Go Back
+ servings
Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta with low carb keto penne served in a bowl

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta with Low Carb Keto Penne

A comforting low-carb dinner featuring a silky garlic cream sauce, seasoned ground beef, and keto-friendly pasta, perfect for chilly evenings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Course Comfort Food, Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

Pasta Ingredients

  • 12 oz low carb keto penne (store-bought or homemade)

Beef and Aromatics

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 6 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cups baby spinach (optional)

Creamy Sauce

  • 4 tbsp olive oil or butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the low carb keto penne according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  • While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tbsp oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until nicely browned, breaking it up. Transfer beef to a plate.
  • Lower heat to medium, add remaining oil or butter, then sauté onion until translucent (3–4 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

Sauce Preparation

  • Pour in the broth and deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits. Add heavy cream, dried oregano, and smoked paprika. Simmer gently for 4–5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

Combine and Serve

  • Return beef to the skillet, stir in the cooked penne and Parmesan. If sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency.
  • Stir in baby spinach until wilted, check seasoning, and garnish with parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Don’t overcook the penne; low carb pastas can go from al dente to mushy quickly. Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze portions for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 15gProtein: 35gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 800mgFiber: 5gSugar: 2g
Keyword comfort food, Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta, easy dinner, Keto Recipe, Low Carb Pasta
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!