Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta

Ingredients

For the pasta:

• 8-12 oz fettuccine or shell pasta

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the beef mixture:

• 1 lb lean ground beef

• 1 small onion, diced

• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the alfredo sauce:

• 1 1/2 cups heavy cream

• 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water

• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if necessary.

Step 3: Add aromatics
Add diced onion to the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Create alfredo sauce
Reduce heat to low and add heavy cream and cream cheese to the skillet. Stir continuously until cream cheese melts and mixture becomes smooth. Add garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Step 5: Combine and finish
Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and incorporated. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until pasta is well-coated in the creamy sauce. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.

Step 6: Serve
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot.