Description
This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta with Savory Ground Beef is a creamy, comforting dish that combines perfectly cooked linguine with rich garlic butter sauce, tender ground beef, and a luscious blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an ideal weeknight dinner to satisfy your craving for hearty pasta with a cheesy twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz linguine pasta
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the linguine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Brown Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Continue cooking for about 5-7 minutes until the beef is nicely browned. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the cooked beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat, using the flavorful beef drippings left behind.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to let the garlic burn.
- Create Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheeses and Season: Gradually add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Adjust the seasoning by adding salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
- Toss Pasta and Beef: Return the cooked pasta and browned ground beef to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce, as it contains starch that helps bind the sauce to the noodles.
- Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing, as burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.
- For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes according to your preference.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a better melt and flavor rather than pre-grated cheese.
- This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
