If you are craving a rich and satisfying pasta dish that combines tender beef with a luscious, velvety sauce, then you’re in for a treat with this Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe. Imagine perfectly cooked fettuccine coated in a garlic butter sauce that’s enriched with heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, all tossed together with juicy seared beef strips. This dish is a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent without being complicated, making it an ideal weeknight dinner or a special weekend meal to impress your loved ones.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To create this delicious Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe, you’ll want to gather a handful of simple, quality ingredients that each bring essential flavor and texture to the dish.
- 12 oz Fettuccine Pasta: The broad, flat noodles are perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce and giving each bite a comforting chew.
- 1 lb Beef Strips (Sirloin or Ribeye): Choose tender cuts and slice against the grain to ensure maximum juiciness and a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- 4 Tbsp Butter (unsalted): This lends a silky richness to your garlic butter sauce and lets you control the saltiness perfectly.
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic is a game changer, infusing the sauce with aromatic warmth that complements the beef beautifully.
- 1 cup Heavy Cream: This creates the base of the sauce, making it luxuriously creamy; you can substitute with half-and-half if you prefer a lighter twist.
- 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated ensures a sharp, nutty depth of flavor that melts smoothly into the sauce.
- Salt to taste: Essential for elevating all the flavors and seasoning each element just right.
- Black Pepper to taste: Adds a subtle kick that balances the richness perfectly.
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Parsley (optional): A little green garnish brightens up the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Preparing the Beef
Begin by slicing your beef strips thinly against the grain, about a quarter-inch thick, which helps keep them tender and easy to enjoy. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of oil. Sear the beef in batches for just two to three minutes until browned on all sides. Don’t cook them through yet—you want a nice crust and to lock in the juices. Once browned, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside to rest while you prepare the rest.
Step 2: Cooking the Fettuccine
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions, usually around 8 to 10 minutes, until al dente. Before draining, be sure to reserve about a cup of the pasta water—it will come in handy later to adjust your sauce’s consistency. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for the grand sauce finale.
Step 3: Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce
Using the same skillet that held your beef, turn the heat down to medium and add butter. Once melted, toss in your minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute. You’re aiming for fragrant and golden but not browned, so stir often. This step builds the aromatic base that will carry the cream and Parmesan beautifully.
Step 4: Building the Creamy Sauce
Pour your heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and let it gently simmer for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the cream to thicken slightly. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a smooth, creamy sauce. Season the sauce carefully with salt and freshly ground black pepper—tasting as you go to find that perfect balance of savory goodness.
Step 5: Bringing It All Together
Return your rested beef strips to the skillet, stirring them into the rich garlic butter sauce so that every piece is coated with creamy goodness. Add the cooked fettuccine and toss gently, making sure each strand is luxuriously coated. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with small amounts of the reserved pasta water until you achieve a silky, luscious consistency that clings to every bit of pasta.
Step 6: Final Touches
Serve your Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe hot, plating generous portions with a sprinkle of chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. If you like, add an extra shower of Parmesan cheese right before serving for that undeniable cheese allure.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley is a classic, adding not just color but a lovely subtle freshness that cuts through the richness. A few extra shreds of Parmesan elevate the cheesy flavor, and a grind of fresh black pepper on top wakes up the palate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette, which helps balance the creamy weight of the pasta. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli also add great texture and a vibrant contrast.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the pasta in rustic bowls to capture the cozy, comfort-food vibe, or arrange it in neat nests on plates for a more elegant presentation. Drizzle a little extra garlic butter sauce around the edges of the plate to impress your guests visually and give each bite an added touch of indulgence.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The sauce may thicken as it cools, but reheating gently while stirring will bring back its creamy charm. Consume within 2 to 3 days for the best taste and freshness.
Freezing
While this Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe tastes best fresh, you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place the pasta with sauce in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
When reheating, use a low heat on the stove or microwave and add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure the beef stays tender and the pasta maintains its perfect coating of sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While fettuccine is ideal for its wide, flat shape which hugs the sauce well, you can substitute with tagliatelle, pappardelle, or even penne if preferred. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in this recipe?
If you want a lighter version, half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream can work well. Keep in mind the sauce might be slightly less rich but still delicious and creamy.
Is it okay to use pre-grated Parmesan cheese?
Pre-grated Parmesan can be used in a pinch, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and delivers a fresher, more vibrant flavor that really elevates this dish.
How do I ensure the beef stays tender?
Cutting the beef against the grain and searing it quickly on high heat seals in juices, resulting in tender, flavorful pieces. Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.
Can I prepare part of this dish ahead of time?
You can cook and slice the beef ahead and refrigerate it, and you can cook the pasta in advance as well. Assemble and heat everything together just before serving for the best results.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe is one of those dishes that feels wildly indulgent yet is surprisingly straightforward to pull together. Whether you are treating yourself after a long day or hosting a casual dinner with friends, this recipe is a guaranteed hit. The combination of tender beef, creamy Parmesan sauce, and fragrant garlic butter is comfort food at its best. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again!
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Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
This Indulgent Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine combines tender seared beef strips with a rich garlic butter sauce and creamy Parmesan-infused cream. Served over perfectly al dente fettuccine pasta, it’s a satisfying and elegant dish that can be whipped up in just 30 minutes, ideal for a special weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz Fettuccine Pasta (Can substitute with egg-based or store-bought dry fettuccine)
Beef
- 1 lb Beef Strips (Sirloin or Ribeye, cut against the grain for maximum tenderness)
Sauce
- 4 Tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 3 cloves Garlic, minced (fresh recommended)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream (substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup Freshly Grated Parmesan Cheese (pre-grated can be used but may lack freshness)
- Salt, to taste
- Black Pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp Chopped Parsley (optional but highly recommended for presentation and freshness)
Instructions
- Prepare the beef strips: Slice the beef against the grain into thin 1/4-inch pieces. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Sear the beef strips in batches for 2-3 minutes until browned on all sides but not fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside to rest.
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente, around 8-10 minutes. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
- Prepare the creamy Parmesan sauce: Pour the heavy cream into the skillet with the garlic and butter. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes. Gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt and black pepper, adjusting to taste.
- Combine ingredients: Return the beef strips to the skillet with the sauce. Add the cooked fettuccine and toss gently to coat every strand evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water in small amounts until you achieve a silky and smooth consistency.
- Serve: Plate the creamy Parmesan beef fettuccine hot. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for an extra touch of freshness and flavor.
Notes
- Cutting beef against the grain ensures maximum tenderness.
- Using unsalted butter gives better control over seasoning.
- Freshly minced garlic enhances the flavor more than pre-minced options.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency perfectly.
- Substituting half-and-half for heavy cream reduces richness for a lighter dish.
- Chopped parsley is optional but adds a nice color contrast and fresh flavor.
