Hearty Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Tangy Beef Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Pasta nights just got a serious upgrade with this hearty beef pasta in a creamy garlic sauce that promises pure comfort.

Rich, velvety, and packed with robust flavors, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right in your kitchen.

Tender beef mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a symphony of textures and tastes.

Each forkful brings a luxurious blend of savory meat and silky sauce that warms you from the inside out.

The garlic infuses every bite with depth and complexity, transforming a simple meal into something extraordinary.

Minimal ingredients and straightforward steps make this recipe accessible for cooks of all skill levels.

Prepare to fall in love with a new weeknight dinner champion that will have everyone asking for seconds.

How To Make Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Boil Pasta

Get a big pot of salty water bubbling and drop in your pasta. Cook it until it’s perfectly tender but still has a little bite. Scoop out some water before draining – you’ll need this magic liquid later.

  • Sizzle the Beef

Heat up a skillet with a splash of olive oil. Toss in your beef and sprinkle with seasonings. Let it dance around the pan until it’s beautifully browned and crispy.

  • Whip Up the Creamy Sauce

In the same pan, melt some butter and toss in minced garlic. Pour in broth and scrape up those delicious brown bits stuck to the bottom. Add cream, Parmesan, and a dash of Worcestershire sauce. Let it simmer and get gloriously thick.

  • Blend and Combine

Reunite the beef with the sauce, then welcome the pasta to the party. Stir everything together, using a splash of reserved pasta water to create the perfect silky consistency.

  • Finish and Feast

Shower the dish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. Serve it up hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Tips To Make Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce Better

  • Pasta Perfection Pointers
  • Pasta Water Magic: Never discard all pasta water – this starchy liquid helps create silky, clingy sauces that coat every single noodle perfectly.
  • Meat Browning Technique: Pat beef dry before cooking to ensure beautiful golden-brown caramelization that locks in maximum flavor and creates delicious pan drippings.
  • Garlic Sensitivity Hack: For milder garlic flavor, lightly crush whole cloves instead of mincing, which reduces intense sharpness while maintaining delicate aromatics.
  • Low-Carb Transformation: Swap traditional pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly version that keeps the creamy, savory essence intact.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: This dish refrigerates wonderfully for 3-4 days, making it an excellent option for busy weeknight dinners or meal planning professionals who want delicious, quick lunches.

Ways To Serve Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Rustic Family Dinner Companion: Pair this hearty beef pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette for balanced flavors.
  • Cozy Bread Sidekick: Serve alongside warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious creamy sauce, making every bite more indulgent.
  • Wine Pairing Delight: Complement the rich, creamy pasta with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot to enhance the beef's savory notes.
  • Vegetable Boost: Add steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus on the side to introduce a fresh, nutritious element to the meal and provide extra color.

How To Store Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce Properly

  • Quick Cooling Strategy: Let the pasta dish cool to room temperature within two hours of cooking to maintain optimal food safety and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Smart Refrigeration Technique: Store leftover beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, keeping the sauce and meat separate to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Freeze individual portions in sealed containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months, removing excess air to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor quality.
  • Reheating Magic: Gently warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet with a splash of beef broth or cream to restore sauce consistency, stirring frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 739 kcal

Servings: 5

What Goes Into Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce

For Pasta Base:
  • Pasta: The star of the dish, choose penne or fettuccine for perfect sauce-holding capabilities.
  • Salt: Enhances pasta flavor and helps season water during cooking.
For Protein and Seasonings:
  • Beef (Sliced or Ground): Provides hearty protein and rich meaty texture.
  • Salt: Fundamental seasoning that amplifies beef's natural flavor.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth to the meat.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces a smoky undertone and beautiful color.
  • Italian Seasoning: Brings aromatic herbs and complexity to the beef.
For Sauce and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Olive Oil: Creates smooth cooking surface and adds subtle fruity notes.
  • Butter: Provides rich, creamy foundation for the sauce.
  • Garlic: Delivers intense, aromatic punch and signature flavor profile.
  • Beef Broth: Builds deep, savory liquid base for sauce.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates luxurious, silky texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Offers sharp, salty umami dimension.
  • Worcestershire Sauce: Contributes tangy, complex undertone.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Optional ingredient for subtle spicy kick.
  • Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh garnish with herbal freshness.

Kitchen Gear For Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce

  • Large pot: Essential for boiling pasta with enough water and salt.
  • Large skillet: Crucial for browning beef and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Perfect for stirring and scraping pan while cooking.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure broth, cream, and pasta water.
  • Cutting board: Needed for chopping garlic and preparing ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Required for slicing garlic and any additional preparations.
  • Colander: Used to drain pasta after cooking.
  • Plate: Temporary spot for transferring cooked beef.
Print
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Hearty Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Hearty Beef Pasta In A Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe


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4.6 from 19 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Succulent beef pasta swirls through a silky garlic sauce that promises comfort and flavor. Home cooks can master this Italian-inspired classic with simple ingredients and easy preparation steps.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (454 grams) beef sirloin or ground beef (thinly sliced or crumbled)
  • 12 oz (340 grams) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 3 tbsps unsalted butter
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 4 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsps fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ½ tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
  • Extra Parmesan cheese (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Pasta Preparation: Ignite a robust boil in a large pot of salted water. Immerse pasta strands, cooking until perfectly al dente. Rescue a portion of starchy liquid before complete drainage.
  2. Protein Searing: Heat a spacious skillet with olive oil at medium-high. Introduce seasoned beef, incorporating salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian herbs. Develop a golden-brown crust, then transfer to a holding plate.
  3. Sauce Creation: In the same skillet, reduce heat and melt butter. Quickly sauté minced garlic, then deglaze with beef broth to capture caramelized essence. Blend heavy cream, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes until a luxurious sauce emerges.
  4. Combining Elements: Reintroduce seared beef to the creamy sauce. Incorporate pasta, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water to ensure a glossy, clinging texture.
  5. Final Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan. Serve immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp salad for a complete culinary experience.

Notes

  • Optimize Pasta Cooking: Ensure water is heavily salted and at rolling boil to infuse maximum flavor directly into pasta strands during cooking.
  • Prevent Beef Dryness: Sear meat quickly on high heat, avoiding overcrowding the pan to maintain optimal caramelization and prevent steaming.
  • Control Sauce Consistency: Reserve pasta water strategically – its starchy nature helps emulsify sauce, allowing perfect thickening and smooth texture without separating.
  • Enhance Flavor Depth: Toast herbs and spices briefly before adding to beef to unlock more intense, complex aromatics that elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 739
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 601 mg
  • Fat: 47 g
  • Saturated Fat: 25 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 29 g
  • Cholesterol: 109 mg
Marcus Foley

Marcus Foley

Food Critic & Kitchen Coach

Expertise

Recipe Testing and Troubleshooting; Time-Saving Kitchen Hacks; Global Flavor Exploration; Engaging Food Writing and Honest Reviews.

Education

Institute of Culinary Education (ICE), New York, NY

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Hands-on training in foundational techniques, flavor development, recipe creation, and kitchen efficiency, with an emphasis on real-world application and storytelling through food.

Marcus Foley, based in Atlanta, GA, is a friendly food expert who makes cooking fun and simple.

With hands-on training from the Institute of Culinary Education and years of tasting everything from street food to fine dining, he shares easy kitchen hacks, global flavor ideas, and step-by-step recipes that turn kitchen mishaps into delicious surprises.

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