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Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta
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Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a quick and easy dinner combining tender ground beef, a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta for a comforting meal ready in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy nights in, this flavorful one-pan dish balances protein, carbs, and creamy sauce with customizable options to suit your taste.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 8 oz pasta of choice (penne, fettuccine, rigatoni recommended)
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnishes

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Optional Variations

  • 1 cup spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers (for vegetable boost)
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cream cheese (for extra creaminess)
  • Red pepper flakes or hot sauce, to taste (for spicy kick)
  • Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash (for low-carb option)
  • Substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef (lean protein option)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1 cup of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked. Remove any excess fat if desired.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons butter to the skillet with the beef. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic. If adding vegetables, toss them in now to sauté lightly.
  4. Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in 1 cup heavy cream and stir gently to combine with the beef and garlic. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and fully incorporated, creating a creamy, luscious sauce. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece with the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until desired consistency is reached. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

  • Use freshly minced garlic for the most vibrant flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen and help sauce cling to pasta.
  • Cook pasta to al dente for the best texture when combined with sauce.
  • Adjust cream and pasta water to control sauce thickness.
  • Taste and season gradually as Parmesan adds saltiness.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy garlic beef pasta, quick beef pasta, creamy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, one-pan meal

Find it online: https://linacorner.com/creamy-garlic-beef-pasta/