Some recipes bring back memories of comforting family dinners, and this savory beef and garlic butter linguine in Parmesan cream is one of them. It’s the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with the rich aroma of garlic and butter while promising a creamy, satisfying bite every time.
I first made this dish on a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty but didn’t have the patience for a complicated recipe. With a pack of ground beef in the fridge and some linguine in the pantry, I started experimenting. The result? A creamy, garlicky pasta dish that quickly became a go-to for busy weeknights and casual get-togethers.
What I love most about this dish is its versatility. It’s elegant enough to serve when friends come over yet simple enough for a quick dinner after a long day. The combination of tender beef, buttery garlic sauce, and rich Parmesan creates a flavor that’s both indulgent and comforting. Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a fresh salad, and you’ve got a meal that never fails to impress.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to prepare but tastes like something from your favorite Italian restaurant, this recipe is for you.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This savory beef and garlic butter linguine in Parmesan cream sauce is the ultimate comfort food, packed with rich flavors and a creamy, velvety texture. Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or looking to impress guests with a restaurant-quality dish, this recipe has everything you need.
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Quick and Easy – With just 30 minutes from start to finish, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
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Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of garlic butter, seasoned beef, and creamy Parmesan sauce creates a mouthwatering dish that’s both rich and satisfying. The addition of Italian seasoning and mozzarella brings extra depth to the flavors.
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Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether you’re making a cozy family dinner or serving a crowd, this dish is always a hit. It’s hearty, filling, and pairs beautifully with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables.
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Easily Customizable – You can swap the linguine for another pasta shape, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to make it even more nutritious.
Once you try this dish, it will quickly become a go-to recipe in your rotation. It’s the perfect balance of creamy, garlicky, and savory flavors that make every bite irresistible!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set it aside as well.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to allow it to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the cooked linguine and ground beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta and beef are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper, if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Variation
If you’re looking to customize this savory dish to suit different dietary preferences or just want to try a fun twist, there are several ways you can adapt this recipe to meet your needs:
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Gluten-Free: For those avoiding gluten, simply swap out the linguine for gluten-free pasta. Rice-based pasta or even zucchini noodles (zoodles) work wonderfully in this dish. Zucchini noodles, in particular, add a fresh, light flavor that pairs nicely with the creamy sauce while still providing a satisfying texture.
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Dairy-Free: If you’re following a dairy-free diet, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or almond milk. These alternatives create a rich, creamy base for the dish without the use of dairy. For the cheese, try dairy-free Parmesan or nutritional yeast for a cheesy, umami flavor. You’ll still get that creamy, savory goodness without the dairy.
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Vegetarian: Want to make this a vegetarian dish? Skip the ground beef and replace it with plant-based options like sautéed mushrooms or tempeh. Mushrooms have a rich, earthy flavor that pairs well with the garlic and Parmesan, while tempeh adds a hearty texture and protein. Another great option is lentils, which are packed with protein and will absorb the flavor of the sauce, making for a satisfying and delicious meal.
How to Serve
This Savory Beef and Garlic Butter Linguine in Parmesan Cream is a hearty and flavorful dish that can stand alone but is even better when paired with complementary sides, sauces, and beverages. Here are some ideas to enhance your meal:
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Complementary Sides: To balance the richness of the creamy pasta, a light side salad with fresh greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette is a perfect option. The crispness and acidity will contrast nicely with the creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or zucchini are also a great choice, providing both texture and nutrition. If you’re craving something more filling, garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are excellent for dipping into the savory sauce.
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Garnishes: Elevate the presentation of the dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil. These herbs add a burst of color and a hint of freshness to the creamy pasta. A dash of extra Parmesan cheese or cracked black pepper can also add a little more depth to the flavor profile.
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Beverages: To balance out the richness of the pasta, pair the dish with a refreshing beverage like sparkling water with a twist of lemon or iced tea. A cold glass of lemonade or a fruit-infused water would also be a delightful, non-alcoholic choice that complements the creamy and savory notes of the pasta.
Recipe Tips
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Meal Prep: If you’re planning to make this dish ahead of time, you can prep the pasta, beef, and sauce components separately. Cook the linguine and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Similarly, the beef and garlic butter mixture can be prepped in advance and refrigerated. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beef mixture in a pan, toss in the pre-cooked pasta, and finish with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
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Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To maintain the creaminess of the sauce, reheat gently over low heat while stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen it up.
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Freezing: This dish can also be frozen, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. Store the cooled pasta and sauce in an airtight container and freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Add a little extra cream or broth during reheating to bring back some of the original creaminess.
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Ingredient Customization: To make this dish more customizable, feel free to swap out the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground option for a lighter or vegetarian twist. You can also experiment with adding extra veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for more flavor and nutrients.
Cooking Note
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: The key to perfectly cooked pasta is to follow the package instructions closely. Overcooked pasta can become mushy and will not absorb the sauce as well. Aim for “al dente,” meaning the pasta should still have a slight bite to it.
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Control the Heat: When cooking the beef, make sure to cook it over medium heat to avoid burning the garlic or overcooking the meat. High heat can also cause the butter to brown too quickly, which could make the sauce taste bitter.
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Cream Consistency: When adding the cream to the skillet, make sure to keep stirring the mixture so that the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can always add a bit of milk or chicken broth to loosen it up.
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Finish with Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh parsley or basil at the end not only enhances the flavor but also brightens up the dish visually, making it look more appealing and giving it that extra touch of freshness.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 540 kcal (per serving)
- Protein: 26g
- Sodium: 620mg
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While linguine is the traditional choice for this recipe, you can easily swap it for other types of pasta, such as fettuccine, spaghetti, or penne. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.
2. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Definitely! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook the pasta and beef mixture ahead of time and store them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, just reheat everything together and add the Parmesan sauce. If the sauce gets too thick while reheating, you can thin it out with a little milk or cream.
3. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, you can easily make this dish gluten-free by swapping out regular pasta for a gluten-free version. Look for gluten-free linguine or any pasta shape you prefer. Also, double-check that the Parmesan cheese you’re using is gluten-free, although most are.
4. Can I substitute the ground beef for a different protein?
Absolutely! You can use ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer. This dish is versatile and can be customized to fit your dietary preferences.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra cream or broth if the sauce thickens too much. This dish is also freezable, though the texture of the sauce might change slightly after freezing.
Conclusion
Savory Beef and Garlic Butter Linguine in Parmesan Cream is a meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, family gatherings, or when you simply want to indulge in a comforting dish. The creamy Parmesan sauce and tender beef come together effortlessly to create a rich and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or serving guests, this recipe is a crowd-pleaser. It’s quick to make, adaptable to various dietary preferences, and full of flavor.
We’d love to hear your thoughts! After trying this recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment below or share your experience with us. And if you’re looking for more delicious recipes, be sure to check out other easy-to-make meals on the site. Enjoy!
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Savory Beef and Garlic Butter Linguine in Parmesan Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta cooking water and set it aside. Drain the pasta and set it aside as well.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once done, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer gently for a few minutes to allow it to thicken slightly. Then, stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Add the cooked linguine and ground beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta and beef are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
Step 6: Taste the dish and adjust the seasoning with extra salt or pepper, if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 540
- Protein: 26
- Cholesterol: 620