Pasta cremosa con ternera para noches reconfortantes

Ingredientes

• 12 oz rotini pasta (or other short pasta like penne or shells)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (85/15 or 90/10 blend recommended)
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt, plus more for pasta water
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1.5 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 4 oz full-fat block cream cheese, cubed
• 1 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparación

1. 1

   Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.

2. 2

   While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, break it apart, and cook until deeply browned with no pink remaining. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a separate bowl, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.

3. 3

   Reduce heat to medium. Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for 4-5 minutes until soft and translucent. Add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.

4. 4

   Sprinkle the flour over the onion mixture and stir constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste, creating a roux.

5. 5

   Slowly whisk in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.

6. 6

   Reduce the heat to low. Add the cubed cream cheese and stir gently until it has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

7. 7

   Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss gently to coat everything in the sauce.

8. 8

   If the sauce is too thick, stir in the reserved pasta water, a splash at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. Let everything simmer for a minute.

9. 9

   Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley.