Name: Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 ounces linguine pasta; 1 pound ground beef; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 cup heavy cream; ½ cup beef broth; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

If you’re on the hunt for pure comfort in a bowl, Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce is about to win your dinner routine. Imagine tender linguine coated in a rich, velvety sauce that’s bursting with garlicky goodness, twined with savory ground beef and finished with a decadent melt of Parmesan and mozzarella. This dish is my go-to when I’m craving something that feels both indulgent and easy enough for a weeknight. You get layers of flavor in every bite, and trust me, the aroma as it cooks will lure every family member to the kitchen. If you love a simple but flavor-loaded pasta, this is one recipe you’ll make again and again.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce is all about combining essential ingredients to create a downright magical pasta. Every component brings more than flavor—it adds texture, silkiness, or that visual pop. Gather your basics, and you’re halfway to dinner bliss.

Ground Beef: Use 80/20 for the best balance of juiciness and flavor in your sauce.
Linguine Pasta: Linguine’s flat shape is ideal for grabbing and holding onto all that luscious, creamy sauce.
Unsalted Butter: The base of the dreamy garlic butter sauce, letting you control the salt level perfectly.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a fruity note to the dish.
Garlic Cloves: Four cloves add that unmistakable aroma and earthy warmth—absolutely essential.
Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that weaves extra depth and brightness through each bite.
Garlic Powder: A pinch further intensifies the savoriness without overpowering the fresh garlic.
Heavy Cream: Delivers silky richness that’s key to a sauce you could eat by the spoonful.
Beef Broth: Adds meaty undertones and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.
Freshly Grated Parmesan: The heart of the creaminess and the main flavor driver—grate it fresh for the best melt.
Shredded Mozzarella: For extra stretch and subtle gooeyness in the sauce.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste and help all the flavors shine.
Fresh Chopped Parsley: A final pop of color and freshness that makes every bowl feel special.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a boil—this is how you set the foundation for truly tasty linguine. Cook the pasta until it’s just al dente, following the package directions. This keeps it perfectly toothsome, so it can soak up the creamy sauce without turning mushy. Drain it well and set aside, ready to be tossed with all that flavor.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, and crumble in your ground beef. As it cooks, break it up with your spatula so you’re left with bitesize pieces that’ll cling to the noodles later. Add salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder—it’s these little layers that make all the difference. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink, then scoop it out and set aside so you can build your sauce right in the same pan.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter

Turn the heat down a smidge and melt the unsalted butter in that same skillet, letting it pick up all the flavorful bits left behind. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for a minute or two, just until fragrant. This is where the magic happens—the garlic perfumes the butter and sets the stage for the Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring as the two ingredients blend into a silky base. Keep the heat low and let it come to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, watching as they melt into the sauce. The result is irresistible: thick, velvety, and ready to cloak every strand of pasta.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the browned beef to the skillet and add your drained linguine. Toss the pasta and beef in the creamy sauce, making sure every noodle gleams and every bite gets a little beefy richness. This is the part where I always sneak a taste—pure heaven.

Step 6: Serve

Spoon the Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce into bowls or onto plates, then shower everything with freshly chopped parsley and, if you like, a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve piping hot to enjoy every delicious swirl of pasta and creamy sauce.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce

Garnishes

A hearty scatter of chopped fresh parsley brings color and a spring-like brightness to contrast the richness of the sauce. For truly special presentation, finish each plate with extra Parmesan and, if you’re feeling fancy, a little sprig of parsley or thyme right on top. Your pasta will look like it came straight out of a cozy Italian trattoria!

Side Dishes

Pairing your Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce with a simple side salad or roasted vegetables makes for a well-rounded meal. Think classic Caesar, lightly dressed greens, or some oven-roasted asparagus. And of course, a warm loaf of crusty bread is almost mandatory for mopping up every drop of that glorious sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For restaurant-worthy flair, try the pasta nest technique: use tongs or a long fork to twirl a serving of linguine into a tall spiral, either right on the plate or inside a ladle for extra height. Spoon extra beef and sauce on top and around the base, then finish with even more cheese and fresh herbs. It’s a showstopper whether it’s a weeknight treat or the star of a dinner party.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days. Just be sure to store the pasta and sauce together so the noodles don’t dry out.

Freezing

If you want to freeze a batch for later, portion the cooled pasta and sauce into individual freezer-safe containers. Cream sauces can separate slightly when frozen, so try to reheat gently and add an extra splash of cream if needed. Enjoy within two months for the best texture and taste!

Reheating

Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring with a splash of cream or milk to help bring back that silky texture. You can also microwave individual portions—cover loosely, stir halfway through, and be careful not to overcook so the sauce stays creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While linguine is my top choice for this recipe, fettuccine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti will work just fine. Just make sure to cook any pasta you choose until just al dente for the best texture.

Is it possible to make Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce ahead of time?

You can cook the sauce and beef a day ahead and refrigerate them. For optimal flavor and texture, cook the pasta fresh and toss it into the warmed sauce right before serving.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese instead of freshly grated?

While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and gives the sauce a richer, creamier flavor. If you can, take the extra minute to grate your own. It’s truly worth it!

How do I make this recipe lighter?

For a lighter version of Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and swap part of the ground beef for ground turkey. You can also skip the mozzarella for a less gooey texture.

What can I do if my sauce gets too thick?

If your sauce thickens a bit too much as it sits, just stir in an extra splash of warmed beef broth or heavy cream until you reach your perfect creamy consistency again. The pasta will soak up more liquid as it rests, so this trick always comes in handy!

Final Thoughts

If you adore cozy, crave-worthy pasta dishes that feel like a hug in a bowl, you simply have to try Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine in Garlic Butter Sauce. It’s the kind of meal that never fails to impress and is practically guaranteed to become a family favorite. Trust me, one taste and you’ll be coming back for seconds!