Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful weeknight dinner that comes together quickly. Tender linguine noodles are coated in a rich, cheesy sauce with savory ground beef and aromatic garlic. It’s a simple yet indulgent meal the whole family will enjoy.

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

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
4. Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, if using. Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your desired consistency.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, and serve immediately. Optionally, top with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For added depth, use a bit of garlic butter instead of plain butter to sauté the garlic and onions.
• Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different protein option.
• Use fresh parmesan for the best flavor and meltability; pre-grated cheese can affect the sauce texture.
• Add a handful of baby spinach or mushrooms to the beef mixture for extra veggies.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving to maintain the creaminess of the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this sauce works well with many pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free parmesan alternative, but note the flavor will be different. Butter can be replaced with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.4 from 124 reviews

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a deliciously hearty Italian-inspired pasta dish. Featuring tender ground beef simmered in a rich garlic butter and creamy parmesan sauce, tossed with al dente linguine, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The sauce is enhanced with Italian seasoning and a touch of red pepper flakes for subtle heat, while fresh parsley adds a bright finishing touch.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz linguine pasta

Beef and Sauce

• 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)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Sauté garlic and onions: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
3. Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens and becomes creamy.
5. Toss linguine in sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme. Serve immediately, optionally topping with extra parmesan cheese and black pepper for added flavor.

Notes

• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed for a silky texture.
• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth melting in the sauce.
• Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice subtle heat; adjust according to taste.
• Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the sauce from being too greasy.
• Fresh herbs like parsley or thyme elevate the dish with freshness but can be omitted if unavailable.

Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Linguine, Beef Linguine Recipe, Garlic Butter Pasta, Italian Beef Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner