When the weather calls for cozy comfort food or you simply crave a rich, satisfying dinner, Beef with Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect dish to prepare. This hearty recipe combines tender strips of beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious, garlicky cream sauce that brings everything together. It’s an ideal weeknight meal but also elegant enough to serve at dinner parties or family gatherings.
Inspired by Italian-American cuisine and a touch of rustic farmhouse cooking, this dish strikes the perfect balance between homestyle warmth and restaurant-quality flavor. Whether you’re looking to indulge on a cold evening or impress guests with a luxurious yet easy-to-make pasta dish, this recipe has you covered.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating this delicious meal requires simple, everyday ingredients you might already have in your kitchen:
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or spaghetti)
- 1 lb (450g) beef sirloin or tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional: crushed red pepper flakes for a hint of spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for a smooth cooking process:
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.
2. Sear the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the thinly sliced beef with salt, pepper, and half of the Italian seasoning. Sear the beef in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until browned but still tender. Transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
3. Prepare the Creamy Garlic Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in beef broth and let it simmer for 2 minutes. Lower the heat, pour in heavy cream, and whisk until the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Incorporate Cheese and Seasoning
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. Add remaining Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste. For extra richness, you can add a small knob of butter at this stage.
5. Combine Beef and Pasta
Add the seared beef back to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water gradually until the sauce coats the pasta evenly.
6. Finish and Serve
Garnish with chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve immediately with crusty bread or a simple green salad.
Tips for Perfect Beef with Pasta
- Choose the Right Cut: Tender cuts like sirloin or tenderloin are ideal for quick searing. Avoid tougher cuts that require slow cooking.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Quick searing keeps the beef juicy and prevents it from becoming chewy.
- Balance the Garlic: While garlic is a star in this recipe, avoid overloading it to keep the sauce balanced.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy water helps emulsify the sauce, making it silky and clingy.
- Use Fresh Parmesan: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly; freshly grated ensures a luscious sauce.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ways you can change it up:
- Mushroom Addition: Sauté sliced mushrooms along with the garlic for earthy depth.
- Spinach or Kale: Toss in fresh greens at the end for extra nutrition and color.
- Different Pasta: Try tagliatelle, linguine, or even short pasta like rigatoni.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
- Cream Alternatives: Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter version.
What to Serve With Beef in Creamy Garlic Sauce
Pairing sides with this dish can make it an even more impressive meal:
- Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up the rich sauce.
- Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with balsamic vinaigrette balances the richness.
- Roasted Vegetables: Oven-roasted asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers complement the creamy pasta.
- Red Wine: A glass of Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon enhances the savory flavors.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
- Make-Ahead: You can cook the beef and sauce in advance. Reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: While the sauce can be frozen, cream-based sauces may separate slightly upon thawing. Stir well when reheating.
- Reheating: Warm gently over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Chicken breast or thighs work beautifully with this creamy garlic sauce. Cook them the same way as beef.
2. What pasta works best with this sauce?
Long pasta like fettuccine or tagliatelle holds the sauce well, but penne and rigatoni are also great choices.
3. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too runny?
Simmer it longer to reduce or add extra Parmesan cheese to help thicken it naturally.
4. Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
5. Is there a dairy-free option?
You can substitute heavy cream with a plant-based cream (like coconut cream) and use dairy-free cheese alternatives.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
- Restaurant Quality: Rich and flavorful without complicated techniques.
- Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser even for picky eaters.
- Customizable: Easily adapted to your dietary needs and flavor preferences.
- Comfort in Every Bite: Perfectly balanced creaminess and savory beef goodness.
Conclusion
Beef with Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce is more than just a meal—it’s an experience of comfort and indulgence that brings people together. The tender beef, garlicky cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta make every bite irresistible. With its flexibility and ease of preparation, it’s sure to become a go-to dish in your kitchen.
Next time you’re looking for a quick yet impressive dinner, give this recipe a try. Pair it with a glass of red wine, some garlic bread, and a fresh salad, and you’ve got a feast that feels both homey and gourmet.
Beef With Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce: A Comforting Classic
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Tender beef strips tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and coated in a rich, creamy garlic sauce for a comforting and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
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Beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
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Pasta (penne or fettuccine)
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Olive oil
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Butter
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Garlic, minced
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Heavy cream
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Beef broth
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Parmesan cheese, grated
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Italian seasoning
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Salt and black pepper
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, add beef slices, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
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Add heavy cream and beef broth, stirring until combined. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
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Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, cooking until the sauce thickens.
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Return the cooked beef to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
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Add pasta to the skillet and mix until fully coated.
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Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
For extra flavor, add mushrooms or spinach to the sauce. You can also substitute chicken or shrimp for beef
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
