Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp (14g) olive oil
- ½ cup (60g) yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves (9g) garlic, minced
- 1 tsp (5g) salt
- ½ tsp (2g) black pepper
- 1 tsp (2g) dried Italian seasoning
- 2 cups (250g) penne or bowtie pasta
- 3 cups (710ml) beef broth
- 4 oz (113g) cream cheese, softened and cubed
- ½ cup (120ml) heavy cream
- ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp (1g) red pepper flakes
Instructions:
- Heat olive oil in the skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and spread it in an even layer.
- Let the beef sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until it develops a deep mahogany crust.
- Stir in the diced onion and garlic. Sauté for 3 minutes until the onions are translucent and fragrant.
- Stir in the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, ensuring the meat is fully browned.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the uncooked pasta.
- Reduce heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking until pasta is al dente.
- Turn the heat to low. Stir in the cubed cream cheese and heavy cream.
- Whisk gently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is ivory-colored and velvety.
- Fold in the Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes until the sauce is glossy and thick. Remove from heat immediately.