If you crave the kind of comfort food that soothes your soul and makes family and friends gather around the table a little longer, this Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is about to be your new favorite. Imagine velvety pasta ribbons swirled with succulent ground beef, tossed in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce that clings to every bite, finished with a shower of Parmesan and fresh parsley. It’s rich, satisfying, and delightfully simple to put together, ideal for busy weeknights or any time you’re eager to enjoy pure, cozy flavor with minimal fuss. This is a dish that begs to be twirled onto forks and shared, so let’s get cooking!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is in its simplicity. Each ingredient brings its own character to the pan—richness, texture, or a spark of brightness—so don’t skip a thing! Here’s what you’ll need and why each is essential:
- Pasta (12 oz fettuccine or penne): Both shapes soak up the creamy sauce; choose fettuccine for extra silkiness, or penne for a heartier bite.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps brown the beef for savory, crispy edges and enhances the overall flavor.
- Ground beef (1 pound): The star element, adding richness and satisfying protein.
- Unsalted butter (4 tablespoons): Builds the sauce’s luxurious base; unsalted lets you control the seasoning perfectly.
- Garlic (6 cloves, minced): The essential flavor backbone, it gives the sauce warmth and depth.
- Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): A fragrant blend that amplifies every savory note in the dish.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a subtle kick and sparkle; add more if you like it spicy.
- Heavy cream (1 cup): The ingredient that brings dreamy creaminess, binding the sauce together.
- Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup, grated): Melts into the sauce, adding umami and that irresistible cheesy finish.
- Salt and black pepper (to taste): The simple but necessary finishing touch for a balanced bite.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, optional): Adds a pop of color and freshness to brighten up the creamy richness.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop in your chosen pasta and cook until perfectly al dente, following the package directions. Once ready, remember to reserve about 1/2 cup of that amazing starchy cooking water (it helps loosen the sauce later), then drain the rest. Set the pasta aside—soon it will be ready to embrace all that Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta goodness!
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Let it cook until each crumb is caramelized and no longer pink, about 5-6 minutes. A sprinkle of salt and a fresh grind of pepper now will ensure the meat tastes amazing. When browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to a bowl, leaving any delicious browned bits and juices behind in the pan.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In that same skillet and with that glorious beefy goodness still coating the bottom, add the butter. Let it melt until foamy and golden, then stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute, just until the kitchen is filled with the irresistible scent of toasted garlic. Be careful not to brown it though—a gentle golden hue is perfect.
Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce
Sprinkle in your Italian seasoning (and red pepper flakes, if using) and quickly follow with the heavy cream. Reduce the heat, and bring this mixture to a gentle simmer. Whisk in the Parmesan cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a creamy, dreamy sauce that will coat your pasta effortlessly.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and give everything a good stir so it’s well mixed. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce seems a little too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water a bit at a time, stirring until you reach your perfect creamy consistency. Let it all warm through for another minute or two so every strand or tube of pasta is lovingly coated in the Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta sauce.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Garnishes
Top your pasta with a generous flurry of extra Parmesan and a sprinkle of fresh parsley—these really bring color, texture, and bright, peppery flavor that lifts up the whole dish. For a hint of heat and flair, a few more red pepper flakes never hurt!
Side Dishes
Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta shines alongside classics like warm, crusty garlic bread for dipping and swiping up extra sauce. If you want something green, serve it with a simple salad tossed in a zesty vinaigrette or roasted vegetables for balance and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
Try twirling individual pasta nests onto plates for a restaurant-style presentation or serve family-style in a big platter with extra cheese melting over the top. For date night, finish each bowl with a drizzle of good olive oil and cracked pepper to make it extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to meld and become even more savory as they rest, so your next-day lunch will feel extra indulgent.
Freezing
While creamy sauces don’t always freeze perfectly, you can absolutely freeze this pasta if needed. Let it cool completely, then pack into freezer-safe containers. Reheat gently from frozen for ultimate comfort food in minutes!
Reheating
Gently reheat Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the original creamy texture. Stir well and heat through until hot, being careful not to overcook.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely—ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work beautifully in this recipe. Each will give the Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta its own unique spin, so don’t be afraid to mix things up based on what you have or your favorite flavors.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta (like brown rice or chickpea-based varieties) and double-check that your Parmesan is certified gluten-free. The creamy sauce will work just as well!
How spicy is this pasta?
The red pepper flakes lend just a hint of warmth. If you skip them, the Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta will be completely mild, so it’s easy to adjust for anyone’s spice preference.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A mix of whole milk and a couple tablespoons of cream cheese or mascarpone makes a great substitute and adds lovely richness to the sauce. You could also try half-and-half for a slightly lighter version.
How can I make it even creamier?
For a next-level creamy texture, stir in a spoonful of cream cheese or mascarpone right at the end. It turns the sauce into pure silk and makes each bite of Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta feel like a special treat.
Final Thoughts
There’s something so inviting about a big steaming bowl of Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta—it’s the kind of meal everyone looks forward to at the end of a long day. Simple to make but utterly satisfying, this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation. Try it soon, and prepare for lots of happy smiles around the dinner table!
Print
Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the rich and creamy goodness of this delectable Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta. A satisfying dish that combines tender ground beef with a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta:
12 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or penne)
Other Ingredients:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 pound ground beef, 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 6 cloves garlic (minced), 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional), 1 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, salt and black pepper to taste, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, then remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it. Simmer for 1–2 more minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of cream cheese or mascarpone.
- You can use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef.
- This dish pairs well with roasted vegetables or garlic bread.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Fat: 45g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
