Creamy Garlic Beef with Pasta is a cozy, satisfying dish that delivers bold flavor and rich texture in every forkful. Tender beef is cooked in a garlicky cream sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, making it the ultimate comfort meal I love to whip up on busy nights or when I want something hearty and filling.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe brings together savory beef, creamy sauce, and pasta in one delicious skillet. It’s incredibly easy to make, requires simple pantry ingredients, and comes together in about 30 minutes. The garlic gives the sauce a punchy depth that blends beautifully with the cream and tender meat. Whether I’m feeding my family or just myself, this dish always satisfies.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
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Beef strips or ground beef
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Olive oil or butter
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Garlic, minced
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Onion, chopped
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Heavy cream
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Beef broth
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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Salt
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Black pepper
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Optional: red pepper flakes, parsley for garnish
directions
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I start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the pasta until al dente, then draining and setting it aside.
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In a large skillet, I heat oil or butter over medium-high heat and cook the beef until browned and cooked through. I remove it from the pan and set it aside.
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In the same skillet, I add a bit more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion until soft, then stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
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I pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for a few minutes to reduce slightly.
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I add the heavy cream, stir in grated Parmesan, and season with salt and pepper. I let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly.
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I return the beef to the skillet and stir to coat it in the creamy garlic sauce.
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I add the cooked pasta, tossing everything together until well combined. I let it heat through for another minute or two.
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I garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4 generous servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes
Variations
Sometimes I swap the beef for chicken or sausage for a different flavor. I’ve also added mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for extra texture and nutrition. If I want a spicy version, I sprinkle in red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of pesto for a herby kick. For a richer sauce, I mix in a bit of cream cheese or mascarpone.
storage/reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through to keep the pasta from drying out. I don’t recommend freezing it, as the cream sauce can separate.
FAQs
What cut of beef is best for this recipe?
I usually use sirloin or flank steak sliced into strips, but ground beef works great too for a quicker option.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
I’ve used whole milk in a pinch, but the sauce is thinner. For the best texture, I stick with heavy cream or half-and-half.
How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
I make sure the heat is on low when I add the cream, and I don’t let it boil too hard. Stirring gently helps keep it smooth.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I sometimes prep the sauce and beef in advance, then cook the pasta and reheat everything together right before serving.
What pasta shape works best?
I love using short pasta like penne or rigatoni, but fettuccine or linguine work great too. Anything that holds the sauce well will do the job.
Conclusion
Creamy Garlic Beef with Pasta is one of those go-to meals I turn to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and easy. The tender beef, silky garlic sauce, and comforting pasta make it a winner every time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend dinner, this dish always hits the spot.
Print
Creamy Garlic Beef With Pasta: Hearty & Delicious Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
Creamy Garlic Beef with Pasta is a comforting and flavorful meal made with tender beef, garlicky cream sauce, and your favorite pasta. It’s a quick, hearty dinner that’s perfect for busy nights or cozy evenings in.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)
- 1 lb beef strips or ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Cook beef until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add more oil if needed. Sauté onion until soft, then add garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Pour in beef broth and simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Simmer until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return beef to skillet and stir to coat with the creamy sauce.
- Add cooked pasta and toss until well combined and heated through.
- Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Swap beef with chicken or sausage for variety.
- Add mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrients.
- Stir in red pepper flakes or pesto for added flavor.
- Use cream cheese or mascarpone for a richer sauce.
- Use half-and-half instead of cream if preferred, but expect a thinner sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
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