Some dinners just have a way of making everyone feel at home. This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce is exactly that kind of meal: rich, comforting, and ridiculously easy to pull together. After a long day, I love serving up this dish because it hits that perfect spot between indulgent and satisfying without taking hours in the kitchen.
What makes this recipe special is how simple ingredients come together to create something so delicious. Ground beef adds hearty, meaty flavor, while the creamy garlic butter sauce envelops every bite of fettuccine in cheesy goodness. Plus, it’s flexible enough for busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend dinner with the family.
If you’re looking for a pasta dinner that feels a little special but doesn’t require fancy skills, this is it. It’s my go-to when I want to impress without stress, and I know it will become a favorite in your home, too.
Essential Elements and Equipment
Before you get started, let’s make sure you have the right tools and ingredients on hand. This recipe is straightforward, but having the basics ready makes all the difference.
- A large pot for boiling salted water to cook the fettuccine perfectly al dente.
- A large skillet or sauté pan to brown the beef and create the creamy garlic butter sauce.
- Whisk for stirring the sauce smoothly without lumps.
- Tongs or a large spoon to toss the pasta and sauce together evenly.
You don’t need fancy equipment to get a delicious result here, just good ingredients and the right technique.
What Makes This Recipe Work
- Balanced flavors: The savory, browned ground beef provides a hearty base that pairs perfectly with the rich, cheesy sauce.
- Creamy garlic butter sauce: The combination of butter, garlic, heavy cream, and cheeses creates a silky, luscious sauce that clings beautifully to the fettuccine.
- Simple seasoning: Italian seasoning and garlic powder add warmth and depth without overpowering the dish, making it approachable for all taste buds.
- Perfect pasta choice: Fettuccine’s flat, broad shape holds onto the sauce so each bite is loaded with flavor and creaminess.
- Customizable: You can easily swap proteins or add veggies, making it flexible for your family’s preferences and dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Once done, transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the drained fettuccine and toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Let it cook together for 1–2 minutes on low heat, so the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 7: Serve immediately, topped with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan if you like. This adds a fresh pop of color and a little brightness to balance the richness.
Easy Variations to Try
One of the things I love about this Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine is how easy it is to tweak depending on what you have in your kitchen or your family’s preferences.
- Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken: If you’re looking for a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works beautifully here. Just season well to keep the flavor robust.
- Add veggies: To sneak in some extra nutrition, toss in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini along with the beef. It adds color, texture, and freshness.
- Make it vegetarian: Try substituting the beef with cooked lentils, mushrooms, or a plant-based ground “meat” alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a meatless version.
- Use gluten-free pasta: For gluten-sensitive friends or family, swap the fettuccine for gluten-free pasta. Just check the cooking time on the package so you get that perfect al dente bite.
- Turn up the heat: If you like a little spice, add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of Cajun seasoning to the beef while cooking.
This recipe is a fantastic base that welcomes your creativity.
How to Serve
Serving this creamy beef fettuccine is all about balance and complementing its rich flavors.
- A crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a light balsamic helps cut through the richness and adds a refreshing crunch.
- Garlic bread or a warm baguette is a must-have for mopping up any leftover sauce, because no one likes to waste that cheesy goodness.
- Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans make a great side to add color and nutrients.
- When it comes to drinks, water with a splash of citrus, sparkling water, or a mild iced tea keeps the meal light and refreshing without overpowering the flavors.
With these simple sides, your dinner will feel complete and satisfying.
Recipe Tips
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-grated; it melts better and adds more flavor.
- Don’t overcook your pasta; al dente is key for texture, especially when tossed in sauce.
- Brown the ground beef well for deeper flavor. Don’t rush this step.
- Whisk the roux (butter and flour) constantly to avoid lumps in the sauce.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water or extra broth to loosen it up.
- Leftovers reheat beautifully on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to bring back creaminess.
Cooking Note
- Use medium heat for making the sauce to prevent burning or curdling.
- Taste before adding salt, as cheeses add saltiness.
- Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to prevent uneven cooking or scorching.
- Stir gently when combining pasta and sauce to keep noodles intact.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: Approximately 760
- Protein: About 40 grams
- Sodium: Around 900 mg
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the beef and make the sauce a day ahead. Store separately from pasta. When ready to eat, gently reheat the sauce and beef in a skillet, add freshly cooked pasta, and toss to combine.
2. What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Whole milk or half-and-half works as a substitute, though the sauce will be less rich. You might want to reduce the broth slightly for a thicker sauce.
3. Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, but the pasta may soften further after freezing. Freeze sauce and beef separately if possible, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
4. How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Swap the ground beef for your favorite meatless alternative, like lentils, mushrooms, or plant-based crumbles, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate, rich, satisfying, and totally comforting. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want to serve something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender ground beef, garlic-infused butter sauce, and melted cheese wrapped around al dente pasta makes it a family favorite that everyone will ask for again and again.
What I love most about this recipe is its simplicity and adaptability. You can easily switch up proteins, add veggies, or adjust seasonings to suit your family’s tastes and dietary needs.
So, whether you’re cooking for your family or friends, this pasta will bring comfort and smiles to the table. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as my family does. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Once done, transfer the beef to a bowl and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring constantly. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 5: Reduce heat to low and whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Step 6: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet. Add the drained fettuccine and toss everything gently to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy garlic butter sauce. Let it cook together for 1–2 minutes on low heat, so the flavors meld perfectly.
Step 7: Serve immediately, topped with freshly chopped parsley and a little extra Parmesan if you like. This adds a fresh pop of color and a little brightness to balance the richness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 760
- Sodium: 900
- Protein: 40