Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Hearty Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Creamy garlic sauce brings magic to classic beef pasta with its irresistible charm.

Weeknight dinners demand something special that feels like a warm hug.

Home cooks can whip up this comforting dish faster than you might expect.

Rich, velvety textures blend perfectly with tender beef and silky noodles.

Garlic lovers will appreciate the depth of flavor packed into each delectable bite.

Simple ingredients create an extraordinary meal that sparks conversation around the dinner table.

Why Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce Tastes Amazing

  • Savor Quick Comfort
  • Master Beginner-Friendly Cooking: No culinary degree needed! Even kitchen newbies can nail this recipe with straightforward steps that guarantee a delicious outcome every single time.
  • Create Family-Pleasing Dinner: Watch everyone's eyes light up when this creamy, cheesy pasta hits the table. Kids and adults alike will be asking for seconds, making mealtime a total win.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for chicken, add extra veggies, or sprinkle different herbs to make this recipe truly your own. Flexibility meets flavor in this versatile dinner solution.

What You’ll Need For Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A savory and hearty protein that forms the base of the dish and adds rich flavor.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: A luxurious combination that creates a smooth and creamy sauce with a delightful tangy undertone.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Minced Garlic: A pungent ingredient that provides depth and aromatic flavor to the beef sauce.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste of the dish.
Pasta:
  • Pasta: A classic carbohydrate that serves as the perfect vehicle for the creamy beef sauce.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright and fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a light, herbal note to the finished dish.

Simple Steps To Make Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce

Step 1: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Break up the ground beef into the pan, allowing it to brown beautifully. Cook until the meat transforms from pink to a rich, deep brown color, creating delicious caramelized edges.

Step 2: Awaken Garlic Flavors

Sprinkle minced garlic into the beef-filled skillet. Stir and let the garlic dance around, releasing its aromatic magic for about 60 seconds. The kitchen will fill with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and shower the skillet with Parmesan cheese. Gently stir ingredients until:
  • Cream becomes silky smooth
  • Cheese melts completely
  • Sauce reaches a velvety consistency

Step 4: Prepare Pasta Perfection

Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain pasta thoroughly, ensuring no excess water remains.

Step 5: Marry Pasta with Beef Sauce

Transfer drained pasta directly into the skillet with creamy beef sauce. Use tongs or a wooden spoon to softly toss, coating each pasta strand with the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Season and Enhance

Sprinkle salt and pepper across the dish. Taste and adjust seasonings to your preference.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the pasta immediately. Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dig in with excitement.

Tips For Making Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Pat the ground beef dry before browning to ensure a perfect golden-brown crust and enhance flavor development.
  • Choose full-fat heavy cream for a richer, more luxurious sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta.
  • Reserve a small amount of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, helping create a silky texture.
  • Consider using high-quality Parmesan cheese grated fresh for maximum flavor and smooth melting.
  • For a lighter version, swap ground beef with ground turkey and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories.

Easy Ways To Change Up Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Spicy Beef Pasta: Add red pepper flakes or sliced jalapeños to the sauce for a fiery kick.
  • Mediterranean Beef Pasta: Mix in sun-dried tomatoes, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped fresh basil for a Mediterranean-inspired version.
  • Mushroom Beef Pasta: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the beef and garlic for an earthy, umami-rich flavor profile.
  • Herb-Infused Beef Pasta: Stir in fresh chopped herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano to elevate the sauce's complexity.

Best Sides For Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich, creamy beef pasta. The wine's tannins will cut through the sauce's richness and enhance the meat's savory flavor.
  • Add Fresh Herb Salad: Create a light side salad with mixed greens, fresh basil, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette. The bright, crisp salad will balance the heavy, creamy pasta dish and provide a refreshing contrast.
  • Serve with Roasted Garlic Bread: Prepare crusty garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce. The crispy, garlicky bread will add extra texture and help capture every last bit of the creamy sauce.
  • Finish with Tangy Pickled Vegetables: Include a small side of quick-pickled cucumber or onions.

How To Store Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce Right

  • Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
  • Carefully pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if cream sauce is very thin.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore sauce consistency.

Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or farfalle. The key is to choose a shape that holds the creamy sauce well.

  • Is it possible to make this dish with ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef and will work perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly.

  • How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the cooking process. These will boost the nutritional value and add extra flavor to the dish.

  • Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

You can partially prepare it by browning the beef and making the sauce in advance. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and cook fresh pasta to combine.

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Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.5 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Savory beef pasta in a creamy garlic sauce promises a delightful culinary journey through rich, comforting flavors. Creamy textures and robust seasonings invite you to savor each delectable bite of this irresistible Italian-inspired meal.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) pasta (any variety)
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature and sear the ground beef until it develops a rich, golden-brown color and releases its savory juices.
  2. Introduce minced garlic to the beef, stirring rapidly to prevent burning and allow the aromatic flavors to bloom for approximately 45-60 seconds.
  3. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, whisking continuously while sprinkling Parmesan cheese, creating a silky, luxurious sauce that clings smoothly to the meat.
  4. Simultaneously, prepare pasta in a separate pot of salted boiling water, cooking until achieving an al dente texture, typically 8-10 minutes depending on pasta variety.
  5. Drain pasta thoroughly, then gently fold it into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated with the decadent sauce.
  6. Elevate the dish’s flavor profile by seasoning with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  7. Transfer the pasta to warm serving plates, garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish that adds visual appeal and subtle brightness.

Notes

  • Enhance beef flavor by using a cast-iron skillet for deeper caramelization and richer taste.
  • Control sauce thickness by adjusting cream quantity; less cream creates a tighter sauce, more cream makes it silkier.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for lighter, diet-friendly alternatives without compromising texture.
  • Reserve pasta cooking water to help emulsify sauce if it becomes too thick, ensuring smooth and glossy coating.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 54 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 42 g
  • Cholesterol: 115 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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