Beef with Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

If you are craving a dish that is both comforting and bursting with flavor, then this Beef with Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Tender slices of beef combine beautifully with al dente pasta, all enveloped in a rich, luscious sauce infused with the fragrant warmth of garlic and the indulgent creaminess of Parmesan. It’s like a cozy hug on a plate, perfect for weeknight dinners or when you want to impress without stress. Once you try this recipe, I promise it will become a staple you reach for time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting started on this Beef with Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is easier than you might think because it requires just a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients. Each component plays an essential role, whether it’s the tender beef bringing protein and depth, the pasta providing satisfying texture, or the creamy garlic sauce tying everything together with bold flavor and velvety richness.

• Flank steak or sirloin, 1 pound: Thin slices cook quickly and remain tender without drying out.
• Fettuccine or penne pasta, 8 ounces: Choose your favorite shape; both hold the sauce beautifully.
• Fresh garlic, 4 cloves minced: The star flavor that turns the sauce into something unforgettable.
• Heavy cream, 1 cup: Creates the silky texture and rich taste that makes this sauce irresistible.
• Low-sodium beef broth, ½ cup: Adds savory depth without overwhelming salt.
• Parmesan cheese, ½ cup freshly grated: Melts into the sauce and imparts a nutty, sharp finish.
• Olive oil, 2 tablespoons: Essential for browning the beef and sautéing the garlic with a subtle fruity note.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that elevate all the flavors.

How to Make Beef with Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil and add your chosen pasta. Cooking it until al dente — firm to the bite — ensures the pasta won’t get mushy once mixed with the sauce. Save about a cup of the starchy pasta water before draining; this will help adjust the sauce’s consistency later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef for Rich Flavor

While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef in batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Browning the meat creates those delicious caramelized edges that bring incredible flavor and texture. Once browned on all sides, remove the beef and set aside to rest.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic with Care

Reduce the heat to medium and in that same skillet, sauté the minced garlic for just about a minute until you can smell its fragrant aroma. This step infuses the base of your sauce with bold garlic flavor without letting the garlic burn, which can lead to bitterness.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring gently to combine. Let the mixture simmer for around five minutes to thicken slightly, becoming a luscious sauce that will coat every strand of pasta and slice of beef with rich, dreamy goodness.

Step 5: Combine Beef, Pasta, and Sauce

Return the beef to the skillet and sprinkle over the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together so the beef gets evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach the perfect silky consistency. Then, toss in the cooked pasta and gently mix it all up, making sure every bite is packed with flavor.

How to Serve Beef with Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely pop of color and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce. You can also add a little extra Parmesan on top for cheese lovers who want that extra layer of indulgence. A pinch of cracked black pepper at the end brightens the flavors beautifully.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with crisp, green salads such as arugula with lemon vinaigrette or classic Caesar. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts also complement the richness of the sauce and add a welcome crunch and balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For an impressive presentation, swirl the pasta on the plate using a fork and ladle the beef and sauce on top. A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a few chili flakes can elevate the dish further. For gatherings, serve it family-style in a large, deep serving platter so everyone can help themselves to as much creamy, garlicky goodness as they want.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Beef with Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce and beef will continue to meld their flavors, making the next day’s meal just as delightful.

Freezing

While the sauce contains cream, you can freeze leftovers if necessary. Use a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. When thawing, do so slowly in the fridge overnight to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to refresh the sauce. Avoid high heat which could cause the cream to separate. If you’re in a hurry, warming in the microwave at short intervals with stirring in between works well too.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?

Yes, thinly sliced sirloin or ribeye can work well, but flank steak is preferred for its texture and flavor. Just make sure the slices are thin enough to cook quickly and stay tender.

What pasta shapes work best?

Fettuccine and penne are excellent because they hold onto the creamy sauce well, but feel free to try rigatoni or pappardelle depending on your mood and pantry.

Is there a way to make it dairy-free?

You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese. The flavor will be different but still creamy and delicious.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a little longer to reduce it down, or add a teaspoon of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with cold water) to help thicken it up quickly without losing flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes are fantastic additions that bring freshness and extra layers of flavor to the dish.

Final Thoughts

This Beef with Pasta in Creamy Garlic Sauce Recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings indulgence and comfort to your table without complicated steps or exotic ingredients. The combination of tender beef, pasta, and that dreamy garlic cream sauce makes every bite memorable. I encourage you to dive into this recipe soon — it’s sure to become a fast favorite for your family and friends, bringing joy and warmth to mealtimes again and again.

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