a delicious creamy garlic pasta dish.

Q7: Can I add wine to the sauce?
A: Yes, adding a splash of dry white wine, like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay, to the sauce can enhance the flavor. Add about ¼ cup of wine after sautéing the garlic and let it reduce slightly before adding the heavy cream.

Q8: What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
A: If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water or milk, stirring until you reach your desired consistency. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes, stirring frequently, to allow it to reduce and thicken. You can also add a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to help thicken the sauce.

Print