Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta

This creamy beef garlic butter pasta is perfect for nights when you want something hearty but uncomplicated. It blends rich flavors with simple ingredients, making it a reliable meal for busy evenings that still feels a bit special.

I threw this together on a random weeknight after a long day and it quickly became a favorite for its creamy texture and comforting taste.

Ingredients

• Spaghetti or fettuccine: offers the classic base choose quality pasta that holds sauce well for best texture
• Ground beef: adds savory richness aim for 80/20 for enough fat to keep it moist and flavorful
• Unsalted butter: carries the garlic flavor smoothly and allows you to control seasoning better
• Fresh garlic: is key for bright pungency never use pre-minced for freshest taste
• Heavy cream: gives the sauce that indulgent creamy texture opt for full fat for best results
• Parmesan cheese: deepens the savory notes choose freshly grated for the best melt and flavor
• Salt and black pepper: balance and enhance flavors start light and adjust to taste
• Fresh parsley: adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness chop just before serving
• Red pepper flakes: add an optional subtle heat that warms without overpowering

Instructions

Build The Pasta Base:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook until al dente which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes depending on the shape. Drain carefully but reserve half a cup of the cooking water. This starchy water is a secret weapon for smoothing the sauce later.

Brown The Beef:

While the pasta cooks heat a large skillet over medium to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and use a wooden spoon to break it up into small pieces. Let the meat cook without stirring for a few minutes to build a slight crust then stir and continue cooking for a total of about 5 minutes until the beef is nicely browned and slightly crispy at the edges.

Add Butter and Garlic:

Turn the heat down to medium. Add the butter directly to the beef in the pan. Once melted add the minced garlic. Stir continuously for about 2 minutes making sure the garlic softens and releases its aroma but does not turn brown which could make it bitter.

Create The Cream Sauce:

Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the warmed beef garlic mixture. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If it feels too thick don’t hesitate to add some of that reserved pasta water little by little until it reaches a smooth consistency. Season with salt and black pepper at this point but start with moderate amounts.

Melt In Cheese:

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the sauce and stir gently until it melts fully creating a glossy rich sauce. This step adds depth and richness so do not rush it.

Combine Pasta and Finish:

Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly so every strand or piece is coated in that creamy sauce. If the mixture feels dry or clumpy add more reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time.

Add Fresh Parsley and Optional Heat:

Stir in the chopped fresh parsley and sprinkle in red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Give the pasta a final taste and adjust salt pepper or heat as needed. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and parsley on the side for topping.

One of my favorite parts about this dish is the garlic butter sauce it feels indulgent without being complicated. A memorable moment was sharing this meal with friends during a casual get-together the simple ingredients turned into a real crowd-pleaser every time.

Storage tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat gently warm on the stove over low heat adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce without drying it out. Avoid the microwave for reheating to preserve the sauce texture.

Ingredient swaps

Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option though the sauce will feel less rich. Use half and half instead of heavy cream for a lower fat but still creamy sauce. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a dairy-free variation but expect a different flavor profile.

Serving ideas

Pair this pasta with a simple green salad dressed lightly with lemon and olive oil to balance the richness. Garlic bread on the side is always a welcome upgrade and perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce. A crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements the creamy texture beautifully.

This creamy beef garlic butter pasta is a quick flavorful meal you can enjoy any night of the week.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How do I prevent the garlic from burning?

Cook minced garlic over medium heat and stir continuously. Remove from heat as soon as it becomes soft and fragrant to avoid bitterness.

→ Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, spaghetti or fettuccine work well, but feel free to try penne, rigatoni, or any preferred shape that holds sauce nicely.

→ What’s the purpose of reserved pasta water?

Adding reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and allows it to cling better to the noodles for a silkier texture.

→ How do I achieve the right sauce thickness?

Simmer the cream and butter mixture gently until it thickens slightly. Adjust by adding pasta water if the sauce becomes too thick.

→ Can I adjust the heat level in this dish?

Yes, adding red pepper flakes provides a mild spice. You can increase or omit them based on your preference.

→ What cheese is best for this dish?

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts smoothly and adds a nutty, salty depth that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.