Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta

Name: Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 300g penne pasta; 400g ground beef; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 200g button mushrooms, sliced; 1 medium onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 200ml heavy cream; 100ml beef broth; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Highlighted under: Cozy Kitchen Moments

I absolutely love making Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta for my family. The combination of tender beef and savory mushrooms enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce always brings everyone to the dinner table, eagerly waiting to dig in. I enjoy how quick and easy this dish is to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. With just a few simple ingredients, I create a comforting meal that never fails to impress. It's a recipe we turn to time and time again, and I can't wait for you to try it too!

Created by

Abigail Foster

Last updated on 2026-02-24T01:09:36.418Z

When I first attempted this Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta, I was amazed at how quickly it came together. Sautéing the mushrooms until they’re golden brown brings out their earthy richness, which perfectly complements the tender beef. I discovered that using a mix of heavy cream and beef broth creates a sauce that's luscious without being too heavy.

One tip that I always follow is to reserve some pasta water before draining; adding a splash to the sauce helps it cling to the pasta beautifully. It’s these little tricks that elevate this dish and make it a family favorite, leaving everyone asking for seconds!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Rich, creamy sauce that comforts the soul
Savory beef and earthy mushrooms harmonize perfectly
Quick enough for a weeknight dinner, yet elegant for entertaining

The Importance of Pasta Choice

The type of pasta you choose significantly impacts the overall texture of Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta. While penne is perfect due to its ridges that hold the sauce, you could experiment with fettuccine or linguine if you prefer broader shapes. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente, as this will allow it to absorb the flavors of the sauce without becoming mushy. If you opt for fresh pasta, reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes to maintain that ideal bite.

Remember to save some pasta water; it’s a game changer. This starchy liquid not only helps thin out the sauce to your preferred consistency, but it also enhances the overall creaminess. The key is to add it gradually, stirring until you reach a texture that clings beautifully to the pasta.

Elevating Flavor with Ingredients

The combination of beef and mushrooms defines this dish, but using quality ingredients amplifies the flavor dramatically. Choose ground beef that is around 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for a perfect balance of flavor and moisture. If preferred, swap out the beef for ground turkey or chicken, but bear in mind these variations will lean toward a lighter flavor profile. You might want to add a splash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce to deepen the umami notes.

Mushrooms are essential to the dish's earthy taste. While button mushrooms work wonderfully, feel free to mix in portobello or cremini to introduce more depth. For a touch of sophistication, finish the dish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a savory, salty note that enhances the creamy sauce.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta is great for meal prep! You can cook the beef and mushrooms ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days. When ready to serve, simply heat them up, then add the cream and cooked pasta. This makes weekday dinners super quick and hassle-free, letting you focus on family time rather than spending hours in the kitchen.

If you find yourself with leftovers, they can be safely refrigerated for up to two days. To reheat, add a splash of broth or water to the skillet to revitalize the sauce. Heat on low, stirring gently to prevent sticking until warmed through. Unfortunately, freezing isn't ideal due to the cream sauce; it may separate upon thawing. Instead, aim to enjoy it fresh whenever possible!

Ingredients

Pasta and Beef

300g penne pasta
400g ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil

Mushrooms and Cream Sauce

200g button mushrooms, sliced
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
200ml heavy cream
100ml beef broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a cup of the pasta water.

Sauté the Beef

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5–7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Add Mushrooms and Onions

To the skillet, add the diced onion and sliced mushrooms. Cook for about 5 minutes until the onions are translucent and the mushrooms are golden.

Make the Sauce

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, bringing it to a simmer. Let the sauce thicken slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

Combine

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency. Adjust seasoning if necessary.

Serve

Serve the creamy beef and mushroom pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

Pro Tips

For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after sautéing the onions and mushrooms. Let it reduce before adding the cream.

Serving Suggestions

For a complete meal experience, consider pairing Creamy Beef And Mushroom Pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette. The acidity of the dressing cuts through the richness of the cream, balancing the flavors beautifully. Garlic bread is also a wonderful addition, perfect for soaking up any creamy sauce left on your plate.

Feel free to adjust the garnishing based on your mood. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a refreshing lift once plated. A drizzle of truffle oil can also elevate this pasta night to a gourmet experience with minimal effort.

Customization and Variations

If you're looking to add some vegetables to your dish, consider incorporating spinach or kale just before serving. These greens can be added directly to the skillet and wilted in the residual heat, enhancing nutrition without compromising flavor. You can even mix in some roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes for a burst of sweetness.

For a delightful twist, try adding a splash of white wine to deglaze the pan after cooking the beef. This will add an additional layer of flavor to the sauce. Just remember to let it simmer a bit to cook off the alcohol before adding the cream, creating a luscious mixture that coats the pasta beautifully.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any pasta shape will work well, such as fettuccine, linguine, or even gluten-free options.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and mushroom sauce ahead and cook the pasta fresh before serving to keep it from getting mushy.

→ What vegetables can I add to this dish?

Feel free to add spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for additional color and nutrients.

→ How should I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave.