There’s something irresistible about the smell of garlic sizzling in butter. It’s the kind of aroma that draws everyone into the kitchen — warm, inviting, and comforting. Now, imagine that rich, buttery base turning into a silky cream sauce that wraps around perfectly cooked pasta and tender bites of beef. That’s what you get with Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta — a cozy, flavor-packed meal that feels fancy but is easy enough to make any night of the week.
This dish delivers everything you crave in comfort food: creamy sauce, hearty protein, and a touch of indulgence that makes dinner feel special. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself after a long day, this pasta recipe is a guaranteed hit.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
When you need a meal that tastes like comfort but doesn’t take hours to make, this one checks all the boxes.
Here’s why it deserves a place in your dinner rotation:
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Rich, balanced flavor: Garlic butter, savory beef, and creamy sauce come together in perfect harmony.
- Versatile: Works with different pasta shapes, proteins, or veggies.
- Family-friendly: Even picky eaters won’t resist that buttery, garlicky sauce.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity — you don’t need fancy ingredients or restaurant skills to create something that tastes gourmet. If you enjoy the rich, buttery flavor of this recipe, you’ll also love my Garlic Butter Chicken Pasta, another creamy, flavor-packed dinner that’s quick to make.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses pantry staples you likely already have. Each ingredient plays a role in creating that luscious texture and comforting flavor.
For the Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine, linguine, or spaghetti
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt for boiling water
For the Garlic Butter Beef Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (or sliced sirloin for a fancier touch)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth (adds depth and richness)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins
- A handful of baby spinach or sautéed mushrooms
- A pinch of chili flakes for a subtle kick
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Pro Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded — it melts more smoothly into the sauce and creates that velvety finish.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
You don’t need complicated steps or fancy equipment — just a skillet, a pot, and a few simple techniques to make this restaurant-worthy meal.
Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your pasta until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining. The starch in this water will help your sauce cling to the pasta later.
Brown the Beef
Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and crumbly. Drain excess grease and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant — don’t let it burn. Stir in chopped onions and cook until soft and translucent.
Build the Cream Sauce
Add the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked beef back into the skillet. Toss in your pasta and mix well, adding splashes of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be glossy, creamy, and clinging to every strand.
Garnish and Serve
Top with extra Parmesan, a sprinkle of parsley, and a drizzle of olive oil or chili flakes if you like some heat. Serve immediately while it’s still hot and silky.
Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta
Even simple recipes can shine when you know the little tricks that make a big difference.
- Sauté garlic gently: Burnt garlic turns bitter. Keep the heat low to preserve that mellow, buttery flavor.
- Use room-temperature cream: Cold cream can curdle when added to hot sauce.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: It will continue cooking slightly when mixed with the sauce.
- Add pasta water gradually: It binds the sauce and gives that smooth, restaurant-style texture.
- Finish with fresh herbs: Parsley or basil adds color and freshness to balance the richness.
For more garlic butter inspiration, check out my Cowboy Butter Steak Bites — the same bold, buttery flavor in bite-sized form.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it an unforgettable meal.
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of sauce.
- Simple Salad: Try an arugula or Caesar salad for a crisp, refreshing contrast.
- Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes balance the richness beautifully.
If you love garlic butter dishes, don’t miss my Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken with Parmesan Linguine — it’s fresh, zesty, and just as comforting.
How to Store and Reheat
This dish keeps its flavor even after a day or two, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Cool completely before freezing in portions for up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stove over low heat to keep the sauce smooth.
Tip: Avoid reheating on high heat — it can cause the sauce to separate.
Delicious Variations to Try
Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can customize it to match your taste or mood.
- Mushroom Garlic Butter Pasta: Add sautéed mushrooms for earthy flavor.
- Spicy Version: Stir in crushed red pepper flakes or chili oil for extra heat.
- Lighter Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add a handful of mozzarella for a stretchy, indulgent finish.
- Protein Swap: Try ground turkey, sausage, or shrimp for a new twist. Want another beef and cream-based dinner? Try my Beef Stroganoff Hamburger Helper, a quick one-pan meal that’s just as comforting and creamy.
Each variation keeps the essence of the original but adds a unique flavor profile.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle all hold the sauce well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
How do I make it lighter?
Swap heavy cream for milk or evaporated milk, and use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
What if my sauce turns grainy?
That usually happens when Parmesan is added too quickly or the heat is too high. Lower the temperature and stir until smooth.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and heat gently before serving.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Skip the beef and add roasted mushrooms, spinach, or a mix of bell peppers.
A Creamy Dinner You’ll Make Again and Again
When you take that first bite — buttery, garlicky, and rich with creamy sauce — you’ll understand why this Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta belongs in your regular dinner lineup. It’s hearty enough to satisfy, elegant enough to serve to guests, and simple enough for any night of the week.
So go ahead — grab your skillet, swirl some butter, and let your kitchen fill with the comforting aroma of garlic and cream. Whether it’s a quiet night in or a family dinner, this dish will bring warmth, flavor, and joy to your table every single time.
If you loved this recipe, don’t forget to save it for later or share it with your friends! And if you try it, leave a comment with your favorite variation — your kitchen creativity might inspire the next great comfort dish!
Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt for boiling water
For the Garlic Butter Beef Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef or thinly sliced sirloin
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 small onion finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms or baby spinach
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes for spice
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or basil chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Drain excess grease and set the beef aside.
Make the Garlic Butter Base
- In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the onion and cook until softened and translucent.
Create the Cream Sauce
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring continuously. Add Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer gently until the sauce thickens and coats the spoon.
Combine Everything
- Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss in the pasta. Mix well, adding splashes of reserved pasta water as needed for a silky consistency.
Serve and Garnish
- Top with extra Parmesan, parsley, or red pepper flakes. Serve warm and enjoy the creamy, buttery perfection.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.
- Don’t overcook the garlic — it should be golden and aromatic, not burnt.
- Add a squeeze of lemon or a dash of chili flakes to balance the richness.
- For extra depth, stir in a teaspoon of Worcestershire or soy sauce while browning the beef.
- This recipe reheats beautifully — just add a splash of milk when warming it up.
