Cheesy Pasta
Hi, I’m Brooke! You have probably seen me on Social Media as Meals and Munchies. I’m a busy stay at home mom who loves sharing easy, family-friendly meals that come together fast—because let’s be honest, we don’t always have time for complicated. Whether you’re chasing toddlers, working from home, or just trying to get dinner on the table after work without a fuss, you’re in the right place. Meals and Munchies is where I share real-life recipes that are quick, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. Easy recipes for every day life- let’s get cooking!Whether you’re juggling naptime, homework, or just trying to make it to bedtime with dinner on the table, these easy recipes are here to save the day. No fancy techniques, no complicated ingredients—just real-life meals you can make fast, with minimal stress and maximum flavor. Because easy doesn’t mean boring! These recipes are all beginner friendly and are so easy, anyone can make them! In fact, I often do them with a baby in my arms. This Easy Cheesy Pasta is a quick, comforting 30-minute dinner recipe made with simple pantry staples. Featuring ground beef, marinara sauce, cream cheese, and pasta, this dish comes together fast and delivers a rich, creamy texture with bold flavor in every bite. The cream cheese melts into the sauce to create a smooth, cheesy coating that clings perfectly to the pasta, while optional Italian shredded cheese adds a bubbly, melty finish under the broiler. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, picky eaters, or anyone looking for an easy pasta dinner with ground beef. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this cheesy pasta recipe is budget-friendly, customizable, and guaranteed to be a crowd favorite.
Equipment
- 1 pot, to boil pasta
- 1 skillet, Oven Safe
Ingredients
- 1 lb Ground Beef
- 1 lb Pasta
- 24 oz jar Marinara Sauce
- 8 oz Cream Cheese (chive & Onion works great for this recipe), softened
- Italian Seasoning, to taste
- Truffle Seasoning, to taste
- Salt, for pasta water
- 1 cup Italian Shredded Cheese, optional topping
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
- While the water heats, brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season the beef with Italian seasoning and truffle seasoning (or any seasoning you like).
- Once fully cooked, drain excess grease from the beef & add the marinara sauce to the skillet with the beef.
- Stir in the cream cheese and cook on low, stirring occasionally, until fully melted and a creamy sauce forms.
- Once the water is boiling, generously salt the water and cook the pasta according to package directions.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated.
- (Optional) Sprinkle Italian shredded cheese evenly over the top. Place under the broiler for 1–2 minutes, just until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve warm!