Creamy Cajun Beef Penne with Garlic Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef
12 oz penne pasta
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1½ cups heavy cream
½ cup beef broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for extra cheesy kick)
Chopped parsley or green onions, for garnish
Directions:
Cook the penne pasta in salted water until tender but firm. Save half a cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and season with Cajun spices, smoked paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
Push the beef to the side and melt butter in the skillet. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Stir the garlic into the beef, then pour in heavy cream and beef broth. Stir and let it simmer gently.
Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until the sauce is thick and creamy.
Add the pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.
Simmer briefly to thicken, then sprinkle with fresh parsley or green onions before serving.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 6