Name: Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced (or ground beef for a quicker option); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 1/2 cups heavy cream or half-and-half; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish); Extra Parmesan cheese, for topping

Jump to Recipe

Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is a rich, savory dish that delivers restaurant-level flavor with surprisingly simple ingredients. This comforting recipe brings together tender slices of seasoned beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luxurious garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that coats every bite. It’s the kind of satisfying, indulgent meal that’s perfect for cozy nights in, yet elegant enough to serve for special occasions.

Whether you’re using sirloin for a tender, juicy bite or ground beef for speed and convenience, this recipe adapts easily to your schedule and preferences. The garlic butter base adds deep flavor, while the heavy cream and Parmesan create a smooth, creamy sauce that clings to the pasta and beef beautifully. With the option to add a little heat from red pepper flakes and brightness from fresh parsley, this pasta dinner checks every box.

It’s one of those dishes that feels like it took hours to prepare, but comes together quickly enough for weeknights. Plus, it’s easy to customize based on what you have in your pantry. If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing pasta recipe with bold, rich flavors, Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is a must-try.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Rich and Creamy Flavor

The sauce is made with butter, garlic, beef broth, cream, and Parmesan—creating a rich, silky texture with deep savory flavor.

Versatile Protein Options

Use thinly sliced sirloin for a tender bite or opt for ground beef to cut down on prep time without sacrificing flavor.

Ready in Under an Hour

This hearty, satisfying dinner can be on the table in about 30–40 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Customizable Heat and Texture

Add red pepper flakes for a little spice or swap in your favorite pasta shape to suit your taste.

One-Skillet Simplicity

Minimal cleanup is required since most of the dish comes together in a single pan—convenient and efficient.

Ingredients

Beef (sirloin or ground beef)
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Smoked paprika
Italian seasoning
Unsalted butter
Garlic
Beef broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Parmesan cheese
Worcestershire sauce
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Pasta (penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni)
Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan for topping

Variations

Make It Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or stir in hot sauce for extra heat.
Use Chicken or Turkey: Swap the beef for thinly sliced chicken breast or ground turkey for a lighter option.
Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition and texture.
Low-Carb Version: Serve the sauce over spiralized zucchini or cauliflower rice instead of pasta.
Cheese Blend: Mix Parmesan with mozzarella or Asiago for a deeper cheesy flavor.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the beef with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and Italian seasoning. Sear the beef until browned and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute, until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the pan. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer the sauce until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with the beef. Toss everything together until well coated, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan over the top before serving.

Tips for Making the Recipe

Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Grate Parmesan fresh for the best melting quality and flavor.
Avoid overcooking the garlic—it should be fragrant, not browned or bitter.
Use half-and-half instead of cream for a lighter but still rich sauce.
Reserve pasta water to help emulsify and adjust the thickness of the sauce.

How to Serve

Serve this creamy beef pasta hot, directly from the skillet or transferred to a large serving bowl. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad. For a heartier meal, add a side of sautéed mushrooms or grilled asparagus.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Store pasta and sauce together for easy reheating.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, but the cream-based sauce may separate slightly when thawed. Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months, and stir well when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of sirloin?

Yes, ground beef is a great shortcut and works perfectly in this recipe.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner. Half-and-half is a better substitute if you want to lighten the dish without losing creaminess.

What pasta works best with this sauce?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but fettuccine or linguine also works beautifully.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes. You can adjust the heat level to your liking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and beef ahead and store them separately. Combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes, mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or peas are great additions to this dish.

Does the sauce thicken as it sits?

Yes, the sauce will continue to thicken as it cools. Add a bit of pasta water or cream when reheating.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just use a larger pan and scale ingredients proportionally.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

You can use Asiago, Romano, or a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, though the flavor will be slightly lighter. Beef broth is preferred for a richer taste.

Conclusion

Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is a luxurious yet approachable dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. With tender beef, flavorful garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s the kind of comforting pasta that satisfies every craving. Whether you keep it simple or dress it up with veggies or spice, this recipe delivers consistent, delicious results. It’s a crowd-pleasing favorite that belongs in your regular dinner rotation—hearty, creamy, and irresistibly good.