Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting, savory dish that combines tender ground beef, rich cream sauce, and pasta cooked to perfection. It’s a hearty, flavor-packed meal that comes together quickly and satisfies every time. I love how the garlic and Parmesan cheese create a bold, creamy base that clings to every bite of pasta and beef.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I always reach for this recipe when I want something filling, flavorful, and easy to throw together. It’s made with simple ingredients I usually already have on hand, and it comes together in under 30 minutes. The creamy garlic sauce is irresistible, and I like how it coats the beef and pasta without feeling too heavy. It’s family-friendly, weeknight-friendly, and seriously satisfying.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground beef

• Pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)

• Garlic, minced

• Onion, diced

• Heavy cream

• Beef broth

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Olive oil or butter

• Salt and black pepper

• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

1. I begin by cooking the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then I drain it and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.

3. I add the ground beef and cook until browned, seasoning it with salt and pepper as it cooks.

4. Once the beef is cooked through, I pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

5. I let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly, then I stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.

6. I add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.

7. I serve it hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra cheese if I’m feeling generous.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

• I sometimes use Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a spicier version.

• For added veggies, I stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas toward the end of cooking.

• If I want a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

• I like to add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.

• Swapping in gluten-free pasta makes this meal friendly for dietary needs.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of cream or broth and warm it on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave until hot. The sauce thickens in the fridge, so the extra liquid helps bring it back to its original creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I use whatever pasta I have on hand. Short shapes like penne or rigatoni work great, but I also love it with fettuccine or spaghetti.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

I substitute with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Adding a bit of butter can help bring back some of that creaminess.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I make it ahead and reheat it when I’m ready to serve. It stores well, and the flavors deepen after a day in the fridge.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely. The creamy sauce and tender beef make it a hit with kids. I sometimes leave out the garlic or use less if I’m cooking for picky eaters.

Can I freeze creamy beef pasta?

I don’t usually freeze cream-based pastas because the sauce can separate, but if I do, I reheat it gently on the stove with added cream or milk to smooth it out.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is the kind of meal I turn to when I want something comforting and quick. It’s loaded with flavor, easy to customize, and always leaves me full and happy. Whether I’m cooking for family or just want a cozy dinner, this dish hits the spot every time.

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

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• Author: Linda
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a hearty, flavor-packed dish featuring ground beef, pasta, and a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Quick to make and deeply satisfying, it’s a go-to for easy weeknight dinners and family meals.

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Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Sauté diced onion until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
3. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned.
4. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
5. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated with the sauce.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

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Notes

• Use Italian sausage for a spicier variation.
• Stir in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added nutrition.
• Half-and-half can be substituted for a lighter version.
• Add red pepper flakes for heat.
• Gluten-free pasta works well for dietary needs.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 26g
• Cholesterol: 95mg