Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is a rich and comforting dish that combines tender beef, al dente pasta, and a velvety garlic-infused sauce. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving something hearty and delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Rich and Creamy – A luscious garlic sauce coats every bite.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 30 minutes.
- Family-Friendly – A crowd-pleaser for kids and adults alike.
- Customizable – Adjust seasonings, pasta types, or protein to your liking.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Tastes even better the next day!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- Ground beef (or sliced steak)
- Butter
- Garlic (minced)
- Onion (diced)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- Beef broth
- Worcestershire sauce
- Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta – Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef – In a large skillet, cook ground beef or sliced steak over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion – In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic and onion until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce – Pour in beef broth and Worcestershire sauce. Simmer for 2 minutes, then stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning.
- Add Cheese – Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine Everything – Add cooked pasta and beef back into the skillet. Toss until coated in the creamy garlic sauce.
- Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Enjoy warm!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- Mushroom Lovers: Stir in sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or cream cheese for a richer sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
- Herb Boost: Add fresh basil or thyme for extra aroma.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (without pasta for best results).
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, fettuccine, or even spaghetti work well.
What’s the best beef for this recipe?
Ground beef is quick and easy, but thinly sliced steak adds extra flavor.
Can I make this lighter?
Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter slightly.
How do I keep the sauce from getting too thick?
Add a little extra beef broth or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the sauce separately and mix with fresh pasta when ready to serve.
What can I serve this with?
Garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables pair well.
Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, but pre-shredded can work in a pinch.
How do I make this extra garlicky?
Increase the garlic or roast it beforehand for a deeper flavor.
Can I add veggies?
Absolutely! Spinach, bell peppers, or peas make great additions.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to keep it creamy.
Conclusion
Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and quick preparation, this dish is perfect for busy nights or when you want a hearty homemade meal. Try it today and enjoy every delicious bite!
PrintBeef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce
This Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is a rich, hearty, and flavorful dish made with tender beef, garlic-infused cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s a comforting and easy one-pan meal that comes together in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Pasta, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or ground beef (thinly sliced or crumbled)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
- Add sliced beef or ground beef, seasoning with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until browned, then transfer to a plate.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring until thickened.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet.
- Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together.
- If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until creamy.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve warm with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
- Meat Options: Swap sirloin for ground beef, steak strips, or even chicken.
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese.
- Extra Flavor: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for more depth.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat with a splash of cream.