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Ingredients
– 1 pound ground beef
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
– 1 cup penne pasta
– 2 cups marinara sauce
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the penne pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, mix together minced garlic and softened butter until well combined.
3. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
4. Add garlic butter and marinara sauce: Add the garlic butter to the skillet with the ground beef and stir until melted. Then, add the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and let cook for a few minutes until heated through.
5. Combine cooked pasta and sauce: Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the sauce, adding some reserved pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
6. Add cheese and stir: Stir in the grated mozzarella and Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
7. Season and serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired.
Tips and Variations
– Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a healthier option.
– Add some diced onions or bell peppers to the skillet with the ground beef for extra flavor.
– Use different types of cheese, such as ricotta or provolone, for a unique flavor profile.
– Serve with some crusty bread or a side salad for a complete meal.