Beef Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce

I cook tender beef and aromatic garlic in a rich, creamy sauce, then toss it with pasta—creating a satisfying one-pot meal where every strand of pasta is coated in silky, flavorful goodness.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this dish combines hearty beef, warm garlic, and indulgent cream all in one comforting dinner. It’s a family favorite that feels luxurious yet is so simple to pull together. Plus, you can make it in one pot—minimal prep, minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 lb beef (ground, diced, or stew meat)
• Pasta (rigatoni, shells, or preferred short pasta)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 2–4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half‑and‑half)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (Parmesan or cheddar)
• Butter and/or olive oil
• Salt, black pepper, paprika or Italian seasoning
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

1. I heat butter or oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté onion until translucent.
2. I add beef, season with salt, pepper, paprika or Italian seasoning, and brown it until no pink remains.
3. I stir in garlic and cook briefly until fragrant.
4. I pour in beef broth and cream, simmering until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. I stir in uncooked pasta (enough to be mostly covered by sauce), cover, and cook until the pasta is al dente—adding a splash more broth if needed.
6. I remove from heat, stir in shredded cheese until melted and silky.
7. I garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

• Serves: 4
• Prep time: ~10 minutes
• Cook time: ~20–30 minutes
• Total time: ~30–40 minutes

Variations

• Slow-cooker version: Use beef stew meat, broth, cream cheese, and garlic; cook low 6–8 hours, then add pasta to finish.
• Cheese swap: Parmesan gives a nutty finish; cheddar adds richer color and sharper flavor.
• Spice it up: Add smoked paprika, chili flakes, or Italian seasoning for extra complexity.
• Protein options: Ground turkey or chicken can replace beef for lighter versions.
• Veggie boost: Toss in mushrooms, spinach, or peas in the last few minutes.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. This dish freezes well—thaw overnight and reheat as usual.

FAQs

Can I make it in a slow cooker?

Yes! Cook beef, broth, cream cheese, and seasonings on low 6–8 hours, then stir in cream and pasta to finish

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

No—this is designed as a one-pot meal. Just add uncooked pasta to the simmering sauce and let it cook until tender.

Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?

Yes—half-and-half works fine, though the sauce may be slightly lighter in texture. stirring in extra cheese helps maintain creaminess.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth is certified gluten-free.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely—I often add mushrooms, spinach, or peas in the final few minutes for extra nutrition and color.

Conclusion

I absolutely love this Beef Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce because it’s comforting, easy, and richly flavorful. It feels like a gourmet meal made in minutes—perfect for busy nights, satisfying family dinners, or whenever I’m craving creamy, beefy comfort.

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