Go Back

Garlic Beef Pasta

This Garlic Beef Pasta is a rich, comforting dinner made with seasoned ground beef, plenty of fresh garlic, tender pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy creamy beef pasta comes together in about 30 minutes using simple pantry ingredients. Whether you're looking for a satisfying pasta recipe, new beef pasta recipes, or flavorful ground beef pasta and ground beef recipes, this family-friendly meal is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients
  

  • For the Pasta
  • 12 ounces penne rigatoni, or rotini pasta
  • Salt for boiling water
  • For the Beef Sauce
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 small onion diced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • For the Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (plus more for garnish)

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until browned. Drain any excess grease.
  3. Add the butter, diced onion, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream.
  7. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  9. Stir in the chopped parsley and garnish with additional Parmesan before serving.

Notes

  • Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
  • Add mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
  • For a spicy version, stir in ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.