Looking for a creamy, hearty pasta dish that’s both easy and flavorful? Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta is your next go-to comfort food. With tender spaghetti, savory ground beef, and a rich garlic parmesan sauce, this recipe is exploding in popularity across home kitchens for good reason. It’s a delicious twist on the traditional spaghetti dinner—no tomato sauce, just creamy, cheesy perfection.
This dish combines Italian-American flavors with a weeknight-friendly prep time, making it a star for busy families and pasta lovers alike. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or craving a cozy meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple steps.
- Pantry-friendly ingredients – Uses everyday items you likely already have.
- Creamy without being heavy – The garlic parmesan sauce is rich, but balanced.
- Great for leftovers – Reheats beautifully for next-day lunches.
- Family-approved – Even picky eaters love the cheesy, garlicky goodness.
Ingredients Needed for Perfect Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta
Here’s everything you’ll need:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Alternatives:
- Dairy-free? Use plant-based butter, coconut cream, and vegan parmesan.
- Gluten-free? Swap in gluten-free spaghetti.
Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta
- Cook the spaghetti:
Boil salted water, cook spaghetti until al dente, then drain and set aside. - Brown the beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat. - Make the garlic butter base:
Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. - Stir in the cream and seasoning:
Pour in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and optional Italian seasoning. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes. - Add Parmesan cheese:
Stir in the cheese and let the sauce thicken, about 2 minutes. - Combine with spaghetti:
Toss cooked spaghetti into the sauce until well-coated. - Serve and garnish:
Plate and top with extra parmesan and chopped parsley.
Recipe Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor: Sauté onions with the garlic or add a dash of red pepper flakes.
- Make it cheesy: Top with mozzarella and broil for 2–3 minutes until bubbly.
- Boost the veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or steamed broccoli.
- Want it lighter? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or evaporated milk.
How to Store & Reheat
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave in 30-second intervals with a splash of milk or cream to keep it saucy. Alternatively, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat.
Similar Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of rich, creamy pasta dishes like this Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta, you’ll definitely want to try these next!
- Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta: Creamy, garlicky, and restaurant-quality—ready in under 30 minutes!
- Somalia Pasta: A unique and flavorful dish that blends spices and culture beautifully.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta: A creamy, sun-dried tomato and chicken pasta that’s perfect for date night.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken works just as well for a lighter version.
Will the sauce thicken more after cooling?
Yes, it thickens as it cools. To loosen it, just add a little milk or cream when reheating.
Can I freeze this pasta dish?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze it. Let it cool, then freeze in portions. Reheat with added cream for best results.
What type of Parmesan is best?
Freshly grated Parmesan (not the shelf-stable kind) melts better and gives the richest flavor.
There’s a reason Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta is a viral favorite—it’s comforting, crave-worthy, and easy enough for weeknights. Now that you know how simple it is to make, why not try it tonight? Don’t forget to share your creation or leave a review below. Hungry for more? Follow us for more delicious pasta ideas!
Garlic Parmesan Beef & Spaghetti Pasta
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning optional
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat. Drain excess fat.
- Add butter and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 3–4 minutes.
- Add Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and sauce thickens.
- Toss in cooked spaghetti and coat well with sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.