Name: Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz spaghetti; 1 lb ground beef; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1 cup beef broth; 2 tbsp butter; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

There’s something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of spaghetti, especially when it’s coated in a rich, garlicky parmesan sauce and packed with flavorful beef. This Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta is a quick, satisfying dish that brings together simple ingredients in the best way possible. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just craving something hearty, this recipe will not disappoint.

I love how this dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy, cheesy, and savory flavors. The ground beef adds a meaty richness, while the parmesan and garlic infuse every bite with bold, comforting taste. Plus, it’s super easy to make in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to for busy weeknights. Pair it with a side of crusty bread, and you have a meal that feels indulgent yet effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta

Quick & Easy – Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Incredibly Flavorful – The combination of garlic, parmesan, and beef creates a bold, delicious taste.
Family-Friendly – A dish that everyone, including picky eaters, will love.
Simple Ingredients – Made with pantry staples you likely already have.
Perfect Comfort Food – Creamy, cheesy, and loaded with hearty beef for a satisfying meal.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

While classic spaghetti is the go-to for this dish, you can absolutely switch it up based on what you have on hand. Bucatini works great if you want a thicker, chewier bite, while fettuccine or linguine will give you a slightly more luxurious texture. If you prefer shorter pasta, penne or rigatoni will hold the sauce beautifully. Whole wheat or gluten-free pasta options also work well if you need a healthier alternative. The key is to choose a pasta shape that allows the creamy garlic parmesan sauce to cling to every bite.

Options for Substitutions

If you need to tweak the recipe to suit your dietary needs or preferences, here are some easy swaps:

Meat Alternatives – Swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tofu or plant-based meat substitutes.
Cheese Variations – Parmesan is a classic, but you can also use pecorino romano for a sharper taste or a blend of mozzarella for extra creaminess.
Garlic Options – Fresh minced garlic is best, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch. If you love garlic, roast it beforehand for a sweeter, deeper flavor.
Creaminess Factor – If you want an even creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a bit of cream cheese.
Low-Carb Alternative – Swap out traditional pasta for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash for a lighter version.
Spice it Up – Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for a little heat.

Ingredients for Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building rich, comforting flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:

Spaghetti – The perfect base to soak up all the garlicky parmesan goodness. You can use any pasta you prefer.
Ground Beef – Adds heartiness and a deep, savory flavor to the dish. You can swap it with turkey, chicken, or sausage if desired.
Garlic – Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic, slightly sweet and pungent taste.
Parmesan Cheese – The star of the sauce, providing a salty, nutty richness that ties everything together.
Heavy Cream – Makes the sauce extra creamy and smooth, giving it a luxurious texture.
Butter – Enhances the richness of the dish and helps coat the pasta in silky flavor.
Olive Oil – Used to sauté the garlic and beef, adding a hint of fruitiness.
Beef Broth – Deepens the flavor and helps create a more flavorful sauce.
Salt & Black Pepper – Essential seasonings that bring out the best in all the ingredients.
Italian Seasoning – A mix of dried herbs that adds an extra layer of aromatic flavor.
Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – A little spice to balance out the richness of the dish.
Fresh Parsley – Brightens up the final dish with a fresh, herby touch.

These simple ingredients come together to create an irresistibly creamy, cheesy, and satisfying pasta dish.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining, as it can help adjust the sauce’s consistency later. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Once fully cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it, as garlic can become bitter if overcooked.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly. Gradually add the grated parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. If the sauce seems too thick, you can loosen it with some reserved pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix it into the sauce. Then, add the drained spaghetti and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, black pepper, or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the pasta. For an extra touch of flavor, add a little more grated parmesan on top. Serve immediately and enjoy your rich, creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta!

How Long to Cook the Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for a weeknight meal. Here’s a rough breakdown of the cooking time:

Boiling the Pasta: 8-10 minutes (depending on the pasta type)
Browning the Beef: 5-7 minutes
Sautéing the Garlic: 1 minute
Simmering the Sauce: 5 minutes
Combining Everything: 2 minutes

In total, you’ll need about 25-30 minutes from start to finish!

