Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce

There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy, garlicky pasta loaded with tender, juicy beef. It’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for a cozy dinner at home. This Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is the ultimate blend of bold flavors and velvety textures, making it a dish you’ll want to make again and again.

The savory beef, coated in a luscious garlic parmesan sauce, pairs beautifully with perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re serving it for a weeknight meal or a special occasion, this dish is bound to impress.

Let’s dive into the recipe and get cooking!

Description

This Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is a one-pan dish that’s full of rich flavors and comforting textures. The tender seared beef adds a deep, savory bite, while the creamy garlic parmesan sauce brings indulgence to every forkful. A touch of fresh herbs and a sprinkle of cheese make this dish irresistible.

Best of all, it’s quick to make—perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 1 pound sirloin steak (or ribeye), thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup beef broth
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Pasta

• 12 ounces pasta (fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
• Extra parmesan cheese for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Season the thinly sliced beef with salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder.
3. Add the beef to the skillet in a single layer and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through.
4. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt butter.
2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Pour in beef broth and let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to deglaze the pan.
4. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).
5. Let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and steak bites back into the skillet.
2. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

1. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan cheese.
2. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!

Notes

• Thinly slicing the beef ensures it cooks quickly and stays tender.
• Use freshly grated parmesan for the best texture and meltability in the sauce.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• If the sauce gets too thick, loosen it with a splash of pasta water.

Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
• Diet: Non-Vegetarian
• Keywords: creamy beef pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, easy pasta dinner

Helpful Tips

1. Choose the Right Cut of Beef – Sirloin, ribeye, or strip steak work best because they stay tender and flavorful when seared. Avoid lean cuts like flank steak unless marinated properly.
2. Slice Against the Grain – Cutting the steak against the grain (perpendicular to the muscle fibers) results in tender, juicy bites instead of chewy pieces.
3. Don’t Overcook the Beef – Since the steak will be added back to the sauce, cook it just until browned to keep it tender. Overcooked steak can become tough and dry.
4. Use Fresh Garlic for Maximum Flavor – While garlic powder works in a pinch, freshly minced garlic makes the sauce richer and more aromatic.
5. Deglaze the Pan for Extra Flavor – After cooking the steak, use the beef broth to scrape up the browned bits from the pan. This adds a deep, savory taste to the sauce.
6. Freshly Grate the Parmesan – Pre-shredded parmesan doesn’t melt as well due to anti-caking agents. Grating fresh parmesan ensures a smooth, velvety sauce.
7. Reserve Pasta Water – Adding a bit of starchy pasta water to the sauce helps it bind to the pasta and prevents it from becoming too thick.
8. Finish the Pasta in the Sauce – Tossing the pasta in the sauce for 1-2 minutes before serving allows it to absorb all the flavors, making every bite delicious.
9. Adjust the Sauce Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or extra broth. If it’s too thin, let it simmer for a minute longer.
10. Customize to Your Taste – Add mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes for a unique twist. The creamy garlic sauce is a great base for different flavors!

Conservation and Storage

This Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers properly to keep them tasting delicious. Follow these tips for the best results.

Storing Leftovers

Refrigeration

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before storing.
• Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• If possible, store the sauce and steak separately from the pasta to prevent sogginess.

Freezing (Not Recommended)

• The cream-based sauce doesn’t freeze well, as it can separate and become grainy when reheated.
• If you must freeze, store the steak and sauce separately from the pasta in airtight containers for up to 1 month.
• To restore the sauce’s texture, reheat gently and whisk in a little fresh cream or broth.

Reheating Instructions

Stovetop (Best Method)

1. Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to a pan over medium-low heat.
2. Stir in the pasta and warm for 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Microwave (Quick Method)

1. Place pasta in a microwave-safe bowl and add a tablespoon of milk or broth to prevent drying out.
2. Cover with a damp paper towel and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warm.

Oven (For Large Portions)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Place pasta in an oven-safe dish and add a little cream or broth.
3. Cover with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.

Meal Prep Tips

• Cook the steak and sauce ahead of time and store them separately.
• Boil fresh pasta when ready to eat and toss it with the reheated sauce and steak for the best texture.
• Use a little reserved pasta water when reheating to bring back creaminess.

Substitutions and Variations

This Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is incredibly versatile! Whether you’re looking to adjust it for dietary needs, use what you have on hand, or try a new twist, here are some great ways to customize the recipe.

Substitutions

For the Beef

• Chicken: Swap beef for grilled or pan-seared chicken breast or thighs for a lighter alternative.
• Ground Beef: If you don’t have steak, ground beef works well—just brown it in the pan and drain excess fat before making the sauce.
• Mushrooms: For a vegetarian option, replace the beef with sautéed mushrooms for a hearty, umami-packed alternative.
• Shrimp: Add garlic butter shrimp instead of beef for a creamy seafood twist.

For the Creamy Sauce

• Milk Instead of Heavy Cream: Use whole milk or half-and-half for a lighter sauce. Add a teaspoon of flour to help thicken it.
• Dairy-Free Version: Substitute coconut milk or cashew cream for a non-dairy alternative while keeping it rich and creamy.
• Cheese Alternatives: If you don’t have parmesan, try grated Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different depth of flavor.

For the Pasta

• Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat pasta for extra fiber or gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles): For a low-carb option, replace pasta with spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash.

Variations

Spicy Kick Version

• Add extra red pepper flakes, a dash of cayenne, or sriracha to the sauce.
• Use spicy Italian sausage instead of steak for a bolder flavor.

Garlic Butter Herb Version

• Enhance the sauce with fresh rosemary, thyme, or basil for a fresh, fragrant twist.
• Use roasted garlic instead of fresh garlic for a deeper, slightly sweet flavor.

One-Pot Version

• Cook the pasta directly in the sauce with an extra cup of broth for a one-pan meal with fewer dishes.

Tomato Cream Sauce Twist

• Stir in ½ cup of tomato sauce or fire-roasted diced tomatoes for a rosé-style pasta that’s both creamy and tangy.

Low-Carb & Keto Adaptations

• Replace pasta with zucchini noodles, spaghetti squash, or cauliflower rice.
• Skip the flour and use heavy cream and extra parmesan for a keto-friendly sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground beef instead of steak?

Yes! Brown 1 pound of ground beef in the skillet, drain excess fat, and proceed with the recipe.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Fettuccine, penne, and rigatoni work well because they hold the creamy sauce beautifully.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the sauce and beef ahead of time, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes! You can substitute evaporated milk, whole milk, or a roux-based sauce (butter + flour + milk) for a lighter alternative.

Conclusion

This Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect combination of rich, creamy, and savory flavors. The juicy steak bites, garlicky parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta make every bite pure comfort food.

It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet indulgent enough for a special occasion. Try it out and let me know how it turns out!

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