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

Scale

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