Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta
Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef with a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce, perfectly coating al dente pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, this one-pan meal delivers elegant taste with minimal cleanup, making it ideal for family dinners, date nights, or casual gatherings.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Contains Gluten and Dairy (can be adapted to dairy-free and gluten-free)
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 12 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- Prepare the Ingredients: Finely chop the garlic and onion. Measure out the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Having all ingredients ready ensures smooth cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to package instructions until just al dente. Drain well, reserving one cup of pasta water for later use if needed to adjust sauce consistency.
- Sauté the Beef, Garlic, and Onion: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and cook until fragrant and translucent. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly while stirring gently. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Stir thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic beef sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor and aroma.
- Do not overcook pasta; al dente texture helps hold the sauce better.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness without diluting flavors.
- Brown the beef well to deepen the flavor and add texture.
- Add Parmesan cheese gradually off heat to avoid clumping and ensure smooth melting.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: creamy garlic beef pasta, garlic beef pasta, creamy pasta recipe, quick beef pasta, one-pot pasta, comfort food, easy dinner recipe