Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Parmesan Beef 🍝✨
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that combines creamy, cheesy indulgence with hearty, savory flavors, this Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Parmesan Beef is a recipe you’ll want to save forever. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet rich and satisfying enough to serve for special occasions. With tender spaghetti coated in a luscious garlic butter cream sauce, seasoned ground beef, and melty Parmesan and mozzarella, this dish is guaranteed to be a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe ❤️
- Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes with simple pantry staples.
- Flavor-packed: Garlic butter, Italian seasoning, Parmesan, and beef make a rich and savory combo.
- Comforting: A creamy pasta dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
- Family-friendly: Both kids and adults will devour it.
Ingredients You’ll Need 🛒
To make this creamy garlic butter spaghetti, you’ll need:
- 1 lb ground beef – Lean ground beef works best to keep the sauce from being too greasy.
- 12 oz spaghetti – Classic pasta base, but you can substitute fettuccine or linguine.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A perfect blend of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary.
- 1 cup heavy cream – The secret to the silky, creamy sauce.
- ½ cup beef broth – Adds depth and richness to balance the cream.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Nutty, salty, and the backbone of the sauce.
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – For extra gooey, melty goodness.
- 4 tablespoons butter – To create the garlic butter base.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is a must for that bold flavor.
- Salt and pepper to taste – Adjust to your preference.
- Fresh parsley (optional) – For a pop of color and freshness when serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions 👩🍳
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Cook the beef: In a large skillet, add ground beef and cook over medium heat until browned. Drain any excess fat. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter base: In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant (do not burn).
- Create the creamy sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add the cheeses: Reduce the heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add mozzarella and stir until creamy.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked ground beef back into the sauce. Toss in the spaghetti, coating it fully in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and cracked black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy!
Tips for Success 🌟
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture—pre-shredded can be grainy.
- Reserve pasta water – The starch helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – Al dente gives the perfect bite.
- Make it spicy – Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Protein swap – Try ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.
Variations 🍴
- Vegetable boost: Add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
- Low-carb option: Swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Baked version: Transfer the pasta to a baking dish, sprinkle extra mozzarella on top, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 10 minutes until bubbly and golden.
What to Serve With Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti 🍷
This rich pasta pairs beautifully with:
- A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Garlic bread or breadsticks
- Steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables
- A glass of red wine like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving, 6 servings)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 28g
- Carbs: 42g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
Final Thoughts 💭
This Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Parmesan Beef is the kind of meal that brings people together. It’s indulgent yet easy, familiar yet special. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy night or impressing dinner guests, this recipe will never disappoint.
Make it once, and it just might become your go-to comfort pasta dish!