Dinner

Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

ByLily Cross October 15, 2025October 15, 2025

Introduction

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. Tender ground beef combined with a rich, cheesy sauce makes this recipe a surefire crowd-pleaser. Ready in under an hour, it’s an easy way to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.

A close-up of a white plate filled with creamy fettuccine pasta, topped with browned pieces of sausage and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs and grated cheese. The pasta is coated in a smooth, rich yellow sauce, and the small sausage bits are scattered evenly across the dish, creating a textured look. The background shows a soft focus with a warm light, highlighting the glossy noodles and fresh herbs. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound fettuccine pasta
1 pound ground beef
2 cups heavy cream
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tablespoons butter
1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned, then set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir constantly and gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth.
Step 5: Return the beef to the skillet and stir to coat evenly in the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss to combine. Use the reserved pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Step 6: Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley for a bright finish.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk or use a lower-fat cheese.
You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
Adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach gives the dish extra texture and nutrients.
Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for a creamier sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a white plate filled with creamy fettuccine pasta layered with chunky pieces of browned sausage mixed throughout. The pasta is coated evenly with a rich, golden-yellow sauce with a slightly glossy texture. On top, there is a generous sprinkling of finely grated white cheese and small green herb pieces scattered across the dish, adding a fresh color contrast. The background features a white marbled surface with a warm, soft light giving the food a cozy feel. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the beef in advance. Store them separately from the pasta to keep the noodles from becoming soggy. Combine and heat just before serving.

What pasta can I use if I don’t have fettuccine?

Any long pasta works well, such as linguine, tagliatelle, or even spaghetti. Choose your favorite shape to make this dish your own.

Lily Cross