Garlic Butter Beef Pasta Recipe

Rich, creamy, and loaded with crave-worthy flavor, Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that comes together in just one skillet. Every forkful is packed with juicy beef, velvety sauce, and tender pasta—making it a true weeknight dinner hero your whole family will love!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This Garlic Butter Beef Pasta uses simple, everyday ingredients that create a perfect harmony of flavors. Each element has a special part to play—adding creaminess, boldness, or a fresh finishing touch that makes this dish irresistible.

• Butter: The heart of the sauce, giving richness and that signature garlic-butter flavor.
• Ground Beef: Brings savory depth and turns this pasta into a filling main course.
• Garlic: Four whole cloves, minced, ensure that every bite has an aromatic punch.
• Onion Powder & Garlic Powder: These add layers of savory flavor and round out the sauce beautifully.
• Italian Seasoning: Offers an herbaceous, classic Italian vibe with minimal effort.
• Chicken Broth: Gives body to the sauce and helps cook the pasta directly in the pan for maximum flavor absorption.
• Heavy Cream: For luscious, silky richness that coats every strand of pasta.
• Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, salty finish—don’t skip it!
• Linguine or Fettuccine: Wide, chewy noodles that soak up all that garlicky, buttery sauce.
• Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning at every stage—taste as you go!
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and brightness to the final dish.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is how adaptable it is! Don’t be afraid to make it your own with substitutions, add-ins, or a little creative flair to match your taste buds or pantry.

• Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a different twist.
• Add Some Greens: Stir in a handful of spinach or kale at the end for a pop of color and extra nutrition.
• Spice It Up: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne if you like a little heat.
• Lighter Cream Sauce: Use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream for a lighter (but still creamy) sauce.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Melt the Butter

Start by melting the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. As soon as it’s bubbling and fragrant, add your ground beef. Season it well with salt and black pepper, then use a spatula to break it up as it cooks. You want the beef to be nicely browned for a rich, savory flavor base—just be sure to drain off excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic and Seasonings

Once the beef is cooked through, sprinkle in your minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. (Trust me—it’ll smell heavenly!) Next, add the onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir to coat the beef in all those layered flavors.

Step 3: Add Broth, Cream & Pasta

Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add the dry pasta, making sure it’s submerged as much as possible. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low. Stir occasionally and keep an eye on the pasta—it should soften and the liquid will gradually thicken into a luscious sauce. If things look dry, just splash in a bit more broth or water.

Step 4: Stir in Parmesan and Finish

When the pasta is perfectly tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, remove the lid and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Give everything a loving stir until the cheese melts and the sauce is silky. Taste, then add more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Spoon the Garlic Butter Beef Pasta into bowls, then shower each serving with chopped fresh parsley and extra parmesan if you’re feeling fancy. Grab a fork, and dive into pure comfort.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

Garnishes

A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley is classic, but try adding lemon zest or a few grinds of black pepper right before serving—these little bursts of brightness make Garlic Butter Beef Pasta even more irresistible. And of course, don’t hold back on extra Parmesan!

Side Dishes

This dish loves simple sides! Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette, steamed broccoli, or buttery garlic bread to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce. Roasted asparagus or a tangy tomato salad also complement the rich flavors beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style gatherings, pile the pasta high on a large platter and finish with a flourish of herbs and cheese. For date night, twirl the noodles into elegant nests and top with a sprinkle of chives. You can even serve in little ramekins for a fun party twist—every presentation makes Garlic Butter Beef Pasta feel special!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen over time, and it reheats beautifully for lunch or dinner the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze Garlic Butter Beef Pasta, though the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing due to the cream. To minimize this, let the pasta cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, place pasta in a skillet or microwave-safe dish and add a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess as it warms. Stir occasionally until heated through—your Garlic Butter Beef Pasta will taste nearly as good as fresh!

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that tastes special but comes together with pantry staples, put Garlic Butter Beef Pasta at the top of your list. I truly hope you enjoy every creamy, savory bite—now go grab your skillet and treat yourself to some well-deserved comfort!

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