Savory garlic butter ground beef linguine in creamy Parmesan sauce is a hearty, comforting pasta dish I love making when I want something rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. The garlic butter-infused beef combined with tender linguine and a velvety cream sauce creates a dish that feels both indulgent and easy enough for a weeknight dinner. It’s cozy, cheesy, and absolutely crave-worthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this recipe because it’s quick, filling, and packed with bold, comforting flavors. The garlic butter adds depth to the beef, and the creamy Parmesan sauce clings beautifully to the linguine. I don’t need a long list of fancy ingredients, and the whole meal comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or just myself with leftovers for the next day, it’s always a satisfying win.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Directions
- I cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium heat and brown the ground beef until fully cooked. I drain any excess grease.
- I add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef, letting the garlic sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
- I pour in the chicken broth and stir to deglaze the pan, scraping up all the flavorful bits.
- I reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, letting it simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened.
- I add the Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- I toss the cooked linguine into the skillet, mixing everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
- I serve hot, optionally garnished with parsley or extra cheese.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 generous servings. It takes roughly 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so I usually have it on the table in about 25 minutes.
Variations
Sometimes I swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage when I want a different flavor. I’ve also added sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra texture and color. If I want a little spice, I toss in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a more garlicky kick, I roast the garlic beforehand and stir it into the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of cream or broth to a pan and warm the pasta gently over low heat, stirring until heated through. The sauce thickens a bit in the fridge, but loosens up nicely with a little liquid.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, I’ve made this with fettuccine, spaghetti, and even penne. Any pasta that holds creamy sauces well works perfectly.
How can I make this dish lighter?
To lighten it up, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the cheese slightly. I also swap the beef for leaner protein like ground turkey.
Is there a substitute for chicken broth?
If I don’t have chicken broth, I use beef broth or even pasta water. It helps deglaze the pan and adds moisture to the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, I often make the sauce and pasta separately, then combine them just before serving. That way, the pasta doesn’t absorb too much sauce as it sits.
What sides go well with this?
I like serving this with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. Garlic bread is always a great pairing too.
Conclusion
Savory garlic butter ground beef linguine in creamy Parmesan sauce is one of my favorite comfort food recipes. I love how the rich, cheesy sauce wraps around every strand of pasta, and the garlic butter beef gives it a hearty, irresistible flavor. It’s quick enough for busy weeknights but delicious enough to serve for a special occasion.
PrintSavory Garlic Butter Ground Beef Linguine in Creamy Parmesan Sauce
This garlic butter ground beef linguine in creamy Parmesan sauce is a rich and hearty pasta dinner made with tender linguine, garlicky ground beef, and a cheesy, velvety sauce. Quick, comforting, and ready in under 30 minutes—perfect for weeknights!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Ingredients
- 1 lb linguine pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Instructions
- Cook linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add butter and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up browned bits.
- Reduce heat to low, stir in heavy cream, and simmer until slightly thickened.
- Add Parmesan and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Toss cooked linguine into the skillet and mix to coat with sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley or extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage for variation.
- Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture.
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- Substitute chicken broth with beef broth or reserved pasta water.
- Roast the garlic before adding for deeper flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg