Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

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Rich, savory, and decadently creamy, this Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce brings comfort food to a whole new level. Each twirl of fettuccine wraps around seasoned ground beef and a luscious garlic butter parmesan sauce that melts right into the pasta. It’s the kind of dinner you make when you’re craving something hearty yet sophisticated.

Perfect for busy weeknights but elegant enough to serve for guests, this dish comes together with just a handful of pantry staples and a bit of love. Whether you’re sitting down with family or prepping meals for the week ahead, this is a recipe you’ll keep coming back to.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To pull this recipe off with maximum flavor and ease, you’ll need:

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This allows the beef to brown evenly and gives room to develop that rich fond at the bottom (aka flavor gold).
• Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: A must to keep the fettuccine from sticking and ensure even cooking.
• Fine Grater or Microplane: Essential for freshly grating parmesan cheese which melts smoother into the sauce than pre-shredded.
• Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Ideal for stirring the beef and scraping up flavor bits without damaging your pan.
• Colander: For draining the pasta with ease.

These tools don’t just make cooking easier—they help elevate the texture and flavor in every bite.

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Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

• Fettuccine Pasta – The wide, flat noodles soak up the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Ground Beef – Adds hearty, savory flavor and rich texture.
• Garlic (minced) – Brings that signature depth and aromatic kick.
• Butter – Creates the rich base of the garlic butter sauce.
• Heavy Cream – Delivers that silky, indulgent texture to the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (freshly grated) – Gives the sauce its sharp, nutty essence and thickness.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other ingredients.
• Parsley (chopped, for garnish) – Adds a pop of freshness and color.

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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 and cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Season with salt and pepper, then remove beef from the pan and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes. Gradually stir in the grated parmesan, whisking until smooth and thickened.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked beef back into the skillet along with the drained fettuccine. Toss well to coat in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.

Step 6: Serve It Up

Plate the pasta, garnish with chopped parsley and extra parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

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Serving and Storing Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine

This dish is best served immediately while the sauce is warm and creamy. Pair it with garlic bread or a simple green salad for a balanced meal. It also pairs beautifully with a glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

For leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Lean ground beef is ideal since it provides flavor without making the sauce greasy. You can also use ground sirloin or chuck for a richer taste.

Can I substitute the fettuccine with another pasta?

Absolutely! Tagliatelle, linguine, or even penne will work well with this sauce. Just be sure to choose a pasta that holds sauce nicely.

Is there a way to make this lighter?

Yes. You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and ground turkey instead of beef. The result will be slightly less rich but still delicious.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the pasta and beef mixture in advance, but assemble the final dish just before serving to keep the sauce creamy and fresh.

Does this freeze well?

Cream-based sauces don’t always freeze beautifully, but if you do freeze it, store it in a sealed container for up to a month. Reheat gently and stir often.

What herbs can I add for extra flavor?

Fresh thyme or basil can be a great addition. Even a pinch of Italian seasoning works beautifully in the sauce.

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Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine, you’ll probably enjoy these other comforting favorites:

• Longhorn Parmesan Chicken – crispy and creamy in every bite.
• Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole – rich, cheesy, and oven-baked to perfection.
• Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce – a creamy twist on a classic favorite.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce – tender chicken and garlic heaven.
• Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini – sweet, sticky, and packed with flavor.

For even more cozy, crave-worthy meals, check out my daily recipes over on Pinterest – Life With Olivia.

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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 try adding mushrooms or using Italian sausage instead of beef?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook with confidence.

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