Dinner

Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

BySarah Summers February 15, 2026February 15, 2026

Introduction

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner. Rich, creamy, and packed with savory beef and garlic, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together quickly and easily.

The image shows a plate of pasta with three main layers. The bottom layer is wide, flat noodles in a light yellow color with a smooth texture. The middle layer is chopped green herbs sprinkled evenly over the pasta. The top layer consists of finely crumbled cooked ground meat mixed with small bits of tomato, giving it a brown and red color with a slightly chunky texture. In the center, there is a small bunch of curly green parsley. The dish is served on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz linguine pasta
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce simmer for 4–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve immediately. Optionally, top with extra parmesan cheese and black pepper for added flavor.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly grated parmesan for a richer flavor and smoother sauce.
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less thick and creamy.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables and texture.
If you prefer spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as it may cause the sauce to separate.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with cooked fettuccine pasta as the base layer, coated lightly with a creamy sauce. On top, there is a generous layer of browned ground meat sauce that looks rich and chunky. The dish is garnished with a sprinkle of grated cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley, with a small bunch of parsley placed at the center as a finishing touch. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this sauce pairs well with other pasta shapes like fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta you choose.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat substitutes. The creamy parmesan sauce still provides plenty of flavor.