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Creamy Beef Alfredo Ziti

A comforting and convenient dish that combines ziti pasta, ground beef, and a rich Alfredo sauce, perfect for quick family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Protein
  • 1 pound ziti pasta This tubular pasta holds sauce well.
  • 1 pound ground beef Substitute with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Sauce Ingredients
  • 3 cups heavy cream Can be replaced with half-and-half for a lighter version.
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese Substitute with any hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.
  • 2 tablespoons butter Olive oil can be used as a healthier alternative.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Fresh is recommended for best flavor.
Seasoning and Garnish
  • to taste salt and pepper Enhance flavors with your favorite seasoning blend.
  • fresh parsley for garnish Optional but recommended for presentation.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add ziti pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente (approximately 7-10 minutes). Drain and set aside, but reserve a cup of pasta water for later.
  2. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
  3. Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet with beef and bring to a simmer. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.
  5. Add cooked ziti to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the Alfredo sauce. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  6. Transfer the creamy ziti to plates or a serving dish and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

For extra richness, add a splash of white wine to the sauce after browning the beef. Leftover ziti can be enhanced with a quick broil for a slightly crispy top.