Print

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta
Print Recipe

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender ground beef with a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in about 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, offering rich, hearty goodness with simple pantry staples and versatile customization options.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 12 oz pasta (fettuccine, penne, rigatoni, or your choice)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of the pasta water for later use in the sauce.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, sautéing until softened and fragrant to build a flavorful base for the sauce.
  3. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the aromatics. Break apart the meat with a spatula and cook until browned and no longer pink, seasoning it with salt and pepper as it cooks.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to blend evenly. Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts and the sauce thickens slightly to a smooth consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet. Toss gently to coat the noodles with the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
  6. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle chopped parsley or basil over the top. Toss everything together one final time before serving warm.

Notes

  • Fresh Garlic Matters: Use fresh minced garlic for a more robust and aromatic flavor rather than garlic powder.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente texture so pasta holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
  • Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps loosen the sauce without diluting its flavor.
  • Brown the Beef Well: Slight caramelization develops deeper, savory flavors.
  • Use Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better and tastes richer than pre-shredded.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta, beef pasta recipe, garlic cream sauce pasta, easy beef pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food, creamy pasta dish

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/creamy-garlic-beef-pasta/