If you’re hunting for the ultimate weeknight dinner that’s bold, luscious, and full of comfort, look no further than this Garlic Butter Beef Pasta. In just one skillet, you’ll create silky noodles drenched in a rich, garlicky cream sauce, tossed with savory ground beef and finished with a shower of Parmesan. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone sprinting to the table—every bite is pure joy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ultra Creamy Comfort: The combination of garlic butter, cream, and Parmesan coats every noodle, making every forkful decadent and irresistible.
- One-Pot Magic: Fewer dishes, less hassle—the pasta cooks right in the sauce for unbeatable flavor and easy cleanup.
- Bold Garlicky Flavor: If you love garlic (and who doesn’t?), this dish is a dream come true with layers of savory depth.
- Family-Friendly & Flexible: Even picky eaters cheer for Garlic Butter Beef Pasta, and it’s a breeze to customize with what’s in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in Garlic Butter Beef Pasta has a role to play, creating that rich, crave-worthy flavor and creamy texture you’ll love. These simple, everyday staples come together for a dish that tastes far more luxurious than the ingredient list lets on!
- Butter: The golden foundation—melts into the pan, infusing everything with deep, savory flavor.
- Ground beef: Choose 85% or 90% lean for juicy, tender crumbles that soak up all that glorious sauce.
- Fresh garlic: Four cloves may sound like a lot, but trust me, it’s just the right amount for boldness without overpowering.
- Onion powder & garlic powder: These add an extra layer of allium goodness and round out the savoriness.
- Italian seasoning: Just a half teaspoon brings a subtle hint of herbs—perfect with creamy sauces.
- Chicken broth: Adds rich body to the sauce, helping the noodles cook and infuse with extra flavor.
- Heavy cream: For full-on silkiness, nothing beats heavy cream—it gives the dish its unmistakable luxurious mouthfeel.
- Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): Salty, nutty, and essential as the finishing touch!
- Linguine or fettuccine: These wide noodles catch every bit of sauce; either works, so pick your favorite.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle at the end brings balance and a burst of color.
- Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: As always, these classic seasonings pull all the flavors together.
Variations
Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is endlessly adaptable, so don’t hesitate to make it your own! Whether you’re swapping to suit your cravings or accommodating dietary needs, a few simple tweaks can change up the whole vibe.
- Swap the protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based grounds for a different flavor profile or for lighter fare.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta: Both work beautifully—just keep an eye on texture as they cook.
- Add veggies: Toss in baby spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms in the last few minutes for a nutritional boost and some gorgeous color.
- Spice it up: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika if you love a little heat with your creamy pasta!
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Garlic
Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat—watch how it bubbles and foams, filling the kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma. Add the ground beef, sprinkling with salt and pepper, and break it up with a spatula as it browns. When the meat is cooked through, drain any excess fat if you like it a bit lighter. Now, toss in the minced garlic and let it sizzle just until fragrant (about 30 seconds). This base is what gives the whole dish its heavenly flavor.
Step 2: Build the Flavor Foundation
With the beef sizzling happily, add the onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Give everything a good stir to coat the beef in those aromatic spices. You’ll instantly notice how the fragrance deepens—this is the secret to a really robust, cozy pasta!
Step 3: Simmer the Pasta Right in the Sauce
Pour in the chicken broth and the heavy cream, then add your pasta straight into the skillet (no need to pre-cook!). Stir to make sure all the noodles are nestled into the liquid. Bring it all to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low, stirring every few minutes to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb the broth and cream, becoming gorgeously tender—about 10 minutes. If it looks a little dry, just add a splash more broth or water as needed.
Step 4: Add the Cheese and Finish
When the pasta is perfectly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and silky smooth. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Right before serving, scatter over a bit of fresh parsley for brightness—you’re ready to dig in!
Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
- Use Fresh Garlic, Not Jarred: The depth and punch of freshly minced garlic make all the difference for authentic flavor.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Let the beef get a nice brown for added flavor; work in batches if your skillet is smaller.
- Monitor Your Liquid: Noodles absorb sauce as they cook—increase the broth if the mixture gets too thick before the pasta is done.
- Always Grate Parmesan Fresh: Pre-grated cheese can clump and never melts as lusciously as the real deal.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped fresh parsley really wakes up this creamy pasta, while a final sprinkle of extra Parmesan turns it into an irresistible showstopper. If you like a bit of zing, try cracked black pepper or a light dusting of red pepper flakes right at the table.
Side Dishes
Pair Garlic Butter Beef Pasta with a crisp green salad—maybe something peppery like arugula, or a classic Caesar. Warm, chewy garlic bread or a rustic baguette is perfect for sopping up every last drop of sauce (trust me, nobody will want to leave a morsel behind!).
Creative Ways to Present
For family-style dining, serve the pasta in a big, shallow bowl garnished with fresh herbs and lemon zest. Hosting friends? Twirl generous portions onto plates and finish with a dramatic tableside cheese grating. You can even portion it into small ramekins and broil briefly for a gorgeous, golden Parmesan crust.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Beef Pasta keeps beautifully in an airtight container, refrigerated for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken a bit as it sits, but that just means the flavor deepens, too!
Freezing
This pasta can be frozen, though the creamy sauce might separate upon thawing. For best results, cool completely, freeze portions in sealed containers, and thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat Garlic Butter Beef Pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, splashing in a bit of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and restore that creamy lusciousness. Stir well, and top with extra Parmesan to refresh the flavors.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While linguine or fettuccine deliver the creamiest results, you can use penne, spaghetti, or even short shapes like rigatoni—just monitor for doneness as cooking times vary.
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Can I make Garlic Butter Beef Pasta with half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce will be a bit lighter and less velvety. If you want an extra-rich mouthfeel, heavy cream truly is the best choice.
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What can I use instead of Parmesan cheese?
Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great stand-ins, offering similar salty-sweet notes. Even a high-quality shredded mozzarella can create a creamier result if that’s what you have on hand.
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How can I make this Garlic Butter Beef Pasta spicier?
To add a kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the seasonings, or serve with a drizzle of chili oil for a delicious spicy finish.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving something cozy, satisfying, and seriously packed with flavor, you just have to try Garlic Butter Beef Pasta. It’s a go-to recipe for busy nights and special occasions alike—delightfully easy, always crowd-pleasing, and guaranteed to become a favorite at your table. Enjoy every garlicky, buttery bite!
PrintGarlic Butter Beef Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Stovetop
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is a creamy and flavorful dish that is sure to please the whole family. Tender linguine or fettuccine noodles are cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with seasoned ground beef, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
Main Dish:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for serving
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown the beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain fat, if needed.
- Add Aromatics and Seasonings: Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook Pasta: Pour in chicken broth, cream, and pasta, ensuring the pasta is submerged in the liquid. Bring to a low simmer, cover, and cook on low until pasta is tender and most liquid has absorbed, approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and add more liquid if necessary.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 43g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 145mg