Dinner

Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

ByElla Hart February 13, 2026February 13, 2026

Introduction

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish perfect for any night of the week. Rich, cheesy, and packed with savory ground beef, it brings together simple ingredients for a satisfying meal.

The image shows a plate of pasta with three main layers. The bottom layer is wide, flat noodles in a light yellow color with a smooth texture. The middle layer is chopped green herbs sprinkled evenly over the pasta. The top layer consists of finely crumbled cooked ground meat mixed with small bits of tomato, giving it a brown and red color with a slightly chunky texture. In the center, there is a small bunch of curly green parsley. The dish is served on a white plate set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz linguine pasta
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add garlic and onion, sauté until fragrant and translucent.
Step 3: Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer 4–5 minutes until sauce thickens.
Step 5: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Add pasta water if needed to loosen sauce.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve immediately. Optionally top with extra parmesan and black pepper.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with whole milk.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and texture.
Use gluten-free linguine to make this dish gluten-free.
If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A close-up image of a white bowl filled with cooked fettuccine pasta as the base layer, coated lightly with a creamy sauce. On top, there is a generous layer of browned ground meat sauce that looks rich and chunky. The dish is garnished with a sprinkle of grated cheese and finely chopped fresh parsley, with a small bunch of parsley placed at the center as a finishing touch. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this sauce works well with other long pasta shapes like fettuccine or spaghetti. Adjust cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.