Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners. Rich, cheesy, and infused with aromatic garlic and herbs, it comes together quickly and satisfies every craving for a hearty pasta dish.
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 the linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
- 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.
- 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, 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. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 5: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce and toss gently to coat. If the sauce seems too thick, stir in reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the desired consistency.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk, but note the sauce will be less rich.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and taste; pre-grated cheese can affect the sauce’s creaminess.
- If you like a bit more heat, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
Storage
Store leftover pasta 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 milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Avoid overheating to keep the cream sauce smooth.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with other long pasta types like fettuccine or spaghetti. Adjust cooking times according to the pasta package instructions.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Simmer the sauce gently on low heat and avoid boiling once the cream and cheese are added. Stir frequently and add reserved pasta water gradually to maintain a smooth consistency.
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Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender ground beef, savory garlic and onion sautéed in butter, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, this recipe combines al dente linguine with a smooth, flavorful sauce garnished with fresh herbs for an elegant touch.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Herbs
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Other
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add linguine pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use. Set the cooked linguine aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and finely diced onion. Sauté until they become fragrant and the onions turn translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the garlic and onions. Cook until the beef is fully browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Season the meat with salt, ground black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once cooked, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Make Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Stir in the freshly grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Toss Pasta in Sauce: Add the cooked linguine directly into the skillet with the cream sauce. Toss gently to combine and coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and achieve the desired consistency.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve the linguine immediately, optionally topping with extra parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper for added flavor.
Notes
- Adjust salt to taste depending on the saltiness of the parmesan cheese used.
- For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best texture and flavor.
- If dairy-free alternatives are needed, substitute heavy cream and butter with suitable plant-based options, but note that this will change the flavor profile.
- Reserve pasta water carefully, as it contains starch that helps thicken and bind the sauce better.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine, garlic butter sauce, ground beef pasta, creamy pasta recipe, Italian pasta dinner
