Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef is a rich and comforting dish combining tender linguine, browned ground beef, and a creamy garlic butter sauce loaded with Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy weeknight meal bursting with flavor and topped with fresh parsley for a perfect finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Begin by cooking the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it apart with a spoon and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt the butter: Using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat to incorporate the beef flavor left in the pan.
- Sauté the garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, ensuring the garlic does not burn for optimal flavor.
- Simmer the cream: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally to thicken slightly.
- Add cheeses and season: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, mixing until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and, if desired, crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat.
- Combine pasta and beef: Return the cooked linguine and ground beef to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the cheesy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the preferred consistency.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the creamy linguine immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- For a spicier dish, increase the crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Use fresh grated Parmesan for the best flavor and melting texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
