Description
A rich and creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta combined with savory ground beef, creating a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This dish pairs tender linguine tossed in a luscious garlic butter cheese sauce with perfectly browned ground beef and a hint of heat from optional crushed red pepper flakes.
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 the Pasta: Cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later. Set the pasta aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Melt Butter: Return the skillet to medium heat and melt the unsalted butter.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Add Heavy Cream: Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes while stirring occasionally to slightly thicken the sauce.
- Incorporate Cheeses and Season: Gradually add the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses to the skillet, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
- Toss Pasta and Beef: Add the cooked linguine and browned ground beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and meat evenly with the creamy cheese sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs loosening.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- Reserve some pasta water to help adjust the sauce thickness for a smoother consistency.
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For extra spice, increase crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of chili powder.
- Ensure not to burn the garlic while sautéing to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melt-in texture.
