Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce
Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is a hearty and comforting dish featuring tender beef strips and al dente pasta enveloped in a rich, garlic-infused cream sauce. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or special occasions, this simple yet sophisticated recipe balances indulgent flavors with satisfying textures, customizable to suit your dietary preferences.
- Author: Julia
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and sautéing
- Cuisine: American/Italian fusion
- Diet: Gluten Free
Beef and Pasta
- 300g tender beef strips (such as sirloin)
- 250g pasta (fettuccine, penne, or your favorite variety)
Sauce
- 3 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Garnish
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Prepare the Ingredients: Thinly slice the beef into bite-sized strips and finely mince the garlic to maximize its flavor release during cooking.
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a small amount of pasta water, and set aside.
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add beef strips in a single layer and sear quickly until browned on the edges but still tender inside. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, then add minced garlic. Sauté gently until fragrant and golden, taking care not to burn it.
- Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly while blending flavors.
- Combine Beef and Pasta: Return the seared beef to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Add the drained pasta and toss to coat everything evenly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Final Seasoning and Garnish: Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, colorful finish.
Notes
- Use tender beef cuts (sirloin, ribeye) for quick cooking and best texture.
- Don’t overcook garlic to avoid bitterness—keep heat moderate during sautéing.
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and improve texture.
- Grate fresh Parmesan cheese for optimal melting and sauce creaminess.
- Let the dish rest off heat for a minute before serving to let flavors meld perfectly.
- Ground beef can be substituted by browning thoroughly before adding sauce.
- For gluten-free, swap regular pasta for gluten-free options.
- To thicken sauce more, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry.
- Prepare components separately for make-ahead and combine just before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 40 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Keywords: beef pasta, creamy garlic sauce, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, gluten-free pasta dish, weeknight meal