This delicious Beef Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce combines tender strips of beef with al dente pasta, all coated in a rich, velvety garlic cream sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners that’s easy to prepare yet impressive enough for guests. Ready in under 30 minutes, this creamy beef pasta dish will quickly become a family favorite!
Why This Beef and Garlic Pasta Recipe Works
This beef pasta with garlic sauce is more than just another pasta recipe. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Quick and Simple: Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish
- Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, beef, and cream creates depth of flavor without complicated techniques
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different pasta shapes or additional vegetables
- One-Pan Option: Can be prepared in a single pan for minimal cleanup
- Family-Friendly: Loved by adults and children alike
The secret to this creamy pasta recipe lies in the perfect balance between the savory beef, aromatic garlic, and luxurious cream sauce. Let’s dive into how to create this delectable dish!
Ingredients for Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta
For the Beef:
- 1 pound (450g) beef sirloin or ribeye, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
The Creamy Garlic Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
The Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or tagliatelle work well)
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese, for serving
How to Make Beef Pasta with Creamy Garlic Sauce
1: Prepare the Beef
- Slice the beef into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- In a bowl, combine the beef with 1 tablespoon olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Allow the beef to marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
2: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
3: Cook the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
- Once hot, add the marinated beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding).
- Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until browned but still slightly pink inside.
- Transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.
4: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
- Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Sprinkle the flour over the garlic and butter, stirring continuously for 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5: Combine the Beef Pasta with Garlic Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, tossing to coat thoroughly.
- If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water, a little at a time.
- Return the beef and any accumulated juices to the skillet.
- Gently stir to combine everything and allow to heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
6: Serve
- Transfer the beef and cream pasta to serving plates or a large serving bowl.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately with garlic bread or a simple green salad on the side.
Tips for Perfect Beef Pasta in Garlic Cream Sauce
- Beef Selection: Use a tender cut like sirloin, ribeye, or tenderloin for best results. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Don’t Overcook: The beef should be just seared on the outside and slightly pink inside before you set it aside. It will finish cooking when returned to the sauce.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
- Room Temperature Cream: Allow the heavy cream to come to room temperature before adding to prevent curdling.
- Consistency Control: The sauce will thicken as it cools. Use reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency if needed.
- Fresh Garlic: For the best garlic flavor, use fresh garlic cloves rather than pre-minced garlic.
Variations of Creamy Beef and Garlic Pasta
Mushroom Beef Pasta
Add 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms after cooking the beef. Sauté until golden brown before proceeding with the sauce.
Spinach Garlic Cream Pasta with Beef
Stir in 2 cups of fresh spinach leaves just before serving, allowing the residual heat to wilt the greens.
Spicy Beef Pasta
Double the red pepper flakes and add a tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Wine-Infused Garlic Cream Sauce
Add 1/4 cup of dry white wine after sautéing the garlic and before adding the flour. Allow it to reduce for 1-2 minutes.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
Preparing in Advance
You can marinate the beef up to 24 hours in advance. The sauce can be prepared separately and refrigerated for up to 2 days.
Storing Leftover Beef Pasta
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating Instructions
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy consistency. Avoid microwave reheating as it may cause the sauce to separate.
Nutritional Information
One serving of Beef Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce (approximately 1/4 of recipe) contains:
- Calories: 785
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Fat: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cut of beef for this creamy pasta recipe?
Yes, you can use tenderloin, flank steak, or even ground beef. If using tougher cuts like flank, marinate longer or use a meat tenderizer.
What pasta shapes work best with creamy garlic sauce?
Pasta shapes with ridges or curves like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work well as they catch more sauce. Flat noodles like fettuccine or tagliatelle are also excellent choices.
Can I make this beef pasta dish without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or a combination of milk and cream cheese for a lighter version. For a dairy-free alternative, use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
How can I make this beef and garlic pasta ahead of time?
Prepare the beef and sauce separately, then refrigerate. Cook fresh pasta when ready to serve and combine all components. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating the sauce.
What side dishes pair well with beef pasta in creamy garlic sauce?
This rich dish pairs beautifully with light sides like a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. A crisp white wine also complements the creamy flavors.
Can I freeze this creamy beef pasta recipe?
While possible, cream-based sauces may separate when frozen and thawed. If freezing, do so without the pasta and prepare fresh pasta when reheating.
How can I add more vegetables to this beef pasta dish?
Bell peppers, zucchini, broccoli, or peas make excellent additions. Add firmer vegetables like bell peppers when cooking the beef, and more delicate ones like peas just before serving.
Is there a way to make this garlic cream pasta healthier?
Use whole wheat pasta, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, increase the amount of vegetables, and reduce the Parmesan cheese by half.
Perfect Wine Pairings for Beef Pasta with Garlic Sauce
The rich, creamy flavors of this beef pasta dish pair wonderfully with medium-bodied red wines like Merlot or Chianti. If you prefer white wine, try an oaked Chardonnay or a rich Viognier that can stand up to the creamy garlic sauce.
If you like this recipe, there is another similar one you might enjoy!
Why This Beef Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce Will Become Your Go-To Recipe
This beef pasta in creamy garlic sauce strikes the perfect balance between sophisticated flavor and simple preparation. It’s an ideal recipe for busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The combination of tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich garlic cream sauce creates a restaurant-quality dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or hosting a casual get-together with friends, this creamy beef pasta recipe is sure to impress. It’s comfort food at its finest – satisfying, flavorful, and guaranteed to have everyone asking for seconds!
Based on 2 Review(s)
