Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food

There’s something deeply comforting about a dish that combines gooey melted cheese, tender pasta, and flavorful garlic butter ground beef. It brings back memories of family dinners where the whole house smelled like garlic and happiness. This cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef isn’t just a quick weeknight fix—it’s a warm hug in a bowl. This is it if you’ve been looking for a new go-to pasta recipe that pleases picky eaters and fills hungry bellies.

What Is Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef?

Cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is a hearty pasta dish made with penne noodles, a rich garlic butter sauce, seasoned ground beef, and lots of melted cheese. It’s the recipe that lands somewhere between a baked ziti and a skillet mac and cheese—simple, satisfying, and perfect for a busy night. You don’t need fancy ingredients or hours in the kitchen to make it. Everything comes together in one skillet and one pot.

Why This Comfort Food Dish Is a Family Favorite

This recipe checks all the boxes for family appeal:

• Cheesy and satisfying: Gooey melted cheese coats every bite of pasta and beef.
• Garlicky and buttery: The garlic butter sauce gives this dish a bold, savory flavor.
• Quick to make: It’s ready in under 30 minutes.
• Budget-friendly: Uses pantry staples and affordable ground beef.
• Customizable: Add veggies or spices depending on your preferences.

Whether you feed kids, teens, or grown-ups with big appetites, this dish gets smiles.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s everything you need to make cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef:

You’ll also need a large nonstick skillet and a pasta pot. We like this nonstick skillet for even heating.

How to Make Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef

This dish is simple enough for a weeknight but flavorful enough to feel special.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil penne in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon and cook until thoroughly browned. Drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the butter and let it melt. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4: Add Cream and Seasonings

Stir in the diced onion (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Stir in Cheese

Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked penne into the skillet. Stir to coat every piece with the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Tips for Perfectly Cooked Pasta and Beef

• Don’t overcook your penne. Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture better.
• Season your pasta water. It should taste like the sea—this step adds real flavor.
• Use fresh garlic. Pre-minced garlic doesn’t offer the same intensity or aroma.
• Brown the beef fully. Let it sear before stirring too much to develop deeper flavor.

Substitutions and Easy Ingredient Swaps

Short on something? Try these swaps:

Make it your own based on what’s in your pantry or fridge.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Instructions

This dish stores and reheats like a dream:

• Make-ahead: Prepare the pasta and sauce separately. Combine and bake just before serving.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
• Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.

Perfect for batch cooking or weekly meal prep.

What to Serve with Cheesy Garlic Butter Pasta

Pairing ideas that complete the meal:

• Fresh green salad with vinaigrette
• Steamed broccoli or green beans
• Crusty garlic bread or breadsticks
• Roasted vegetables like carrots or zucchini
• A glass of iced tea or a light red wine

This recipe is rich, so lighter sides help balance the flavors.

Serving Ideas & Flavor Pairings

Looking for ways to round out your meal? This cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is rich and filling, so adding light and fresh sides can help balance the flavors. Here are some easy ideas:

Fresh Green Salad

A crisp green salad adds crunch and freshness. Try romaine, arugula, or mixed greens with a light vinaigrette. The dressing’s acidity helps cut through the creamy pasta. Add cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, or red onions for more color and texture.

Garlic Bread or Breadsticks

You can never go wrong with warm, buttery bread. Garlic bread is a natural match for this pasta. It soaks up the extra sauce and gives the meal a comforting touch. You can also serve cheesy breadsticks or a baguette on the side.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted veggies bring a lot of flavor with very little work. Try roasting broccoli, zucchini, asparagus, or carrots. A little olive oil, salt, and pepper are all you need. Roast them at 400°F for about 20 minutes until golden and tender.

Light Soup

Pairing your pasta with a small bowl of soup on a colder day is a cozy option. A brothy vegetable soup or even a tomato basil soup works well. Keep it light so it doesn’t compete with the pasta’s creamy texture.

Grilled Chicken or Sausage (Optional Protein)

If you want to serve a crowd or need extra protein, grilled chicken breast or sliced Italian sausage can be a great addition. These go well with the garlic and cheese flavors already in the pasta. You can even mix them right into the skillet.

Simple Fruit Salad

A chilled fruit salad makes a nice contrast for something refreshing. A mix of berries, melon, or citrus can cleanse the palate after a rich dish like this. Toss your fruit in a little lime juice and honey for a fresh, simple side.

Variations: Spicy, Veggie-Packed, and One-Pot Versions

Try these twists to change it up:

• Spicy Kick: Add crushed red pepper flakes or swap cheddar for pepper jack.
• Veggie-Packed: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• One-Pot Wonder: Cook pasta in the same skillet with broth, adding cheese at the end for fewer dishes.

These creative spins make the recipe more versatile and exciting every time.

Nutrition Breakdown and Calorie Info

Here’s an approximate nutritional snapshot per serving (based on six servings):

This hearty dish is best enjoyed as a complete meal. To reduce fat and calories, use lighter cheeses or ground turkey.

Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef: The Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food

---

• Author: Rasha Annan
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy penne with garlic butter ground beef is a rich, creamy comfort food dish with tender pasta, savory ground beef, melted cheese, and a garlicky butter sauce. This quick skillet pasta comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners and family meals.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz penne pasta

• 1 lb ground beef

• 4 tbsp butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small onion, diced (optional)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh parsley, for garnish

---

Instructions

• Cook penne in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

• In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.

• Push the beef to the side of the skillet. Melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.

• Add onion (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in heavy cream and simmer for 3–4 minutes.

• Reduce heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.

• Add cooked penne and stir to combine.

• Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Substitute ground turkey for a lighter version.

Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free option.

Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.

Reheat leftovers with a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: cheesy penne, garlic butter pasta, ground beef recipes, comfort food, weeknight dinner, pasta skillet, one-pot meals, creamy pasta