If you’re in search of a delicious new twist on pasta night, Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef is the ultimate comfort food feast you’ll want to return to again and again. Imagine silky linguine tossed in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce, layered with melty cheese and hearty beef. It’s everything you crave in a weeknight dinner: quick, simple, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or hosting friends for a cozy dinner, this one-pan pasta checks all the boxes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe brings together simple ingredients everyone loves, each one making a special contribution. From luscious cream to robust ground beef, every addition has a delicious purpose—and your pantry likely already holds most of what’s needed.
- Linguine pasta: The perfect noodle for hugging that creamy sauce, but you could swap for spaghetti or fettuccine in a pinch.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps brown the beef beautifully.
- Ground beef: The savory backbone of Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef, making every bite hearty and satisfying.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out every layer of flavor.
- Unsalted butter: Melts into a golden base for all the garlicky goodness to follow.
- Garlic cloves: There’s nothing like fresh garlic to give this dish its signature aroma and depth.
- Italian seasoning: Just a sprinkle takes the flavors from simple to irresistible.
- Beef broth: Enriches the sauce and keeps everything juicy and delectable.
- Heavy cream: For a dreamy, creamy texture that takes the sauce over the top.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts right in for those crave-worthy cheesy pulls.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty tang and that classic Italian touch.
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle of green at the end brightens up the plate.
How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Start by bringing a generously salted pot of water to a boil. Drop in your linguine and cook until just al dente—remember that perfect bite! Make sure to reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as it’s liquid gold for perfecting your sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add in that wonderful ground beef, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and break it up as it cooks. Let it brown until every piece is beautifully caramelized, then drain any extra fat to avoid a greasy sauce.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base
Push the beef to one side of your skillet and drop the butter onto the other side. Once it’s melted and frothy, stir in the minced garlic and let its aroma fill your kitchen for a minute or two. Italian seasoning joins the party here—stir it in so every bit of beef gets a touch of herbaceous flavor.
Step 4: Simmer and Creamify
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, letting them bubble up and meld for a few minutes. This is where Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef starts getting so irresistibly creamy you’ll want to sneak a spoonful.
Step 5: Get Cheesy and Toss
Turn the heat down low and add the mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until both cheeses melt into a rich, velvety sauce that coats the beef perfectly. Now, add your cooked linguine and toss everything together. If the sauce is extra thick, splash in some reserved pasta water—just until it’s silky and clings to the noodles.
Step 6: Plate and Garnish
Transfer the pasta to plates or a big serving dish. Top with chopped fresh parsley if you like a little freshness and pop of color, then serve it piping hot. Each forkful will have you coming back for more!
How to Serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef
Garnishes
Finish your Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef with a flourish of chopped fresh parsley for color and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan for that finishing savory touch. If you really want to treat yourself, a drizzle of good olive oil or a tiny bit of crushed red pepper flakes makes each bite sing.
Side Dishes
This pasta shines on its own, but it’s even better alongside simple sides. Try serving it with a crisp green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette, or warm, crusty garlic bread perfect for scooping up every drop of sauce. Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables add bright, healthy contrast—not to mention extra color to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party-worthy presentation, twirl the linguine into neat nests with tongs right on the plate and add a lovely mound of ground beef in the center. A sprinkle of microgreens or extra Italian seasoning takes it from casual to chef-inspired. You can even serve Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef family-style in a big, beautiful bowl for everyone to dig in together!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers, simply let the pasta cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef will keep well for up to three days and tastes just as flavorful the next time around.
Freezing
While this dish is creamiest and best fresh, you can freeze it for busy weeknights. Portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags, squeezing out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to the pasta and gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring often so the sauce returns to its original creamy consistency. The microwave works too—cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between until it’s hot all the way through.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While linguine is especially good for soaking up that creamy, cheesy sauce, you can use spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just keep an eye on the cooking time so whichever pasta you pick is nicely al dente.
Is it possible to make this recipe lighter?
You sure can. Swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk, and use part-skim mozzarella. Lean ground turkey or chicken is a great stand-in for beef if you’re watching calories but still want that savory protein punch.
What protein alternatives work besides ground beef?
If you’re feeling adventurous or just want to switch things up, Italian sausage, ground turkey, or even vegetarian crumbles all work beautifully in Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef. Each will put its own tasty spin on the dish.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or sweet bell peppers are fantastic additions that bring extra color, flavor, and nutrition. Simply toss them in with the ground beef or stir through at the end for freshness.
How can I make the sauce even creamier?
If you crave an extra-luxurious finish, increase the heavy cream by a few tablespoons or add a touch more mozzarella. A final splash of reserved pasta water also works wonders to create that rich, restaurant-style sauce for your Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly magical about how simple pantry staples come together in Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef—it’s hearty, cheesy, and downright unbeatable for a weeknight dinner. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and make it your own family favorite!
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Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a delicious and comforting meal with this Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef recipe. Creamy, garlicky pasta is paired with seasoned ground beef for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for a family dinner or cozy night in.
Ingredients
Linguine Pasta:
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Ground Beef:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Linguine: Boil linguine until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet, season, and drain excess fat.
- Prepare Cheesy Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter, sauté garlic, add seasonings, broth, and cream. Simmer before adding cheeses.
- Combine and Serve: Mix in cooked linguine, adjust consistency with pasta water if needed. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef.
- For added flavor, consider mixing in sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
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