# Creamy Beef Pasta: A Simple and Comforting Weeknight Dish
This creamy beef pasta is a straightforward one-skillet meal that can be ready in under 30 minutes. Utilizing pantry essentials, it’s a comforting weeknight choice featuring a decadent tomato cream sauce that will surely delight the whole family.
## Flavor Profile
The recipe boasts a rich marinara sauce infused with herby basil and oregano, rounded out with heavy cream and mixed with pasta. The flavor blend results in a satisfying and delectable dish.
## Skill Level
This easy-to-follow recipe is beginner-friendly and forgiving, making it ideal for novice chefs or anyone in search of a speedy meal option.
## Serving Suggestions
Top your creamy beef pasta with freshly grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley, or a dash of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick. Serve it alongside homemade garlic bread and a Caesar salad for a filling meal that will please everyone.
## Yield
As written, this recipe makes enough to serve up to six people, but it can be easily doubled to feed a larger group.
## Best Ingredients, Simple Substitutions
– **Pasta**: Opt for short shapes that hold the creamy tomato sauce well. Rigatoni captures the most sauce, or you can choose rotini, penne, or other medium pasta.
– **Lean Ground Beef**: Using 85-90% lean ground beef maintains a creamy and flavorful sauce. For a lighter alternative, try lean ground turkey or chicken.
– **Marinara Sauce**: Choose a marinara sauce you adore, or create your own homemade blend.
– **Heavy Cream**: Heavy cream results in the smoothest tomato cream sauce. You can use half-and-half, but simmer gently to prevent a thinner sauce.
– **Herbs & Spices**: Basil, oregano, and garlic powder lend classic Italian flavor to the dish. If you have Italian seasoning, feel free to incorporate that and add red chili flakes for a spicy touch.
## Variations
– **Cheesy Version**: Fold in a cup of shredded mozzarella at the end, and sprinkle with Parmesan for extra cheesy goodness.
– **Veggie Boost**: Include fresh mushrooms while browning the beef or mix in baby spinach at the end until just wilted.
## How to Prepare Creamy Beef Pasta
1. **Brown the Beef**: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with onions over medium heat until no pink is visible. Drain any excess fat.
2. **Add Spices**: Mix in basil, oregano, and garlic powder. Cook for 1 minute.
3. **Create the Sauce**: Incorporate marinara, beef broth, tomato paste, and salt. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened. Then, add heavy cream and allow to simmer for 5 more minutes.
4. **Cook the Pasta**: Meanwhile, boil rigatoni in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water and drain thoroughly.
5. **Combine**: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat and adding reserved pasta water if necessary. Simmer for 2 minutes to thicken.
6. **Season**: Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if needed.
## Tips for Success
– Always season the pasta water well to create a flavorful base that won’t be bland beneath the sauce.
– To achieve a creamy, non-oily sauce, drain the beef well after browning, especially if not using extra lean.
– Marinara, tomato paste, and beef broth are essential ingredients that enhance the flavor of the sauce. Allow them to simmer together before adding the cream.
– Save some pasta water to thin the sauce if required; it helps the sauce adhere to the noodles.
– Keep the pasta al dente, especially if leftovers are expected, as it softens when reheated.
## Leftovers That Stay Creamy
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Creamy pasta can be frozen, but to maintain better texture, freeze the sauce separately for up to three months. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook fresh pasta.
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a small amount of liquid, stirring well. If you expect leftovers, preserve a bit of extra sauce since the pasta will absorb it overnight.
This creamy beef pasta is not just quick to make but also a delightful dish that offers comfort and satisfaction to any weeknight dinner. Enjoy!