1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Featured in: Pasta Dishes That Comfort and Satisfy

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes. This satisfying dish starts with your choice of pasta tossed with perfectly seasoned beef - either thinly sliced sirloin or ground beef. What makes this pasta special is the luxurious sauce created with sautéed garlic, beef broth, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, all enhanced with a splash of Worcestershire sauce for depth. The sauce coats every bite with rich, savory flavor while maintaining a silky texture. Versatile enough for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for guests, this recipe can be easily customized with additional vegetables like mushrooms or spinach. The balance of tender beef, al dente pasta, and creamy garlic sauce makes this dish a guaranteed family favorite that combines comfort food appeal with elegant flavors.
Pin it Share it Send it Print it Jump To Recipe
marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 02:36:12 GMT
Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce Pin it
Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce | tastelikemagic.com

Tender slices of seasoned beef and al dente pasta enveloped in a luxuriously silky garlic cream sauce create an irresistible one-pan meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. The rich, velvety sauce clings to every piece of pasta while savory beef adds satisfying protein, making this the ultimate comfort food for busy weeknights or casual entertaining. Ready in just 30 minutes, this crowd-pleasing dish strikes the perfect balance between everyday simplicity and indulgent satisfaction.

I first created this recipe during a particularly busy week when I needed something substantial yet quick to feed my hungry family. The combination of perfectly seared beef with a creamy garlic sauce was an immediate hit, with everyone requesting seconds. What began as a simple weeknight solution has become one of our most requested family favorites, equally suitable for casual dinners and entertaining guests who inevitably ask for the recipe before the evening ends.

Essential Ingredients

  • Beef sirloin: Provides tender, flavorful protein when sliced against the grain.
  • Olive oil: Creates the perfect searing surface for developing beef flavor.
  • Salt: Enhances all the flavors and seasons the meat properly.
  • Black pepper: Adds gentle heat and classic seasoning.
  • Smoked paprika: Contributes subtle smokiness and beautiful color.
  • Italian seasoning: Infuses Mediterranean herbs throughout the dish.
  • Unsalted butter: Creates the rich foundation for the sauce.
  • Fresh garlic: Delivers aromatic flavor essential to the sauce profile.
  • Beef broth: Adds depth and savory notes while thinning the cream.
  • Heavy cream: Forms the luxurious base of the silky sauce.
  • Parmesan cheese: Introduces nutty complexity and natural thickening.
  • Worcestershire sauce: Provides subtle umami depth without overwhelming.
  • Red pepper flakes: Add gentle warmth that balances the richness.
  • Pasta: Offers the perfect vehicle for capturing the creamy sauce.
  • Fresh parsley: Brightens the finished dish with color and freshness.

Cooking Method

Pasta Preparation:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
Beef Seasoning:
Season thinly sliced beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning for enhanced flavor.
Meat Searing:
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Remove from pan.
Sauce Foundation:
Melt butter in the same skillet. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Liquid Integration:
Deglaze the pan with beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes.
Final Assembly:
Return the beef to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss until well-coated, adding reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
Finishing Touch:
Remove from heat and allow to rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
Easy Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce Pin it
Easy Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce | tastelikemagic.com

Storage Guidelines

Store leftover beef pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce during storage, resulting in a slightly thicker consistency when reheated. For best results, store additional sauce separately if possible to maintain creaminess.

To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream, milk, or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to ensure even heating. Microwave reheating works but should be done in short intervals with stirring to avoid overcooking the beef.

If preparing ahead, cook the pasta and sauce separately, combining just before serving for the freshest texture. This method preserves the creaminess and prevents over-absorption of the sauce by the pasta.

Flavor Variations

Mushroom Beef Pasta: Add 8 ounces of sliced cremini or baby bella mushrooms to the pan after cooking the beef. Sauté until golden brown before proceeding with the sauce. The mushrooms absorb the beef flavor while adding umami richness.

Mediterranean-Inspired Beef Pasta: Stir in ¼ cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 2 cups of fresh spinach, and ⅓ cup of sliced kalamata olives after making the sauce. The combination of tangy tomatoes and briny olives adds depth to the creamy base.

