Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce is the ultimate comfort food that brings restaurant-quality flavor straight to your home kitchen. Rich, creamy, and irresistibly savory, this pasta dish wraps tender beef in a silky Parmesan sauce infused with roasted garlic and butter. It’s the kind of meal that turns an ordinary evening into something a little more special.
Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting friends, this dish delivers on both taste and presentation. The garlic butter sauce adds depth while the fettuccine soaks up every drop of the velvety, cheesy goodness. It’s an indulgence, yes, but one that’s worth every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine
It’s a fast-track dinner winner for anyone craving a hearty yet elegant pasta night. The sauce is made in one pan with minimal fuss, and the result is pure creamy luxury. The combination of Parmesan, butter, and garlic builds a flavor profile that’s rich without being overpowering. Plus, the fettuccine provides that satisfying bite that keeps forkful after forkful coming.
This is also a fantastic meal to prep ahead and reheat beautifully. It doesn’t dry out like some creamy sauces do, making leftovers something to look forward to.
What Kind of Fettuccine Should I Use?
When choosing your fettuccine, opt for traditional durum wheat pasta or fresh fettuccine if available. Fresh pasta tends to soak up the garlic butter sauce more deeply and gives a silkier mouthfeel. However, dry fettuccine holds up well to the richness of the sauce and is easier to store. If you’re feeling adventurous, whole wheat or spinach fettuccine adds an earthy balance that pairs beautifully with the creamy Parmesan and savory beef.
Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce
This recipe leans on a handful of bold, flavorful ingredients that work together to make every bite indulgent and balanced. From the richness of Parmesan to the heartiness of beef, each component plays a key role in building the dish’s signature creamy character.
- Fettuccine
- Ground Beef
- Butter
- Garlic Cloves
- Heavy Cream
- Parmesan Cheese
- Salt
- Black Pepper
- Parsley (for garnish)
The fettuccine is the canvas that catches all the rich sauce, while ground beef adds the savory depth that makes this dish hearty enough for a full meal. Butter and garlic cloves form the base of the sauce, creating a deeply aromatic flavor that’s impossible to resist. Heavy cream brings in that luscious texture, while Parmesan cheese gives the dish its signature nutty, salty notes. A pinch of salt and black pepper ties it all together, and a sprinkle of parsley brightens each serving.


How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining, and set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to a separate plate.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine with the garlic butter, then add the Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir into the creamy sauce. Add the drained fettuccine and toss until everything is well coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while the sauce is silky and warm.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
One of the biggest missteps in this recipe is overcooking the pasta. Fettuccine should be cooked al dente so it holds up to the creamy sauce and maintains a pleasant texture. Always reserve a bit of pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid is a secret weapon for loosening the sauce without watering it down.
Using pre-shredded Parmesan can also impact the sauce’s silkiness. Freshly grated cheese melts better and blends more smoothly into the cream. Avoid high heat once the cream and cheese are added to prevent curdling.
Lastly, be sure not to rush the garlic. Burning it in the butter will turn it bitter and overpower the sauce, so keep your heat at medium and watch it closely.
Serving and Storing This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine
This dish serves approximately 4 people generously, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal. Serve it straight from the skillet, steaming hot and dusted with extra Parmesan.
For storing, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce without drying it out.
What to Serve With Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine?
Garlic Bread
Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is the perfect companion to mop up any leftover sauce.
Simple Green Salad
A refreshing counterbalance to the richness of the pasta, especially with a lemony vinaigrette.
Roasted Broccoli
Adds a nutty flavor and healthy crunch to your meal.
Grilled Asparagus
Lightly charred asparagus spears add color and a touch of bitterness that pairs well with the creaminess.
Caprese Salad
Fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil make a light and zesty pairing.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Add extra umami flavor that blends beautifully with the beef and garlic.
Red Wine
A glass of Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot brings depth and elevates the entire dining experience.
Lemon Zest Green Beans
Bright and crisp, these balance the richness of the sauce and bring a pop of color to the plate.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If you can’t get enough of creamy, comforting pasta dishes, here are some more you’ll want to add to your recipe box:
• Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach for a Mediterranean vibe.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan sauce when you crave a twist on Alfredo.
• Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach that blends seafood and comfort food effortlessly.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a swoon-worthy, creamy tomato-based option.
• One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you’re into easy cleanup with max flavor.
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 use fresh pasta or stick with dry? Did you sneak in some mushrooms or red pepper flakes?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook better.
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Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce is the kind of meal that makes home cooking feel like a luxury. It brings together the heartiness of beef with the indulgence of a silky, cheesy sauce, all hugged by perfectly cooked pasta. Whether you’re sharing it with loved ones or treating yourself, it’s a dish that always satisfies. Now that you know how easy it is to make, don’t be surprised if it ends up on repeat in your dinner rotation.
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Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce is a rich, comforting pasta recipe featuring savory ground beef, garlic butter, and a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for a cozy dinner, this easy fettuccine recipe brings Italian-inspired flavor to your table with minimal effort. Ideal for weeknight meals or impressing guests.
Ingredients
12 oz fettuccine
1 lb ground beef
3 tbsp butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream. Stir to combine with the garlic butter, then add Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3 to 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir into the creamy sauce. Add the fettuccine and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
6. Garnish with parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Always use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce.
Reserve pasta water—it helps thin the sauce without losing flavor.
Avoid high heat after adding the cream to prevent curdling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 48g
- Saturated Fat: 24g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 130mg