Description
Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is a hearty, comforting one-pan meal featuring tender beef simmered in a luscious garlic cream sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s quick to make, full of rich flavors, and ideal for busy weeknights when you want something decadent yet easy.
Ingredients
For the Beef:
- 1 lb beef sirloin or ground beef (thinly sliced or crumbled)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
For the Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little spice)
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Extra Parmesan cheese (for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef or ground beef, seasoning it with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the beef is browned, then transfer to a plate and set aside.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer the sauce for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat thoroughly in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
- Serve and Enjoy: Divide the creamy beef pasta among bowls or plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve warm, optionally with garlic bread or a side salad on the side.
Notes
- Meat Options: Sirloin, ground beef, steak strips, or chicken work well in this recipe.
- Lighter Version: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half and reduce the cheese to lower the richness.
- Extra Flavor: Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes can be added for more complexity.
- Storage: Store leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk to maintain creaminess.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 790mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 1.5g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
