When the day has been long and your stomach is rumbling, nothing beats a warm, creamy pasta dish that comes together quickly. This 30-minute creamy beef pasta hits all the right notes — rich tomato flavor, tender pasta, and savory browned beef.
I remember the first time I tried this recipe. I was craving something hearty but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. The aroma of garlic and onions sautéing with ground beef filled the air, and as the creamy tomato sauce came together, it felt like a warm hug in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights
- Comforting creamy tomato sauce that coats every bite
- Tender penne pasta with slightly browned ground beef for a satisfying texture
- Fresh basil and parmesan cheese add bright, savory finishing touches
- Rustic, homey presentation that looks as good as it tastes
Simple steps and familiar ingredients make this dish a go-to for comfort without fuss.
Print30-Minute Creamy Beef Pasta
A quick and comforting dish featuring sautéed ground beef and penne pasta tossed in a creamy tomato sauce, garnished with parmesan and fresh basil.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
12 ounces penne pasta
1 cup heavy cream
1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
Stir in diced tomatoes, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream. Add cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the creamy tomato sauce.
Remove from heat and stir in grated parmesan cheese and fresh basil leaves.
Plate the pasta by twirling it into a neat mound in the center of shallow white plates. Top each serving with extra parmesan and basil leaves.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead and reheat?
Yes! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Absolutely. The combination of sautéing and boiling finishes this dish in about 30 minutes, so you can enjoy a homemade meal even on tight schedules.
Save, print, or start cooking this cozy creamy beef pasta tonight — it’s comfort you can count on.