Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for any night of the week. The rich sauce combines savory ground beef, tender linguine, and a creamy parmesan garlic butter base that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy.
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. 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 minced garlic and diced onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 4: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 4–5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve immediately. Optionally, top with extra parmesan and black pepper.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when simmering the cream and cheese.
- Use half ground beef and half Italian sausage for a richer flavor.
- Swap linguine for fettuccine or spaghetti if preferred.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
- If you prefer a lighter cream sauce, substitute half the heavy cream with whole milk.
Storage
Store leftover linguine in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to maintain the creamy texture.
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 beef a day in advance. Store separately from the pasta and combine just before serving for best texture.
What can I use instead of heavy cream?
You can substitute half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken, though the sauce will be less rich and creamy.
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Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich, comforting pasta dish combining tender ground beef with a luscious garlic-infused butter and creamy parmesan sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight meal, it balances robust flavors with smooth texture, enhanced by a subtle hint of Italian seasoning and fresh herbs.
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 Aromatics
- 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 the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine and cook until al dente according to package instructions, typically about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the cooking water, and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet with the garlic and onions. Break the meat apart with a spatula and cook until browned evenly, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once cooked, drain off any excess fat to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
- Make the creamy sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the freshly grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Continue simmering for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked linguine directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently with tongs or a fork to evenly coat the pasta. If the sauce feels too thick or clings too tightly, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or thyme over the pasta for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately, optionally topping with extra parmesan cheese and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly without thinning flavor.
- For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes or omit them for a milder dish.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
- Ground beef leaner than 80/20 may require less draining of fat; adjust cooking accordingly.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Creamy parmesan linguine, ground beef pasta, garlic butter sauce, Italian comfort food, easy dinner recipes
