Creamy Beef Pasta

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Last Updated on September 24, 2025 by Toya

Sometimes you just want an easy dinner that you know everyone will actually eat and enjoy! Whether that be for a quick Sunday dinner when you’re feeling lazy or on a super busy weeknight when you need a quick dinner idea that tastes really good and takes minutes to make.

My easy creamy beef pasta is all of those things and more! Made with a handful of kitchen staples that you very likely have on hand right now, this creamy pasta with ground beef is the perfect 35 minute dinner you’ll wanna add to your dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I shared some of the reasons why you’re likely to love this recipe. But, here are even more reasons why you’ll love this:

• It’s one pot and easy to cleanup – Not only is this recipe made with easy ingredints that everyone has, but, it’s also made in one pot which makes cleanup super easy!
• It’s ready in about 30 minutes – This is the perfect weeknight dinner recipe that tastes just about 30 minutes to make, minus the 5 minutes of prep time and rest time. So, if you’re someone who loves lazy dinner ideas for weeknights, this absolutely should be added to your list of favorites.
• It’s the perfect creamy and savory balance – This is the perfect family dinner that’s guraneteed to get compliments. I mean, who doesn’t love a creamy pasta recipe for comfort food?

Ingredients & Substitutions

• 1 lb Ground Beef – I used 80/20 ground beef, but you can use ground turkey or sausage instead of beef.
• 1 ⅓ Cup Pasta Shells – If you don’t have shells on hand, you can swap for penne or rigatoni.
• ⅔ Cup Heavy Cream or Half and Half
• ⅓ Cup Shredded Parmesean Cheese
• 1 ⅓ Cup Water, Beef Stock or Beef broth
• 1 ⅓ Cup Marinara Sauce
• ⅓ Cup White Onions, Diced
• 1 ½ Tablespoons Garlic, Minced
• 1 ½ Tablespoons Italian Seasoning
• ½ Teaspoon Salt
• ¼ Teaspoon Black Pepper
• 1 Teaspoon Tomato Paste, Optional
• ¼ Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes, Optional
• Chopped parsley, to taste

How to Make Creamy Beef Pasta

Gather and prep all the ingredients mentioned above or your relevant substitutes.

Then, in a large pot or saucepan, sautee the onion in olive oil until soft, about 2–3 minutes.

Add the ground beef to the pot and cook over medium high heat until brown, about 8 minutes.

Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, pepper flakes and tomato paste (if using), then sitr to combine and cook for about 1 minute.

Stir in the marinara sauce, beef stock, broth or water, and pasta shells. Cover and bring to a boil, about 2 minutes.

Then reduce the heat, and simmer on low for 10 minutes. Make sure to stir every few minutes to avoid sticking.

Turn off the heat, then add the heavy cream and parmesean cheese and stir well to combine.

Finally, let the pasta sit, covered, for at least 10 minutes to allow the sauce and flavors to come together.

Then serve and enjoy!

Storage & Reheating

If you have any leftovers, you can store them in the fridge in air tight containers for about 3–4 days. This pasta recipe also freezes well. If you want to go that route, cool the pasta well, then place the pasta in an airtight container freeze for about 2 months.

Reheat on the stovetop with a splash or cream or broth.

What to Serve With It

You can serve this as is, but it tastes so good and is complete with sides like garlic bread, Caesar salad, roasted veggies.

FAQs

• Can I use half & half instead of cream?

Yes you can! Half & half will make the sauce a little lighter but still creamy. If you want to thicken it up more you can add 1–2 ounces of cream cheese or simmer the sauce for a few extra minutes to reduce.

• Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?

Absolutely you can. Gluten-free pasta works well in this recipe, but it cooks a little faster and can break apart if overcooked so I recommend using a sturdy shape like penne or rotini, and cooking it just until al dente so it holds up in the creamy sauce.

• Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yep! You can go with veggies like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or even bell peppers. You will need to Sauté them with the onion before adding the beef, so they have time to soften and develop some flavor so the recipe comes out perfect!

Some meals just feel like home, don’t they? This creamy pasta isn’t a fancy recipe. In fact, it’s fuss-free, hearty, comfy, and so delicious, which is exactly the kind of bowl I crave after a long day. So, if you’re like me, give this one a go and let me know how you like it in the comments!