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Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting, easy-to-make dinner that combines tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a luscious cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This rich and satisfying dish is ideal for cozy weeknights and can be customized with various proteins and vegetables to suit your preferences.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein and Pasta

  • 1 lb ground beef (lean or medium-fat)
  • 12 oz fettuccine or penne pasta

Aromatics and Fat

  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Garnish

  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later.
  2. Cook the beef and garlic: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt and pepper.
  3. Make the creamy sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well to combine with the beef. Let it simmer gently, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. Gradually add grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, coating the noodles with the creamy garlic beef sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
  5. Garnish and serve: Finish with freshly chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the pasta; slightly undercooked pasta absorbs sauce better.
  • Reserve pasta water to naturally adjust sauce thickness.
  • Brown the beef well to add flavor and texture.
  • Grate your own Parmesan cheese for smoother melting.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy garlic beef pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, garlic pasta recipe, beef pasta, creamy pasta sauce, weeknight dinner, one-pan pasta