Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta

On nights when I need comfort food and minimal cleanup this one pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta always saves the day My family would happily eat it every week and I love how easy it is to customize with what I have on hand

The scent of garlic melting into warm butter and beef instantly makes my kitchen feel welcoming I first made this on a rainy evening and it has stayed in our family meal rotation because everyone asks for seconds

Ingredients

• Ground beef: Use lean ground beef for rich flavor without excess grease Look for beef with an eighty five fifteen blend at the butcher for juicy results
• Pasta: Penne and rotini are both winners as they hold onto sauce beautifully Choose high quality dry pasta for the best texture
• Beef broth: This makes the sauce robust and ties the flavors together Go for low sodium so you can control the seasoning
• Olive oil: Helps brown the beef evenly and adds a silky finish Select extra virgin for extra flavor
• Butter: The backbone for the garlic butter profile Use real butter for a luxurious sauce
• Garlic: Fresh garlic is essential as it perfumes and deepens everything Use plump cloves
• Italian seasoning: Brings warmth and herbal notes A good dried blend with oregano basil and thyme is perfect
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Optional for gentle heat Choose a fresh jar for a lively kick
• Paprika: Lends color and round flavor Smoked or sweet paprika both work
• Salt and black pepper: Ground fresh for brightness and to enhance all the ingredients
• Parmesan cheese: Adds deep savoriness and helps thicken the sauce A wedge grated fresh gives the best flavor
• Heavy cream: Gives a beautiful creamy mouthfeel and smooth sauce Use real cream for best results
• Mozzarella cheese: Melts seamlessly into the sauce Go for block mozzarella and shred it at home for a stretchier result
• Parsley: Sprinkled for a pop of color and fresh finishing touch Flat leaf parsley has great flavor and texture

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:

Set a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat Add olive oil then ground beef and cook while breaking it up with a spoon Let it get deep brown on all sides This usually takes about seven minutes Remove any extra grease for a lighter sauce

Build the Flavor Base:

Add all the butter fresh garlic Italian seasoning crushed red pepper and paprika to the browned beef Stir until the butter melts and the kitchen fills with aromas Sauté for a few minutes so the garlic softens but does not burn

Cook the Pasta:

Pour in beef broth Gently scrape up any browned bits from the skillet to add flavor Stir in dry pasta making sure it is mostly covered Bring it up to a boil then lower the heat Cover and simmer stirring a couple times until the pasta is almost cooked and most of the broth is absorbed This step makes sure every noodle soaks up all the flavors

Make it Creamy and Cheesy:

Add heavy cream Parmesan and mozzarella cheese Stir gently until every bit of cheese becomes part of the sauce Let the whole pot rest off the heat so everything marries and the sauce thickens

Garnish and Serve:

Finish with a shower of chopped parsley for color Serve hot with a piece of warm bread to soak up all the creamy sauce

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The use of heavy cream and mozzarella together is my favorite part It gives every spoonful an incredible silky finish and my youngest always claims the cheesiest bits for himself More than once we have laughed around the table scraping the pot for extra helpings

Storage Tips

Leftovers keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days For best texture reheat gently with a splash of broth or milk to revive the creamy sauce The pasta absorbs sauce as it sits so a quick stir will bring everything back together

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground turkey or chicken for the beef or use a plant based ground if needed Feel free to try shell or fusilli pasta instead of penne Rotini works nicely too Cream can be replaced with half and half for a lighter option or use lactose free cream for sensitivities

Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta hot from the stove with a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables On colder nights add a slice of thick crusty bread to catch every bit of sauce It also works beautifully as a potluck dish because it stays creamy even as it cools

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Cultural and Historical Context

This comforting pasta is inspired by Italian American weeknight meals combining rich garlic butter sauces from traditional Italian cooking with simple one pot methods common in modern kitchens It nods to old school flavors but fits today’s need for quick delicious family food

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute another type of pasta?

Yes, penne and rotini work beautifully, but any short pasta such as fusilli or rigatoni can be used. Adjust cooking time as needed until al dente.

→ How do I keep the pasta from sticking to the pot?

Stir the pasta periodically as it simmers, especially in the first few minutes after adding liquid. A gentle simmer and enough broth help prevent sticking.

→ How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a subtle heat, but you can omit them for a milder flavor or adjust the quantity to taste.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

It reheats well, though the sauce may thicken as it sits. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.

→ What sides go well with this pasta?

Fresh green salad and warm crusty bread complement the creamy, savory flavors and make the meal complete.

→ Can I use a different cheese?

Feel free to swap in cheeses like fontina or gouda for mozzarella, or add extra Parmesan for more robust flavor.