Tired of boring dinners? I get it. Some nights you want something that feels special, like from a nice restaurant, but you just don’t have the energy.
This Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is the answer. It’s a one-pan wonder that tastes way fancier than it is.
We’re talking about tender beef, a rich garlic cream sauce, and pasta, all coming together in about 30 minutes. Let’s make something you’ll be proud of.
Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta: A 30-Minute Dinner Hero
This dish is a lifesaver on busy weeknights. It’s packed with flavor and uses simple ingredients you might already have.
What You’ll Need
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works great)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 4-5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz pasta (like penne, fettuccine, or rotini)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- A large skillet or Dutch oven
- A pot for boiling pasta
- A knife and cutting board
- A colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
After making this dish hundreds of times, I’ve learned a few things.
- Don’t Burn the Garlic. Add the garlic in the last minute of cooking the onions. Burnt garlic is bitter and will ruin the whole sauce.
- Save Your Pasta Water. Before you drain your pasta, scoop out about a cup of the starchy water. It’s liquid gold for thickening your sauce and helping it cling to the noodles.
- Get a Good Sear on the Beef. Don’t just stir the ground beef around. Let it sit in the hot pan for a few minutes without touching it. This creates a nice brown crust, which means more flavor.
Simple Steps to Make Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta
Step 1: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions. Before draining, save about 1 cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease.
Step 3: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until it softens. Stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, and cook for another minute until you can smell it.
Step 4: Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan. Scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet. This is pure flavor!
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
Step 6: Turn off the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
Step 7: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
Step 8: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Substitutions and Variations
Don’t have something? No problem. Cooking is about making it work for you.
| Ingredient | Easy Swap | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef | Ground Turkey | Lighter option |
| Heavy Cream | Half-and-Half | Less rich sauce |
| Penne Pasta | Any short pasta | Use what you have |
| Onion | Shallots | Milder flavor |
You can also add a handful of fresh spinach at the end or some red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Nutritional Info & Diet Swaps
This is just an estimate, but it gives you a good idea.
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | Approx. 550 |
| Protein | Approx. 30g |
| Fat | Approx. 35g |
| Carbs | Approx. 28g |
Here are some ways to change it for different diets:
- Low-Carb/Keto: Serve the creamy beef sauce over zucchini noodles or steamed cauliflower instead of pasta.
- Gluten-Free: Just use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce is naturally gluten-free.
What to Serve With It
This pasta is a full meal on its own, but a simple side makes it even better.
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette.
- Some crusty garlic bread for dipping in the sauce.
- Steamed broccoli or green beans.
Leftovers and Storage
Got leftovers? Lucky you.
Store any extra pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, add a splash of milk or beef broth to a pan over low heat. Add the pasta and stir gently until warmed through. The microwave works too, but the stove is better for keeping the sauce creamy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. My sauce seems too thin. What did I do wrong?
Ans: You didn’t do anything wrong! Just let it simmer on low for a few more minutes. The cheese will also help thicken it up.
Q2. Can I make this dairy-free?
Ans: Yes. You can use a full-fat canned coconut milk or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative instead of the cream. Use a dairy-free Parmesan cheese substitute as well.
Q3. Can I use steak instead of ground beef?
Ans: Absolutely. Sear small pieces of steak first, remove them from the pan, make the sauce, and then add the steak back in at the end.
Wrapping Up
See? A delicious, creamy pasta dinner doesn’t have to be hard or take all night. This recipe is proof that you can make something amazing with just a few simple ingredients.
Now it’s your turn. Give it a try and come back to tell me how it went. I love hearing about your kitchen wins! Leave a comment below if you have any questions.
