Name: Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-490546H41M7S
Total time: PT-490546H41M7S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells); 1 small onion, chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup beef broth; 3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights is the kind of warm, hearty dish I turn to when I want something comforting and filling without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender ground beef, a rich and velvety cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta all tossed together in one skillet, it’s the ultimate dinner for chilly evenings and slow, relaxing nights at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe takes basic pantry staples and turns them into something that feels indulgent and satisfying. It’s easy to make, ready in under 30 minutes, and hits that perfect balance of savory beef, creamy sauce, and tender pasta. Whether I’m cooking for myself, my family, or a few friends, this meal always disappears fast. It’s also incredibly versatile—I can keep it simple or add my own twists depending on what I have in the fridge.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work best)
Onion, chopped
Garlic, minced
Beef broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Tomato paste
Grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil or butter
Salt and black pepper
Italian seasoning
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente. I drain it and set it aside.
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. I drain excess fat if needed.
I stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
I mix in the tomato paste and cook for another minute to deepen the flavor.
I pour in the beef broth and stir, letting it simmer for a few minutes.
I reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and seasonings—salt, pepper, Italian herbs, and red pepper flakes if using.
I add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat.
I stir in the Parmesan cheese and let everything simmer for 1–2 minutes until thick and creamy.
I serve it hot, garnished with fresh parsley or more cheese if I feel like it.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves 4–5 people.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes

Variations

Sometimes I swap the ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey. I’ve also added spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and color. If I want a bit more zing, I add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a touch of Dijon mustard to the sauce. For a cheesy upgrade, I’ve melted in a bit of mozzarella or sharp cheddar. It’s such a flexible dish—I can really make it my own.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. To reheat, I warm it on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen up the sauce. I don’t recommend freezing it, since the cream-based sauce can separate when thawed, but it’s easy enough to make fresh again.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, I can use whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be a bit thinner. I sometimes add a little extra Parmesan to thicken it up if I go this route.

What pasta works best for creamy beef pasta?

I like using short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. They hold the sauce well and make every bite flavorful and rich.

Can I make it spicy?

Definitely. I add crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of hot sauce if I want more heat. Spicy sausage also works great instead of beef.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I can cook it ahead and reheat it later. I just store the pasta and sauce together and reheat gently with a little broth or cream to freshen it up.

What can I serve with creamy beef pasta?

I usually serve it with garlic bread, a simple side salad, or roasted vegetables. It’s rich and filling, so lighter sides balance it out perfectly.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights is one of those meals I can always count on. It’s warm, hearty, and loaded with flavor—the kind of dinner that makes me want to curl up on the couch with a big bowl and relax. Whether I keep it classic or throw in a few extras, this dish always delivers on comfort and taste.

Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights

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Creamy Beef Pasta for Cozy Nights is a rich and hearty one-skillet meal made with savory ground beef, a creamy tomato-Parmesan sauce, and tender pasta. It’s comforting, quick to make, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Author: Mayaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: 4–5 servings
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
3/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Meanwhile, heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to enhance flavor.
Add beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Stir in Parmesan cheese and let simmer for 1–2 minutes until sauce thickens.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.