Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. The rich, cheesy sauce combined with savory ground beef and tender linguine creates a satisfying dish that’s easy to make and sure to please the whole family.

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
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- 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.
- Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat from the pan.
- 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 it simmer for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce for a creamier texture.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve immediately. Optionally, top with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with milk or use reduced-fat cheese.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Use fresh linguine if available for a more tender pasta experience.
- If you prefer more heat, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately and combine just before reheating to maintain the best texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni work well. Just adjust the cooking time according to the pasta type.
PrintCreamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Ground beef is browned and simmered in a rich garlic butter and cream sauce, enhanced with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Served over al dente linguine and garnished with fresh herbs, this recipe combines creamy textures and savory flavors for a satisfying meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
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)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then set the pasta aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and finely diced yellow onion, sautéing until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the garlic and onions. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and cooked through. Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain excess fat from the skillet if necessary.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly and becomes creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta thoroughly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the linguine. Serve immediately, optionally topping with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency as needed; starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a lighter version.
- For extra heat, increase red pepper flakes to taste or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for best flavor and texture.
- This dish is best served immediately but can be reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or water.
Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine, Garlic Butter Sauce, Ground Beef Pasta, Italian Pasta Dish, Easy Dinner Recipe

