Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. Combining tender ground beef, rich parmesan, and a luscious garlic butter sauce, it’s sure to become a favorite in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients
- 12 oz linguine pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
- Step 3: Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat.
- Step 4: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
- Step 5: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve immediately. Optionally top with extra parmesan and black pepper.
Tips & Variations
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best flavor and a smooth sauce.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- For extra richness, stir in a splash of white wine before adding heavy cream.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for additional veggies and texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with most pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking time accordingly.
How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much, gradually stir in reserved pasta water or a bit more heavy cream until you reach your desired consistency.
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Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender linguine tossed in a rich garlic butter and creamy parmesan sauce, combined perfectly with browned ground beef and aromatic herbs. This easy-to-make recipe offers a delicious blend of Italian seasonings and creamy textures, ideal for a hearty family dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the linguine pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and finely diced onion, cooking until fragrant and translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
- Brown the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until fully browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the sauce creamy without becoming oily.
- Prepare the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add freshly grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens and becomes rich.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked linguine directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to fully coat the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen and achieve the desired consistency.
- Serve and garnish: Remove from heat, garnish with fresh chopped parsley or thyme, and serve immediately. Optionally sprinkle additional parmesan cheese and black pepper on top for extra flavor.
Notes
- Using freshly grated parmesan cheese greatly enhances the flavor and texture of the sauce.
- Reserve the pasta cooking water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed; the starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Red pepper flakes are optional but add a pleasant mild heat; adjust according to preference.
- Drain excess fat from the beef after browning to prevent the sauce from becoming greasy.
- This dish pairs well with a light green salad or garlic bread for a full meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Keywords: parmesan beef linguine, creamy garlic butter sauce, easy pasta dinner, Italian ground beef pasta, creamy linguine recipe

