Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here! When I’m craving true comfort food—something rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor—my mind immediately goes to pasta. And today, I’m sharing a recipe that takes a classic pasta dish to a whole new level: Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Beef. This isn’t just dinner; it’s an experience, with tender beef, perfectly cooked linguine, and an unbelievably luscious garlic butter cheese sauce.

Why I Love This Recipe

What’s not to love about a dish that combines all the best things in life: tender pasta, savory meat, and a creamy, cheesy sauce infused with garlic butter? I absolutely adore this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine because it hits every single comfort food note. It’s incredibly satisfying without being overly complicated, making it a fantastic choice for a hearty weeknight meal or a special weekend indulgence. The beef adds a wonderful richness and texture, while the garlic butter sauce clings perfectly to every strand of linguine. It’s a dish that always brings smiles to the table, and honestly, you’ll want to lick the plate clean!

The Magic of Creamy Pasta & Beef

Pasta dishes featuring beef and a rich, creamy sauce have been beloved across cultures for decades, evolving from hearty Italian ragus to simpler, Americanized weeknight meals. The addition of “garlic butter” elevates the experience, drawing inspiration from classic garlic bread and scampi, where butter and garlic form the foundation of immense flavor.

This particular combination of creamy sauce, cheese, garlic butter, and savory beef creates a harmonious blend that appeals to almost everyone. The linguine’s long, flat strands are ideal for coating in the luxurious sauce, ensuring that every bite is packed with deliciousness. It’s a testament to how simple, good quality ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create a truly memorable and utterly comforting dining experience, perfect for a cozy night in or feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this incredibly rich and satisfying dish:

• 1 lb linguine
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
• 4-5 cloves garlic, minced (divided)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus more for pasta water)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 1/2 cups beef broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Beef: While ground beef is classic, you can use ground Italian sausage for a spicier kick, or a mix of both. Ground turkey can also be used for a lighter option.
• Pasta: Linguine is great for soaking up the creamy sauce, but you can use other long pastas like spaghetti or fettuccine, or even short pastas like penne or rigatoni.
• Garlic: Don’t be shy with the garlic! Freshly minced is best for optimal flavor. Dividing it ensures both the meat and the sauce get that aromatic punch.
• Cream: Heavy cream provides the ultimate richness. Half-and-half can be used for a slightly lighter sauce, but the creaminess won’t be quite as intense.
• Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts beautifully and offers the best flavor. Pre-grated can work but might not melt as smoothly. You could also add a touch of mozzarella or cream cheese for extra gooeyness.
• Broth: Beef broth adds depth of flavor, but chicken broth or even vegetable broth would work in a pinch.
• Add-ins: For some hidden veggies, you could finely dice some mushrooms or spinach and sauté them with the onion.

Steps for the Recipe

Let’s get this delicious pasta dish on the table!

1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
2. Brown Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely diced onion and half of the minced garlic to the beef in the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent. Season with salt and black pepper.
4. Deglaze & Simmer Sauce: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Make Garlic Butter: In a separate small skillet or saucepan, melt the unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Add the remaining minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to brown or burn the garlic. Remove from heat.
6. Combine & Create Creaminess: Add the cooked and drained linguine directly to the large skillet with the beef and sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and the garlic butter mixture. Sprinkle in the 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.
7. Toss & Serve: Toss everything together using tongs until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy, cheesy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta cooking water until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
8. Garnish & Enjoy: Serve immediately in bowls, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips for Success

• Al Dente Pasta: Cook your linguine slightly less than fully done (al dente) because it will continue to cook a bit when added to the hot sauce.
• Drain Beef Thoroughly: Excess fat can make your sauce greasy.
• Don’t Burn Garlic: Garlic cooks quickly, especially when minced. Keep a close eye on it when making the garlic butter.
• Warm Servings: This dish is truly best served immediately, when the sauce is hot and creamy.
• Fresh Parmesan: While pre-grated is convenient, freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a superior flavor.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Beef is a hearty meal on its own, but these pairings can elevate it further:

• Crusty Bread: Essential for soaking up every last drop of that amazing sauce. Consider a side of Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter for extra bread.
• Side Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a simple vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• Steamed Vegetables: Simple steamed broccoli or asparagus would be a great addition.
• Beverage Pairings: A medium-bodied red wine (like a Merlot or a smooth Sangiovese) complements the beef and rich sauce well. For non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with lemon or a refreshing iced tea would be perfect.

Storage and Leftover Tips

This pasta dish is definitely best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can thicken and the pasta can soften upon cooling.

• Refrigerate: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
• Reheat: To reheat, gently warm portions in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or beef broth to help loosen the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency. Stir frequently. Microwaving is an option, but it can sometimes make the pasta a bit soft.
• Freezing: Freezing is not recommended for this particular pasta dish, as the creamy sauce and pasta texture can change significantly upon thawing.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you enjoyed this ultimate comfort food experience, you might also like these other hearty and crowd-pleasing meals:

• For another classic pasta dish, check out my Classic Spaghetti Recipe with Homemade Sauce.
• If you love cheesy, easy meals that feed a crowd, my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit is a fantastic choice.
• For a fun, cheesy appetizer that’s always a hit, you absolutely must make This Crockpot Nacho Dip Is The Reason I Never Have Leftovers.
• And for another great way to feed a crowd fast, check out These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast.

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Final Thoughts

Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine with Savory Beef is a testament to how incredible simple, comforting ingredients can be when brought together. It’s rich, satisfying, and packed with flavor—a dish that promises smiles and full bellies. This recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home, bringing gourmet-level comfort to your everyday meals.

Give it a try and let me know in the comments below if this becomes a new favorite in your household! What are your ultimate comfort food pasta dishes? I always love hearing from you! Happy cooking!