Dinner

Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe

ByLana Polati February 19, 2026February 19, 2026

Introduction

This Creamy Parmesan Beef Linguine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick and comforting dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Combining tender ground beef with a rich, cheesy sauce, it’s sure to please the whole family.

A white plate holds a dish with a base layer of yellow pasta noodles covered in a sprinkling of green herbs. On top, there is a thick layer of cooked ground meat sauce with a textured, crumbly look in brown and red tones. A small bunch of fresh green parsley sits on the center of the meat, adding a pop of color. The background and surface are white marbled texture, making the colors of the food stand out clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz linguine pasta
1 lb ground beef (80/20)
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small yellow onion, finely diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (optional)
1/2 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook linguine until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Step 2: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.
Step 3: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Drain any excess fat.
Step 4: Stir in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Add the grated parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes if using. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Add the cooked linguine to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley or thyme and serve immediately. Optionally, top with extra parmesan cheese and black pepper.

Tips & Variations

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables.
If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens.