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Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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