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Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce

Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce

Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender lean beef strips, perfectly cooked linguine, and a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. This comforting and versatile recipe is easy to prepare in under 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners or last-minute guests. The buttery garlic sauce complements the savory beef while fresh parsley, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese add brightness and depth of flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Beef and Pasta

  • 8 oz lean beef strips (sirloin or flank steak)
  • 8 oz linguine pasta

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Seasonings and Garnishes

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the linguine: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving one cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Sear the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the beef strips with salt and pepper, then sear quickly until browned on all sides but still juicy inside. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the garlic butter sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook gently for 1–2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn it.
  4. Combine pasta with sauce and beef: Add the cooked linguine back into the skillet along with the seared beef. Toss everything together, gradually adding reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta silky and evenly.
  5. Final touches: Finish the dish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Choose fresh garlic for the best aromatic flavor.
  • Avoid overcooking the beef by searing it quickly to keep it tender.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help emulsify and adjust the sauce texture.
  • Use unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Stir gently when combining pasta to prevent breaking the linguine strands.
  • To make it dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or dairy-free margarine and use vegan cheese or omit Parmesan.
  • Ground beef can be used as a substitute by browning thoroughly and adjusting seasoning.
  • For variations, add vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or mushrooms; swap beef for chicken or shrimp; use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta; and add spices like red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef linguine, garlic butter sauce, quick pasta recipe, easy dinner, comfort food, weeknight meal, Italian pasta, beef strips, garlic butter pasta