Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee Recipe

If you’re searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that checks every flavor box, look no further than Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee. This hearty pasta dish brings together tender penne, savory ground beef sauteed in garlicky olive oil, and a blanket of gooey cheeses all coated in a velvety cream sauce. It’s the definition of rich comfort food, perfect for weeknights, family gatherings, or when you want to treat yourself to something truly special!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee comes down to a handful of simple, everyday ingredients—each one pulling its weight to create something memorable. Pay attention to quality here! From beef to cheese and those all-important aromatics, everything plays a key role in taste and texture.

• 12 oz penne pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds onto sauce beautifully for every flavorful bite.
• 1 lb ground beef: Opt for 80/20 for juiciness and deep beefy flavor in every forkful.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Gives a subtle fruitiness and ensures the garlic and beef cook nicely without sticking.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced: Don’t skimp—this is what makes the “garlic butter” magic come alive!
• 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning both pasta water and the sauce itself.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon black pepper: Brings gentle heat and rounds out the flavor of the beef and cheese.
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning: A ready-made blend of herbs to tie everything together with aromatic notes.
• 1⁄2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra pop of heat—add as much or as little as you like.
• 2 cups heavy cream: The secret to that luscious, ultra-creamy sauce.
• 1 cup beef broth: Deepens all the savory notes and enriches the sauce.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty depth and melts beautifully in the sauce.
• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese: For that signature ooey-gooey cheese pull!
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Brightens up the dish and adds a fresh pop of color.

How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee

Step 1: Cook the Penne Pasta

Begin by cooking your penne pasta in a large pot of generously salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions—usually around 10–12 minutes for perfect al dente. Remember, the starch from pasta water will help the sauce cling later, so don’t rinse it after draining; just set aside and keep it warm.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic in Olive Oil

While your pasta boils, place a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and stir for about a minute until it’s wonderfully fragrant but not browned. This quick move forms the base of that signature garlic butter flavor that makes Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee so irresistible.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add ground beef directly to the garlicky oil. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s deeply browned and cooked through—this shouldn’t take more than 5 to 7 minutes. If your beef yields a lot of fat, carefully drain off the excess to keep things rich but not greasy.

Step 4: Season the Meat

Now it’s time for seasoning: sprinkle the beef with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and, if you’re feeling adventurous, a bit of crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together—these simple seasonings infuse the Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee with plenty of savory, herby personality.

Step 5: Build the Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and pour in both the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. These liquids come together in the skillet to create the core of your luscious, creamy sauce. Let it simmer for a minute or two to bring all the flavors into harmony.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add your drained penne pasta into the skillet, gently stirring to ensure every piece gets evenly coated with the sauce. This is where the pasta soaks up all those savory, cheesy notes, making each bite uniquely delicious.

Step 7: Add Cheeses and Melt

Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese first, letting it melt into the sauce and work its magic to thicken and flavor the dish. Next, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese evenly over the top. Cover the skillet with a lid for a few minutes—the cheese will melt into gooey perfection.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and shower your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. The pop of green is beautiful and signals that it’s time to dig in!

How to Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee

Garnishes

Parsley is the classic topper, but feel free to get creative! Try a little extra grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or even a few ribbons of fresh basil. These finishing touches make your Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee look and taste even more inviting.

Side Dishes

A fresh, simple side salad (with a zippy vinaigrette) brings balance to this rich pasta, and garlic bread is practically a must for soaking up every bit of the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also pair beautifully with Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee in individual ramekins for a dinner party vibe, or make a big, family-style platter the centerpiece of your table. For something different, spoon it into a hollowed-out bread boule for a festive, edible serving dish everyone will talk about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so it’s just as delicious the next day for lunch or a quick dinner.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze portions for later, let the dish cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Try to freeze it before adding the final mozzarella layer for the best texture when reheated.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce, then warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave at 50 percent power, stirring occasionally. This trick helps restore the velvety, cheesy finish that makes Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee so satisfying.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding onto the creamy, cheesy sauce, you can use rigatoni, ziti, or even fusilli. Anything with ridges or tubes works great for Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee.

Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef?

Yes. Ground turkey or chicken are both excellent substitutes and make the dish a bit lighter. You might want to add a splash of extra olive oil for richness, as poultry is generally leaner than beef.

Does this recipe work for meal prep?

Definitely. Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee reheats beautifully and keeps well in the fridge, making it a top choice for meal prep. Just store portions in single-serve containers for grab-and-go lunches or dinners.

Can I make it gluten free?

Yes! Simply use a gluten-free penne or your favorite gluten-free pasta. Make sure your broth and seasonings are also certified gluten-free for a completely safe version.

What can I do if my sauce gets too thick?

If your cream sauce tightens up more than you like, stir in a bit of warm milk, cream, or even reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency. This helps keep Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee luscious and creamy.

Final Thoughts

Everyone needs a few show-stopping dishes in their back pocket, and Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Bee is guaranteed to be a new favorite. It’s impossible to deny the appeal of tender pasta wrapped in a creamy, garlicky, cheesy hug. Give this recipe a try—you’ll want to make it again and again!

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