Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is the ultimate comfort food, featuring the perfect balance of tender beef, smooth cream, and aromatic garlic. The beef is cooked to perfection and then combined with a rich, savory cream sauce that clings to every pasta bite. With the addition of Parmesan and Italian seasoning, every forkful is packed with flavor. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and sure to please the whole family, making it ideal for both casual and special occasions.

Ingredients

8 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your choice)

1 lb beef sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced

2 tbsp olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup beef broth

1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (optional, for extra depth of flavor)

1 tsp salt (or to taste)

½ tsp black pepper (or to taste)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.

Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook for 3–4 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.

Make the Garlic Cream Sauce: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed, and sauté the minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beef broth and Worcestershire sauce (if using), scraping up any bits stuck to the pan. Pour in the heavy cream, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce cook for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Combine the Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Add the cooked beef back to the skillet and toss everything together.

Finish and Serve: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and toss to combine. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Add-On Veggies: Sauté some chopped onions, mushrooms, or spinach with the garlic for extra flavor and texture.

Spicy Kick: For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.

Different Pasta: Feel free to swap in your favorite pasta shape, such as rigatoni, spaghetti, or rotini.

Make It Lighter: Use a lighter cream or substitute with half-and-half for a less indulgent version of the sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed to restore the sauce’s smooth texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef?

Yes, you can use other tender cuts of beef like ribeye or tenderloin. Just be sure to slice it thinly for quick cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best to enjoy this dish fresh, as the sauce may thicken when stored. However, you can prepare the beef and sauce separately and reassemble it later for quick reheating.

Can I make this recipe without Worcestershire sauce?

Yes, Worcestershire sauce adds depth to the flavor, but it’s optional. You can omit it or replace it with a splash of soy sauce or balsamic vinegar.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti all work well with this creamy sauce. Choose the pasta you prefer!

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce isn’t thick enough for your liking, let it simmer for a few extra minutes. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tsp cornstarch with a bit of water) to thicken the sauce quickly.

How do I know when the beef is done?

Cook the beef until it is browned and no longer pink in the center. Thinly sliced beef cooks quickly, so it only takes a few minutes.

Can I use a different type of cream?

You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, or even try a dairy-free version with coconut cream.

How can I adjust the flavor to my taste?

Feel free to adjust the seasonings! Add more garlic or Italian seasoning for extra flavor or increase the Worcestershire sauce for a deeper umami taste.

Can I freeze this dish?

The creamy sauce may separate upon freezing, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Reheat gently on the stove and add a little cream to help bring the sauce back together.

Can I add more cheese?

Yes! For an even cheesier dish, try adding extra Parmesan or a handful of shredded mozzarella to the sauce for extra melt.

Conclusion

Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is an easy, indulgent dish that combines tender beef with a smooth, flavorful garlic cream sauce. It’s rich and comforting, yet simple enough for any night of the week. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy every time!

Print