Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

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Rich, savory, and comforting to the last bite, Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a luxurious dinner that brings together the heartiness of ground beef, the indulgence of heavy cream, and the bold punch of garlic. This is not just your average pasta night—it’s the kind of dish that turns a midweek meal into a mini celebration.

What makes this dish especially irresistible is the balance between simplicity and depth. It doesn’t require a mountain of ingredients or fancy techniques. But the moment you swirl that fettuccine through the buttery, cheesy sauce and taste the tender beef, you’ll know it’s a keeper.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine

You’ll love this fettuccine for its sheer comfort factor. The creamy garlic butter sauce clings to every strand of pasta, delivering a rich and savory flavor that satisfies in the most nostalgic way. It comes together quickly enough for a weeknight dinner yet feels indulgent enough for a special occasion. The umami from the beef and Parmesan is balanced beautifully with fresh herbs and the silkiness of cream. It’s a cozy, carb-forward hug in a bowl.

What Kind of Fettuccine Should I Use?

Traditional egg fettuccine is ideal for this dish. Its slightly chewy, wide strands hold onto the creamy sauce better than thinner pastas like spaghetti or angel hair. If you want a richer bite, fresh refrigerated fettuccine is an excellent choice. Dried fettuccine works perfectly too—just be sure to cook it al dente so it doesn’t get lost in the sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine

Every component of this dish is carefully chosen to build flavor and texture. Exact measurements can be found in the printable recipe card at the end. Let’s break down what you’ll need:

  • Fettuccine: The perfect pasta shape to soak up all that luscious sauce.
  • Ground beef: Adds a rich, meaty heartiness to contrast the creamy sauce. You can substitute ground turkey or a plant-based crumble if preferred.
  • Garlic cloves: Freshly minced for bold flavor.
  • Unsalted butter: The foundation for the garlic butter sauce.
  • Heavy cream: Provides the luxurious texture and mouthfeel.
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for maximum melt and umami.
  • Salt and black pepper: To season every layer of the dish.
  • Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh, herby brightness.
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How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Remove beef from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Create the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5: Add Parmesan and Beef

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix to combine.

Step 6: Toss with Pasta

Add cooked fettuccine to the skillet and toss to coat. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite.

Serving and Storing This Pasta Dish

This creamy fettuccine serves about four generous portions, making it great for family dinners or meal prep. For a satisfying portion, plate it in warmed bowls and garnish with extra herbs or a drizzle of olive oil. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to loosen up the sauce.

What to Serve With Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine?

Garlic Bread

Crunchy, buttery garlic bread makes a perfect partner to soak up the creamy sauce.

Caesar Salad

A fresh Caesar with crisp romaine and a tangy dressing adds contrast and balance.

Roasted Asparagus

Roasted asparagus brings a pop of green and a slight char that complements the pasta beautifully.

Caprese Salad

Juicy tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil offer a refreshing palate cleanser.

Parmesan Crusted Zucchini

Add a crunchy, cheesy veggie side with this baked favorite.

Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta

For a pasta night spread, serve alongside this vegetarian option for guests.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Buttery mushrooms with herbs add a deeply savory touch.

Lemon Garlic Green Beans

Light and zesty, these beans cut through the richness of the sauce.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine, here are more dishes to keep the comfort food coming:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you tweak the garlic levels or swap the beef? Maybe added mushrooms? I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated pasta and dinner inspirations on Janet Dishes on Pinterest and discover your next crave-worthy meal.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce is an unbeatable combination of comfort, flavor, and ease. With just the right amount of indulgence, it transforms everyday ingredients into a dish that feels gourmet yet approachable. From the first garlicky bite to the last swirl of sauce, it’s the kind of dinner that satisfies both the belly and the soul.

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Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce


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  • Author: Janet Reynolds
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich and comforting pasta dinner made with tender ground beef, fettuccine, and a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for cozy nights or indulgent family meals, this easy beef fettuccine recipe is satisfying, flavorful, and quick to prepare.


Ingredients

12 oz fettuccine

1 lb ground beef

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp unsalted butter

1 ½ cups heavy cream

1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

½ tsp salt

¼ tsp black pepper

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped


Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water and drain.

2. In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium-high heat until no longer pink. Season with salt and pepper, then remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. Lower heat to medium and stir in heavy cream. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.

5. Add grated Parmesan and stir until melted and smooth. Return the beef to the pan and combine.

6. Add the fettuccine and toss well to coat. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

7. Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melt and flavor.

Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce thickens too much while serving.

For extra depth, try a dash of nutmeg or red pepper flakes in the cream sauce.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 720
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 580mg
  • Fat: 44g
  • Saturated Fat: 22g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 48g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 35g
  • Cholesterol: 130mg

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