30-Minute Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta 🍝🧄✨
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a hearty, flavorful meal that comes together quickly, look no further than this creamy beef pasta recipe. The rich, velvety sauce combined with tender beef and fragrant garlic butter makes it a perfect weeknight dinner. In just 30 minutes, you can create a comforting dish that rivals restaurant-quality fare. For more pasta ideas that are equally delicious and easy to make, check out our Garlic Butter Pasta recipe.
2. Ingredients Needed for Creamy Beef Pasta
- 1 pound (450g) of ground beef or sliced sirloin strips
- 8 oz (225g) of fettuccine or your choice of pasta
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
3. How to Prepare the Perfect Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water for later.
Step 2: Sauté the Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or sliced beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Add optional red pepper flakes for extra heat.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Creamy Beef Pasta
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
5. Serving Suggestions for the Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta
This easy pasta dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or roasted vegetables. Sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top for added flavor and presentation. For a complete meal, consider serving with crusty bread or a side of garlic bread from our garlic butter bread recipe.
6. Frequently Asked Questions about Creamy Beef Pasta
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are healthy substitutions that work well with this creamy sauce. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure the poultry is fully cooked.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure the Parmesan cheese is gluten-free. This makes a delicious gluten-free Creamy Chicken Pasta.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This 30-minute pasta recipe is designed for quick weeknight dinners, with most of the time spent on cooking the pasta and preparing the sauce.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker: Perfect for quickly chilling drinks while you cook or for making refreshing beverages alongside your pasta meal.
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master: Make chopping garlic and herbs faster and safer with this versatile prep tool.
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker: Great for preparing a make-ahead version or simmering your beef for extra tenderness.
- CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set: Ensure even cooking with this reliable set of nonstick pots and pans.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1: Use it for crispy sides or garlic bread as a perfect complement to your pasta dish.
8. Final Tips to Master Creamy Beef Pasta
For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine or a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce. Don’t forget to taste and adjust seasoning before serving. This dish is highly customizable—feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra texture and flavor.
9. Conclusion
In just 30 minutes, this creamy beef pasta reinvented with garlic butter is a delightful, fulfilling meal perfect for busy weeknights. Its luscious sauce and tender beef deliver comfort and flavor in every bite. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner at home. For more quick and tasty recipes, explore our grilled chicken ideas and other classics that will elevate your home cooking skills.
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30-Minute Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful 30-Minute Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, the perfect quick and delicious dinner for busy weeknights. Tender beef, fragrant garlic butter, and a velvety sauce come together in just half an hour to create a restaurant-quality meal that your family will love. This easy-to-make pasta recipe is versatile, satisfying, and loaded with rich flavors, making it an ideal choice for a comforting dinner any night of the week.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) of ground beef or sliced sirloin strips
- 8 oz (225g) of fettuccine or your choice of pasta
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 cup of heavy cream
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes (optional for a spicy kick)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water for later.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or sliced beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens slightly. Add optional red pepper flakes for extra heat.
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- For added flavor, sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley before serving. Consider serving with crusty bread or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef for a leaner version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stove Top
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Dairy, Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 580 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg