Ah, Garlic Butter Beef Pasta — rich, savory, and comforting! It’s a quick skillet meal with tender beef, buttery garlic sauce, and pasta that soaks up all the flavor. Here’s a full recipe:
Garlic Butter Beef Pasta (Serves ~4)
Ingredients
- 12 oz (340 g) pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef or thinly sliced steak
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup beef or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the beef:
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef with a pinch of salt and pepper until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce:
- In the same skillet, melt butter.
- Add onion and sauté until translucent, 2–3 minutes.
- Add garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes; cook 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine beef and pasta:
- Return cooked beef to the skillet.
- Add cooked pasta and pour in broth (and reserved pasta water if needed for moisture). Toss to coat everything in the garlic butter sauce.
- Finish:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the top.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side and a crisp side salad or garlic bread if desired.
💡 Tips for Best Garlic Butter Beef Pasta:
- Use fresh garlic for the most flavor.
- For a creamier version, stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream along with the Parmesan.
- You can add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
- Don’t overcook the pasta — al dente works best so it absorbs the sauce nicely.
If you want, I can also give a one-pan version where you cook the pasta right in the skillet with the sauce — super quick and less cleanup.
Do you want me to provide that version?