Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This creamy Parmesan beef linguine is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender ground beef with a rich garlic butter sauce and al dente pasta, it’s an easy recipe 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

1. 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.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, black 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 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, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Step 6: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or thyme if desired. Serve immediately, optionally topping with extra Parmesan cheese and a sprinkle of black pepper.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté mushrooms with the onion and garlic before adding the beef.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.
• Add a splash of white wine when simmering the cream for added depth.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different protein option.
• Freshly grate Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor results.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately from the pasta. Reheat the sauce gently and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.

What can I use if I don’t have linguine?

Any long pasta such as spaghetti, fettuccine, or bucatini will work well with this creamy sauce.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 129 reviews

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that combines tender linguine, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy parmesan sauce infused with garlic and Italian herbs. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, it’s easy to prepare and packed with bold flavors.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz linguine pasta

Beef & 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

1. Cook the pasta: 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, and set aside.
2. Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
4. Prepare the sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated parmesan cheese and optional red pepper flakes, then simmer for 4-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked linguine directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
6. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley or thyme if desired, and serve immediately. Optionally top with extra parmesan cheese and cracked black pepper for added flavor.

Notes

• Be sure not to overcook the linguine; al dente texture holds up best with the creamy sauce.
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
• Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
• Reserve some pasta water as it helps to adjust the sauce consistency and improves sauce adhesion to the pasta.
• This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.

Keywords: creamy parmesan beef linguine, garlic butter sauce, ground beef pasta, Italian pasta recipe, easy dinner recipe