Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Parmesan Beef – A Comfort Food Classic

If you’re searching for the perfect weeknight dinner that’s comforting, flavorful, and ready in under an hour, then this Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Parmesan Beef recipe is exactly what you need. This dish brings together tender ground beef, rich garlic butter sauce, and a cheesy, creamy finish that clings beautifully to every strand of spaghetti. It’s family-friendly, satisfying, and will quickly become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

In this blog post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about making this recipe—from step-by-step instructions and cooking tips to variations and serving ideas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy – Using ground beef speeds up the cooking process. No need for long simmering times.
Rich and Creamy – The combination of heavy cream, garlic butter, and Parmesan creates a decadent sauce.
Family-Friendly – A dish both kids and adults will love.
Budget-Friendly – Simple pantry staples make this an affordable comfort meal.
Versatile – You can switch up the pasta or add vegetables for extra nutrition.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this delicious creamy garlic butter spaghetti with Parmesan beef, you’ll need the following:

1 lb ground beef – Provides the hearty protein base.
12 oz spaghetti – Classic choice, but fettuccine or linguine also work.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Adds a touch of herbal aroma.
1 cup heavy cream – Essential for that rich, creamy sauce.
½ cup beef broth – Enhances depth of flavor and balances richness.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – The nutty, salty bite that ties everything together.
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese – Melts into the sauce for gooey creaminess.
3 tablespoons butter – The foundation of the garlic butter sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic brings bold flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste – Essential seasonings.
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – Adds freshness and color.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not burnt.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Slowly add the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Allow it to simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Cheeses

Reduce the heat to low and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add mozzarella and stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Beef

Return the cooked beef to the pan, then add the spaghetti. Toss everything together, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Cooking Tips for the Best Creamy Spaghetti

Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the sauce more depth than pre-minced jarred garlic.
Don’t Overcook Pasta – Slightly undercooking pasta ensures it finishes perfectly when tossed in the sauce.
Reserve Pasta Water – The starchy water helps the sauce cling to the noodles.
Grate Your Own Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese often has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Simmer, Don’t Boil – Keep the cream sauce at a gentle simmer to avoid curdling.

Variations to Try

Add Veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes add nutrition and flavor.
Swap the Protein – Use Italian sausage, chicken, or shrimp instead of beef.
Make it Spicy – Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for heat.
Low-Carb Option – Swap spaghetti for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
Herb Twist – Fresh basil or thyme works beautifully in place of Italian seasoning.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti

This dish is rich and filling on its own, but you can round out the meal with:

Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up leftover sauce.
Caesar Salad – Crisp and tangy to balance the creaminess.
Roasted Vegetables – Adds color and extra nutrition.
Red Wine – A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Chianti pairs beautifully.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Refrigeration – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezing – Not recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate.
Reheating – Gently reheat on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.

FAQs

1. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the sauce and pasta separately. Combine just before serving to keep it fresh.

2. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. To thicken, add a teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with water.

3. What cheese works best besides Parmesan?
Pecorino Romano or Asiago makes great substitutes.

4. How do I prevent my sauce from clumping?
Always add cheese gradually over low heat, stirring constantly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Parmesan Beef is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family, a date night, or a cozy dinner alone, this pasta dish guarantees to impress.

Simple to prepare yet indulgent in flavor, it’s one of those recipes you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation. With its creamy sauce, cheesy goodness, and savory beef, every bite feels like a warm hug.

So grab your ingredients, pour yourself a glass of wine, and whip up this dreamy pasta dish tonight. Your taste buds will thank you!