Tips for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta

Salt Your Pasta Water – This enhances the flavor of the spaghetti from the start.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook it until al dente, as it will continue to absorb the sauce once mixed in.
Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as well and can make the sauce grainy.
Reserve Pasta Water – A splash of starchy water helps create a silky sauce that clings to the noodles.
Don’t Overheat the Sauce – Keep the heat on low when adding the cheese to prevent it from clumping.
Adjust the Consistency – If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with pasta water or extra broth.
Let the Beef Rest – Allowing the beef to sit for a minute after cooking keeps it juicy.
Finish with Fresh Herbs – Parsley or basil adds a fresh contrast to the rich, creamy flavors.

Following these simple tips will ensure your pasta turns out rich, creamy, and absolutely delicious!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is simple, a few common mistakes can impact the final dish. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Pasta – Spaghetti should be al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Burning the Garlic – Garlic burns quickly; sauté it for only 30 seconds to a minute to avoid bitterness.
Adding Cheese Over High Heat – Parmesan can clump or turn grainy if added to a boiling sauce. Reduce the heat before stirring it in.
Not Draining the Beef Properly – If using fatty beef, drain excess grease to prevent an overly oily sauce.
Skipping the Pasta Water – Reserved pasta water helps bind the sauce to the spaghetti and improves consistency.
Using Low-Quality Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated is best!
Forgetting to Taste and Adjust Seasoning – Always taste the dish before serving and adjust the salt, pepper, or spice levels as needed.

Avoiding these mistakes will ensure a creamy, well-balanced, and flavorful pasta dish.

What to Serve With Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta?

This pasta is rich and comforting on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate the meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread

A crispy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

A fresh, crisp Caesar salad with a tangy dressing balances the richness of the pasta.

Bruschetta

Tomato bruschetta adds a burst of freshness and acidity to contrast the creamy dish.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini add a healthy and delicious side option.

Minestrone Soup

A light Italian soup pairs wonderfully with the pasta for a cozy meal.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Earthy, garlicky mushrooms complement the beef and parmesan flavors.

Steamed Spinach

A simple side of wilted spinach adds a nutritious touch.

A Glass of Red Wine

A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot enhances the savory flavors of the dish.

These sides will turn your Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta into a complete and satisfying meal!

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores and reheats well!

Refrigerator: Store leftover Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: While you can freeze it, the creamy sauce may separate when reheated. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or milk to restore the creamy consistency.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, and add a little liquid to prevent dryness.

For best results, enjoy this pasta fresh, but proper storage will keep it delicious for later!

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional value per serving (based on a 4-serving recipe):

Calories: ~650 kcal
Protein: ~35g
Carbohydrates: ~55g
Fat: ~32g
Saturated Fat: ~15g
Cholesterol: ~90mg
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~700mg

Note: These values may vary based on ingredient brands and portion sizes.

This pasta is a satisfying, protein-packed meal, and you can make adjustments to lighten it up by using leaner meat or reducing the cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of meat?

Yes! Ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work well in place of beef. If you prefer a meatless version, try a plant-based alternative or mushrooms for a hearty texture.

How do I prevent my sauce from getting too thick?

If your sauce becomes too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, beef broth, or a splash of milk to loosen it up while stirring.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, but for the best texture, cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute half-and-half, whole milk, or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a similar creamy effect.

Why is my parmesan cheese clumping in the sauce?

This happens if the sauce is too hot. Lower the heat and gradually add the cheese while stirring to help it melt smoothly.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default, but you can add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.

Can I use pre-grated parmesan?

Freshly grated parmesan is best, as pre-grated varieties contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting.

What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess. The microwave works too, but stir in between heating to keep it from drying out.

Conclusion

This Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, creamy, and packed with savory flavors. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or meal-prepping for the week, it’s a dish that never disappoints.