Creamy Beef & Spinach Penne

Name: Creamy Beef & Spinach Penne
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 people
Ingredients: 12 oz Penne Pasta; 1 lb Ground Beef; 1 tbsp Olive Oil; 1 medium Onion; 2 cloves Garlic; 14 oz Canned Tomatoes (Diced or Crushed); 0.5 cup Heavy Cream; 5 oz Fresh Spinach; 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese; 1 tsp Salt; 0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Under 30 MinsStovetopDinnerComfort FoodItalian

Easy

25min

680kcal

4people

MACROS

per serving

※gProtein

◆gFat

▣gCarbs

◎gSugar

◇gFiber

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A hearty and comforting pasta dish featuring savory ground beef and fresh spinach in a rich, creamy tomato sauce.

This Creamy Beef & Spinach Penne is the ultimate comfort food solution for busy weeknights, effortlessly blending hearty protein with fresh greens. If you are looking for a way to utilize that ground beef in your fridge beyond the standard burger or taco night, this pasta dish is a revelation. The magic lies in the sauce; a luscious combination of savory canned tomatoes and rich heavy cream that creates a rose-hued coating, clinging perfectly to the ridges of the penne pasta. By incorporating fresh spinach right at the end, the leaves wilt down gently, retaining their vibrant green color and nutritional value without becoming soggy, balancing the richness of the dairy. This Creamy Beef & Spinach Penne is not just about flavor; it is about texture. The browned bits of savory ground beef provide a satisfying chew against the al dente pasta, while the melting parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami kick that ties the entire dish together. It is a family-friendly meal that feels gourmet but comes together in one skillet and a pot of boiling water. Whether you are meal prepping for the week or looking for a quick dinner using pantry staples like onions and garlic alongside your fresh ingredients, this recipe delivers on all fronts. It turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal right in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

340 g Penne Pasta
450 g Ground Beef
1 tbsp Olive Oil
1 medium Onion
2 cloves Garlic
400 g Canned Tomatoes (Diced or Crushed)
120 ml Heavy Cream
150 g Fresh Spinach
40 g Parmesan Cheese
1 tsp Salt
0.5 tsp Black Pepper

Instructions

1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta water.
2
While the water heats, dice the onion and mince the garlic.
3
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Season with salt and black pepper.
4
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5
Pour in the canned tomatoes (including juices) and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 5 minutes to thicken slightly.
6
Stir in the heavy cream and warm through. Do not let it boil vigorously.
7
Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and stir gently until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
8
Toss the cooked penne into the sauce. Stir in the parmesan until melted and combined. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water.
9
Serve immediately, topped with extra cheese if desired.