Ah, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a home-cooked meal wafting through the house. This Creamy Tomato Garlic Beef Penne with Mozzarella Parmesan is one of those recipes that brings warm memories of family dinners and cozy nights in. It’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to whip up, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or when you just want to impress friends with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love Creamy Tomato Garlic Beef Penne with Mozzarella Parmesan
- Fast
- Easy
- Giftable
- Crowd-pleasing
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta – The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 lb ground beef – Provides a hearty protein boost.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced – Adds a fragrant kick.
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes – A flavorful base for our sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream – For that rich, creamy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts beautifully for a cheesy finish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning.
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional) – A pop of color and freshness.
How to Make Creamy Tomato Garlic Beef Penne with Mozzarella Parmesan
Now, let’s dive into how to create this delicious dish step by step. You will love how straightforward this is!
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix well to combine.
- Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
Substitutions & Additions
If you’re looking to switch things up a bit, here are some fun ideas:
- Swap out ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For a vegetarian version, use mushrooms or lentils instead of meat.
- Add some spinach or kale for a boost of greens.
- If you want a little heat, toss in some red pepper flakes.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips I’ve learned along the way to ensure your Creamy Tomato Garlic Beef Penne turns out perfectly:
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta; it should be al dente since it will continue to cook in the sauce.
- Adjust the seasoning to your taste; everyone likes a different level of salt and pepper.
- You can prep the sauce ahead of time and simply reheat it when you’re ready to serve.
How to Store Creamy Tomato Garlic Beef Penne with Mozzarella Parmesan
If you have leftovers (which I doubt because it’s so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. It should last for about 3-4 days. You can reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. Just add a splash of cream or a bit of water to help loosen it up as it reheats.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time and combine it with the pasta just before serving.
Can I freeze the creamy penne?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture may change slightly upon reheating.
What can I serve with this dish?
A side salad or some garlic bread would complement this meal wonderfully!
For more delicious recipes, check out Tasty with Lara or Garlic Bread Sloppy Joes for treats you will love!
Don’t forget to follow my Pinterest for more tasty ideas and inspiration!

Creamy Tomato Garlic Beef Penne with Mozzarella Parmesan
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Large pot
Ingredients
For the Creamy Tomato Garlic Beef Penne
- 8 oz penne pasta The perfect shape to hold onto the creamy sauce.
- 1 lb ground beef Provides a hearty protein boost.
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 14 oz crushed tomatoes A flavorful base for our sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream For that rich, creamy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese Melts beautifully for a cheesy finish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Adds a salty depth of flavor.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning A blend of herbs that elevates the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Step 3: Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, heavy cream, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Step 5: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and mix well to combine.
- Step 6: Stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh basil if desired.
