Description
This Delicious Garlic Beef Pasta is a quick and savory meal perfect for busy weeknights. Featuring tender ground beef infused with fragrant garlic, Italian seasoning, and a hint of red pepper flakes, combined with a creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with your choice of pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a comforting dish that satisfies the craving for hearty, flavorful pasta without complicated steps.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz pasta (spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne)
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
- Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary to reduce greasiness.
- Add aromatics and seasoning: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt, enhancing the flavor base.
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens, enriching the overall texture.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet along with the grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated. Add reserved pasta water little by little to achieve your desired creaminess.
- Season and garnish: Taste and season with salt and black pepper as needed. Finish by garnishing with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor experience.
Notes
- Use pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness and help the sauce stick to the pasta.
- For a spicier kick, increase red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but expect a slightly less rich texture.
- Can use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Parmesan cheese can be replaced with Pecorino Romano for a sharper taste.
- Garnish with fresh basil or oregano if parsley is unavailable.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
