Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta Recipe for Easy Dinners

Creamy garlic beef pasta is my go-to when I need a comforting, satisfying dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together in one skillet—perfect for busy weeknights. With tender beef, a garlicky cream sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish delivers big comfort with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and hearty. The garlic-infused sauce clings to every bite of pasta, and the beef adds depth and protein that makes it a full meal. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but comes together fast—and it always leaves me going back for seconds.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work great)
1 lb ground beef (or thinly sliced steak)
1 tbsp olive oil (if using steak)
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp chili flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup beef broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
Chopped parsley for garnish

Directions

1. I bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. I drain it and set it aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, I cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. If I’m using steak strips, I season and sear them in olive oil instead, then set them aside.

3. I reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion and garlic to the same pan, cooking for 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.

4. I stir in the Italian seasoning, chili flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper.

5. I pour in the beef broth and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits for flavor.

6. I lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. I let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3–5 minutes.

7. I stir in the Parmesan until melted and smooth, then return the beef (or steak) to the skillet and add the cooked pasta.

8. I toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and heated through. I garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: About 30 minutes

Variations

• I sometimes add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for more texture and flavor.

• For a spicy version, I use hot Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

• I’ve also swapped in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

• A splash of white wine in place of some broth adds extra depth.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I warm it gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
It also microwaves well—just stir halfway through to keep it creamy and evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, I’ve used whole milk or half-and-half, but the sauce will be a little thinner. Adding cream cheese helps thicken it up.

What pasta shape works best?

I like short pasta like penne or rotini for catching all the sauce, but fettuccine or spaghetti work too.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, I make the sauce and cook the pasta ahead, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

How do I keep the sauce from separating?

I keep the heat low when adding the cream and cheese, and stir gently until everything is smooth.

Is this freezer-friendly?

It can be, but the cream sauce may change texture slightly. I freeze in portions and reheat with a splash of cream to revive the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy garlic beef pasta is everything I want in a quick dinner—rich, comforting, and packed with flavor. It’s easy enough for weeknights but tasty enough to serve to guests. Whether I’m making it with ground beef or steak, this dish always hits the mark and disappears fast from the dinner table.