Description

This Simple Comfort Pasta Dish is a creamy, cheesy, beefy pasta skillet that brings cozy flavor to the table fast. Made with tender penne, savory ground beef, tomatoes, cream, mozzarella, Parmesan, and fresh basil, it is an easy dinner, quick weeknight meal, comfort food recipe, family dinner idea, simple pasta recipe, and satisfying food idea you can make when everyone wants something warm and filling.

Ingredients

12 ounces penne pasta

1 pound ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 can 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes

2 tablespoons tomato paste

3/4 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup beef broth

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon paprika

1 teaspoon salt, or to taste

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then cook the penne until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.

2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Add olive oil and diced onion to the skillet. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.

4. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Add diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.

5. Simmer the sauce for 5 to 7 minutes, then reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream until smooth.

6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

7. Stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until melted and creamy.

8. Remove from heat, garnish with fresh basil, and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Use al dente pasta so it does not become too soft after mixing with the hot sauce.

Reserve pasta water before draining because it helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy.

Let the cheese melt on low heat so the sauce stays smooth instead of turning oily.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American-Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Calories: 510
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 680mg
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Unsaturated Fat: 11g
Trans Fat: 0.5g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 88mg

Keywords: Simple Comfort Pasta Dish, easy dinner, quick weeknight meal, comfort food recipe, family dinner idea, simple pasta recipe, creamy beef pasta, cheesy pasta skillet