Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a hearty and comforting pasta dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a rich, cheesy sauce. The combination of garlic, buttery onions, and Parmesan cheese creates a velvety sauce that perfectly coats the al dente linguine, making it an indulgent yet easy-to-make weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Beef and 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
Seasonings
- 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)
Other
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: 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.
- 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.
- Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the sauce light.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Continue to cook the sauce for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked linguine to the skillet with the sauce, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen it to your preferred consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the linguine for a fresh finish. Serve immediately, optionally topped with extra Parmesan cheese and additional black pepper for enhanced flavor.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and to ensure the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Adjust salt and pepper to your taste, especially if your Parmesan is salty.
- Reserved pasta water contains starch that helps bind the sauce and pasta together; add gradually to avoid thinning the sauce too much.
- Red pepper flakes add a mild heat – omit if you prefer a milder dish.
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- This dish is best served fresh but leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.
Keywords: creamy pasta, beef linguine, garlic butter sauce, Parmesan cheese, Italian dinner, quick pasta recipe
