If you’re craving a dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day, I have just the thing for you: the Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe for Easy Dinners. This recipe brings together tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxuriously creamy garlic sauce that’s bursting with flavor. It’s simple enough for a weekday meal yet impressive enough to share with friends or family on the weekend. The creaminess of the sauce beautifully balances the savory richness of the beef, and every bite feels like a cozy, satisfying celebration of comfort food done right.

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe for Easy Dinners Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward but essential to building the rich flavors and textures that make this dish so memorable. Each one plays a key role—from the tender pasta to the creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned beef.

8 oz (225g) pasta: Choose penne, fettuccine, or your favorite shape for a delightful base that soaks up the sauce beautifully.
1 lb (450g) ground beef or beef strips: Adds hearty protein and a robust, savory flavor foundation.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with vibrant aroma and that classic garlic punch.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth, enhancing the sauce complexity.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky texture that makes this pasta irresistibly creamy.
1/2 cup beef broth: Adds savory richness and balances the cream for a well-rounded sauce.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Provides a nutty, salty kick that ties every flavor together.
2 tbsp olive oil: For sautéing beef and aromatics, adding a subtle fruity flavor.
2 tbsp butter: Boosts richness and helps create a perfectly smooth sauce.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and unlocking the dish’s true flavor potential.
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs: Brings a fragrant, herby note that brightens every bite.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe for Easy Dinners

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This ensures the pasta has a bite and won’t get mushy when you mix it with the sauce later. Drain well and set aside, reserving a little pasta water just in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or beef strips, seasoning lightly with salt and pepper as it cooks. Brown the beef thoroughly until it develops beautiful caramelized bits—that’s where the flavor magic happens. Once browned, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, keeping all the flavorful juices.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is translucent and the garlic smells fragrant but not burnt. This forms the savory backbone of the sauce that everyone will love.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring constantly. Add the dried Italian seasoning, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting it thicken and develop rich flavors. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese slowly until it melts smoothly into the sauce, creating that signature creamy texture.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the browned beef to the sauce and mix thoroughly. Add the cooked pasta and toss until every piece is luxuriously coated in that garlicky, cheesy goodness. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up perfectly. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Serve Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe for Easy Dinners

Garnishes

A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or basil on top adds a burst of fresh color and a subtle herbal note that lifts the entire dish. A little extra grated Parmesan on the side invites everyone to customize their cheesy experience.

Side Dishes

This creamy garlic beef pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness, or some roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for added crunch and nutrition. Garlic bread is also a perfect companion if you want to keep the garlic theme alive and soak up every bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve this pasta in warmed shallow bowls to keep the creamy sauce cozy. Garnish with a twist of lemon zest for a citrusy brightness or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil to add a shiny, inviting finish. For gatherings, individual small ramekins or even pasta nests on a platter can make the meal feel even more festive.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After the meal, let your pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days, making it a perfect leftover for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

This dish freezes well if you want to save it for even longer. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring to remove as much air as possible. It can last up to 2 months frozen without losing much of its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently to keep the sauce smooth and avoid separating. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep everything evenly warm and creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of beef instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Thinly sliced beef strips work wonderfully in this recipe and give a slightly different texture but just as much flavor. Choose what you prefer based on your mood or what you have on hand.

What pasta shape works best for this creamy garlic beef pasta recipe for easy dinners?

Penne or fettuccine are excellent because they hold the sauce well, but feel free to experiment with rigatoni, farfalle, or even spaghetti. The key is to have pasta that can catch that creamy, garlicky sauce in every bite.

Is this recipe very spicy?

No, this is a comforting, savory dish with gentle herb flavors designed to highlight garlic and beef. If you like a bit of kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

While this Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe for Easy Dinners centers around beef, you can swap the meat for mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes to keep the hearty feel without animal products.

How long does it take to prepare this dish from start to finish?

This recipe is wonderfully quick, generally taking about 30 to 40 minutes from boiling your pasta to serving up a steaming plate of creamy delight. Perfect for easy dinners when you need a satisfying meal fast.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dish that makes dinner feel special without hours in the kitchen, this Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe for Easy Dinners is a no-brainer. It’s packed with flavor, comforting textures, and a rich, garlicky sauce that’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation. Trust me, once you’ve made it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe whenever you want to wow yourself and anyone lucky enough to share a meal with you.

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe for Easy Dinners Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

This Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting and delicious dinner recipe featuring tender ground or sliced beef in a rich garlic-infused cream sauce, tossed with your choice of pasta. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, it combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful, hearty dish that’s quick to prepare.

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner, Pasta
Method: Sautéing and Boiling
Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)

For the Beef:

1 lb (450g) ground beef or thinly sliced beef strips

For the Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp butter
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tsp dried Italian seasoning or mixed herbs

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef or beef strips and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking up the meat if ground. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside, draining excess fat if necessary.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until fragrant and the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to coat the beef in the creamy sauce. Then add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is well mixed and heated through.
Final Touches and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs like parsley or basil for added color and flavor.

Notes

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version, though the sauce will be less rich.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
Beef broth can be replaced with chicken broth or vegetable broth if preferred.
For a spicier option, add red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.