Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

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Craving something rich, creamy, and completely satisfying tonight? This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce might just be your new go-to comfort dish. It’s a restaurant-style pasta bowl brimming with silky fettuccine noodles, hearty seasoned beef crumbles, and a luscious garlic butter parmesan sauce that clings to every strand.

Each bite melts into an indulgent medley of sharp cheese, savory browned beef, and the warming depth of garlic butter. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but luxurious enough to impress on date night or a small gathering.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Getting that creamy garlic butter sauce just right means a few tools need to shine in your kitchen.

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan – This is where all the flavor magic happens. A wide-bottom skillet ensures even heat distribution for browning beef and simmering the sauce.
• Pasta Pot with Strainer – A tall pot allows fettuccine to cook evenly and gives you control over doneness. A built-in strainer or colander saves time.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula – Perfect for gently folding the beef and sauce together without breaking up the pasta.
• Box Grater or Microplane – Freshly grated parmesan melts more smoothly into the sauce.
• Tongs – Essential for tossing the pasta with the sauce to ensure even coating and a tangle-free finish.

Prepping everything before you turn on the stove keeps this recipe smooth and stress-free. Mise en place really is the secret to creamy pasta success.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

• Fettuccine Pasta – Its wide ribbons hold onto creamy sauces better than thinner noodles.
• Ground Beef – Provides hearty flavor and protein. A lean mix still delivers richness without excess grease.
• Butter – The base of the garlic sauce. It gives body and flavor depth.
• Garlic Cloves – Fresh minced garlic infuses the butter and sauce with a warm aromatic bite.
• Heavy Cream – Creates the velvety, luscious texture that makes this dish ultra-satisfying.
• Parmesan Cheese – Salty and nutty, it balances the richness and thickens the sauce naturally.
• Salt and Pepper – Fundamental for seasoning each layer.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional) – For a touch of freshness and color contrast.

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How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fettuccine and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until fully browned and crumbled. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.

Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Base

Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Don’t let the garlic brown.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Whisk in freshly grated parmesan and stir until smooth and thickened.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked beef back to the skillet. Toss in the drained fettuccine. Use tongs to combine, adding reserved pasta water a bit at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate hot and sprinkle with more parmesan and chopped parsley if desired.

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Serving and Storing This Pasta Dish

Serve your Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine immediately for the best texture—that glossy sauce is perfection fresh from the pan. Pair with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream and warm gently on the stovetop or microwave. This prevents the sauce from drying out.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Tagliatelle, linguine, or even rotini can work. Just avoid delicate noodles like angel hair that can break apart in the creamy sauce.

What kind of ground beef is best?

Use 85/15 or leaner. You get good flavor without too much grease.

Can I make it ahead of time?

You can prep the components in advance, but for best results, assemble and serve it fresh.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Not really. The cream sauce can separate when frozen and reheated.

How can I make this spicier?

Add red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic, or a splash of hot sauce in the sauce.

Can I substitute the cream?

You can use half-and-half, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Avoid milk as it might curdle when simmered.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

You might also love the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, a rich dish with a playful shape perfect for soaking up creamy sauces. Or try the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni, which brings a bold garlicky twist to a similar creamy base.

For baked lovers, the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti offers a bubbly, cheesy finish. And if you want a cozy classic, the Beef and Rotini in Garlic Parmesan Sauce is full of weeknight comfort.

You can also check out my Pinterest page for more creamy pasta creations and everyday favorites from LadyPlate.

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Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your dinner boards for easy access. Just click the Pin button.

If you make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Use chicken instead of beef? Drop a comment below and let’s chat! Your tweaks always inspire the next version of this dish.

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