Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Pasta
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender ground beef in a luscious garlic-infused cream sauce, blended with sharp Parmesan cheese and your choice of pasta. Quick and easy to prepare, it makes a perfect hearty dinner for busy weeknights or a satisfying meal for guests, delivering a warm, savory experience in every bite.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Gluten Free (if gluten-free pasta is used)
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb ground beef (80-85% lean)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta
Seasonings
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving one cup of pasta water for the sauce’s consistency.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add finely chopped onions and minced garlic, cooking for about 3-5 minutes until fragrant and soft but not browned.
- Brown the Beef: Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Create the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir to combine and warm gently. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss well, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smoother melting.
- Do not overcook pasta; it should be slightly undercooked to finish cooking in the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water to help loosen and achieve a silky sauce texture.
- Warm the cream gently on low heat to avoid curdling and ensure a smooth sauce.
- Season gradually as Parmesan adds saltiness; taste as you cook.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 40 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, parmesan garlic beef pasta, quick dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal, creamy beef pasta