Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef is a quick and comforting meal perfect for any weeknight. Linguine pasta is tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce with melted Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, combined with flavorful browned ground beef, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a rich and satisfying dish that balances hearty meat with luscious cheese and garlicky goodness.
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 Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use. Set the pasta aside.
- Brown 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 or until fully browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: Using the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to combine.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Seasonings: Gradually add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Combine Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked linguine pasta and browned ground beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat in the creamy cheese sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the pasta immediately, topped with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency and help the sauce stick to the pasta.
- For a milder dish, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- This dish can be made ahead by preparing pasta and sauce separately, then combining before serving.
- To lighten the dish, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk but expect a less creamy sauce.
