Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce
Introduction
Nothing says comfort food quite like a skillet full of pasta coated in a rich, garlicky cream sauce. Add perfectly browned ground beef, melty cheeses, and bursts of flavor from sun-dried tomatoes, and you’ve got a meal that’s both hearty and crave-worthy. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just treating yourself to something indulgent, this creamy beef pasta will be your new favorite go-to dinner.
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe is everything I want on a cold evening—rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. It’s the kind of meal that hits the table in 30 minutes but tastes like it simmered for hours. Plus, it’s endlessly adaptable. Pair it with garlic bread or serve it alongside something bright like a crisp salad. And if you’re a fan of crowd-pleasing meals like chicken enchiladas or Instant Pot lasagna, you’ll love this pasta too.
🛒 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup cream cheese
- ¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp butter
- ¼ cup shredded mozzarella
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
👨🍳 Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned—about 5–7 minutes.
3. Sauté the Garlic
Add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Build the Cream Sauce
Pour in heavy cream and beef broth. Add cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Let the sauce simmer for 3–4 minutes to thicken slightly.
5. Add Flavor
Stir in grated Parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for another 3 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
6. Combine
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the creamy sauce.
7. Finish Rich
Stir in shredded mozzarella and butter. Let everything melt together into a luxurious sauce.
8. Serve
Top with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
💡 Tips for Success
- Use room temperature cream cheese so it melts quickly and evenly.
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Make it spicy: Double the red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne.
- Add veggies: Try sautéed spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This creamy beef pasta is a full meal in itself, but here’s how to make it shine even brighter:
- Pair with garlic bread or a green side salad
- Serve as part of a casual dinner spread with sheet pan quesadillas
- Hosting a party? Add a build-your-own walking taco bar for more mix-and-match fun
End the evening on a cozy note with hot chocolate cookie cups—a sweet pairing for a savory dinner.
❄️ Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and reheat over low heat.
- Freezer: Cream sauces don’t freeze well, but the cooked beef (before adding dairy) can be frozen.
🍴 More Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved this pasta, don’t miss these savory hits from the ChefManiac kitchen:
- This Instant Pot Lasagna Is My Favorite Way to Make Comfort Food Fast
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd
- These Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups Are My Favorite Winter Treat
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
🧾 Final Thoughts
This creamy beef pasta recipe is everything you want in a one-skillet dinner: quick, comforting, flavorful, and family-approved. It’s weeknight magic that feels weekend-worthy. With its rich garlic sauce and cheesy finish, this dish is bound to become a staple in your meal rotation.
💬 Tell Us What You Think!
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