Looking for a rich, comforting pasta dish that’s loaded with flavor and comes together with ease? Say hello to your new favorite lunch & dinner recipe—Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta! This cozy, indulgent dish features tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic cream sauce that’s hard to resist.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, prepping for a cozy night in, or hosting friends, this pasta recipe brings bold flavor and creamy comfort to the table every single time.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta
- Rich, Buttery Garlic Flavor: The garlic-infused cream sauce clings to every bite of pasta and beef.
- Hearty and Satisfying: With protein-packed beef and pasta, this dish makes a filling and balanced meal.
- Quick and Easy: No fancy steps—just everyday ingredients and simple techniques.
- Perfect for Lunch & Dinner: Serve it for a quick weeknight meal or a cozy weekend dinner—either way, it delivers.
- Versatile & Customizable: Switch up the meat, pasta, or spice level to suit your cravings.
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
- Optional: red pepper flakes, for a little heat
Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine, linguine, or penne
- Salt for boiling water
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Extra Parmesan cheese
👩🍳 How to Make Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta
1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
2: Sear the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season sliced beef with salt and pepper. Sear for 3–4 minutes until browned and just cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3: Sauté Onion & Garlic
In the same skillet, melt butter. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent (about 3 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1–2 minutes).
4: Make the Cream Sauce
Deglaze the skillet with chicken broth, scraping up brown bits for flavor. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy. Let the sauce thicken slightly (3–4 minutes).
5: Combine Pasta and Beef
Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Add drained pasta and a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Toss everything to coat evenly.
6: Serve and Garnish
Serve hot, topped with fresh herbs and a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your rich and savory Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta!
🍽 Perfect Pairings for Lunch & Dinner
This dish is a meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can take your lunch or dinner to the next level:
- 🥗 Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness.
- 🥖 Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every last drop of that creamy sauce.
- 🥦 Roasted Vegetables: Add some charred broccoli or zucchini on the side for extra color and nutrients.
- 🧀 More Cheese Please: Don’t be shy with extra Parmesan when serving!
🧊 Storage & Reheating Tips Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Reheat on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.
- Freezer-Friendly: Freeze portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🔄 Variations & Swaps
- Use Ground Beef: A budget-friendly and equally delicious alternative.
- Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce.
- Go Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
- Try Different Meats: Chicken, turkey, or even shrimp work well in this creamy garlic base.
- Add Veggies: Spinach, mushrooms, or peas are great additions for extra nutrients.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use ground beef instead of sliced beef?
A: Yes! Ground beef works great—just brown it well and continue with the sauce as written.
Q: Can I lighten up the cream sauce?
A: Substitute half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
Q: How do I keep the sauce from curdling?
A: Cook the sauce gently on medium-low heat and avoid boiling after adding the cream.
Q: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Yes! Omit the beef and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives. Use veggie broth instead of chicken broth.
Q: Is this a good make-ahead meal?
A: Definitely! Prep the beef and sauce in advance. Cook pasta fresh and toss everything together when ready to eat.
More Easy and Delicious Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
- Steak Bites and Potatoes – A Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe
- Garlic Chicken with Broccoli and Spinach Recipe
- Country Ranch Green Beans Potatoes
- Mediterranean Steak Bowls – A Flavor-Packed Dinner Recipe
- 30-Minute Mongolian Beef Recipe
📝 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is comfort food at its finest. It’s creamy, savory, and incredibly satisfying—the kind of meal that makes everyone ask for seconds. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a decadent dish for your next dinner gathering, this recipe delivers on all fronts.
So grab your skillet, boil that pasta, and get ready to indulge in one of the best lunch & dinner recipes you’ll ever make. Don’t forget the extra Parmesan!
Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta penne, fettuccine, or your choice
- 1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce optional, for extra depth of flavor
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper or to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the sliced beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside
Make the Garlic Cream Sauce
- In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce (if using), scraping up any bits stuck to the pan.
- Pour in the heavy cream, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine the Pasta and Beef
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency.
- Add the cooked beef back to the skillet and toss everything together.
Finish and Serve
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- You can use any cut of beef you prefer, but tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak work best for quick cooking.
- For added flavor, sauté a few chopped onions with the garlic before adding the cream.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
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