Chipotle Beef Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with 1 teaspoon of cumin and ½ teaspoon of chili powder. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons of chopped canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to the cream mixture for a smoky kick. Garnish with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice.

Yummy Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce Pin it
Yummy Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce | tastelikemagic.com

After years of making various pasta dishes, this creamy beef pasta has become one of my most reliable recipes for satisfying hungry family members and impressing guests with minimal effort. The combination of tender beef and silky garlic sauce creates a comforting yet sophisticated dish that feels special despite its simple preparation.

What I appreciate most about this recipe is how easily it adapts to whatever ingredients I have on hand, making it perfect for those evenings when a trip to the grocery store isn't possible. Sometimes the most beloved family recipes come from necessity rather than careful planning, and this delicious pasta certainly proves that principle true.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different cut of beef for this Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta?
Yes, you can substitute with ribeye, flank steak, or even beef tenderloin. Just be sure to slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
→ How can I make this Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta lighter?
Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk (though the sauce won't be as thick). You can also reduce the Parmesan to 1/4 cup and add more pasta water to maintain creaminess.
→ What vegetables would work well in this pasta dish?
Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, peas, or asparagus all complement this dish beautifully. Add them when sautéing the garlic or just before returning the beef to the pan.
→ Can I make this Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta ahead of time?
This dish is best served fresh, but you can prepare the components separately. Cook the pasta al dente, prepare the beef, and make the sauce, then refrigerate separately and combine when reheating.
→ What can I substitute for Worcestershire sauce?
Soy sauce with a touch of vinegar and sugar, or a combination of soy sauce and balsamic vinegar can work as substitutes. Fish sauce also provides a similar umami flavor.

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

This Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta combines tender seasoned beef with a rich Parmesan cream sauce for a restaurant-quality dinner that's ready in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
30 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Pasta Favorites

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 generous portions)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Beef

01 1 lb beef sirloin or ground beef (thinly sliced or crumbled)
02 1 tbsp olive oil
03 1/2 tsp salt
04 1/2 tsp black pepper
05 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

→ For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

07 3 tbsp unsalted butter
08 4 cloves garlic, minced
09 1 cup beef broth
10 1 1/2 cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
11 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
13 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)

→ For the Pasta

14 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work beautifully)
15 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
16 Extra Parmesan cheese for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Start by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to the package directions until it's perfectly al dente – tender but with a slight bite in the center. Before draining, scoop out about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water (this is liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later). Drain the pasta but don't rinse it – that starch helps the sauce cling to every bite!

Step 02

While your pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Once it's shimmering hot, add your beef (whether you're using thinly sliced sirloin or ground beef). Season it with the salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Let it cook undisturbed for a minute or two to develop a nice brown crust, then stir and continue cooking until it's just done – about 4-5 minutes total. You want it slightly browned but still juicy! Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

Step 03

Using the same skillet (don't clean it – those browned bits are flavor bombs!), reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds – be careful not to burn it! Pour in the beef broth, using a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for a minute, then pour in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes if you're using them. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 04

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, along with any juices that collected on the plate. Gently fold the beef into the sauce, then add your drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Let everything simmer together for about a minute to allow the flavors to marry.

Step 05

Take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the top. Give everything one final gentle toss. Divide the pasta among warm plates or bowls, making sure everyone gets a good helping of beef and plenty of that luscious sauce. Finish each serving with an extra sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish pairs beautifully with garlic bread for soaking up any extra sauce and a simple side salad to cut through the richness.

Notes

  1. This creamy beef pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something satisfying and comforting.
  2. For an extra flavor boost, try adding sautéed mushrooms, wilted spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes along with the beef when you return it to the sauce.
  3. Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot for cooking pasta
  • Colander for draining
  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese)
  • Contains wheat/gluten (pasta)
  • Contains fish (Worcestershire sauce often contains anchovies)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 685
  • Total Fat: 42 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 28 g