Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dinner that’s easy to prepare. Tender ground beef, rich parmesan, and a luscious garlic butter cream sauce come together perfectly over al dente linguine. It’s an ideal weeknight meal that feels special without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve immediately, optionally topping with extra parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
- Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
- If you prefer, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce and heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to prevent curdling.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this sauce pairs well with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, skip the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based ground meat alternatives instead. Use vegetable broth if you want to add more flavor.
PrintCreamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a luscious garlic butter and parmesan cream sauce. Perfectly cooked linguine is tossed in this rich sauce, enriched with Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, then garnished with fresh herbs. This easy one-pan dinner combines hearty protein and creamy cheese for a satisfying meal anytime.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat from the pan for a leaner sauce.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it to your desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra parmesan cheese and a crack of black pepper.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and melt.
- Red pepper flakes add a mild heat but are optional.
- Drain excess fat from cooked beef to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme add a nice brightness to the dish.
Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine, Garlic Butter Sauce, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta sauce, Italian dinner, quick pasta recipe
