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Creamy Beef Penne with Cheddar Jack Cheese Recipe

Beef Penne with Cheddar Jack Cream

Welcome to the creamy heaven of pasta dishes! Today, we dive into the delicious world of Beef Penne with Cheddar Jack Cream, a dish that perfectly marries the rich flavors of ground beef with the irresistible creaminess of cheddar jack cheese. This comforting meal is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a burst of flavor in every bite.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 600
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef Penne with Cheddar Jack Cream
  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded Cheddar Jack cheese
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • as needed olive oil for sautéing

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • Large Skillet
  • Colander
  • Spatula or Wooden Spoon

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a spatula to break it up into smaller pieces. Cook until browned and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
  4. Step 4: Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Bring to a gentle simmer.
  5. Step 5: Gradually add shredded Cheddar Jack cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water.
  6. Step 6: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh herbs or additional cheese if desired.

Notes

This dish stores well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for up to 2 months. For a lighter option, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy milk alternative.