Description
This Creamy Garlic Beef Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender beef strips cooked in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with a touch of Italian seasoning, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. It’s a quick and satisfying meal perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 250 g of pasta (penne or fettuccine works well)
Beef and Sauce
- 350 g beef strips or thinly sliced steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips and cook until browned on all sides. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and reduce the heat to medium. Add the chopped onions and minced garlic, sautéing until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
- Add Beef Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Use a spatula to scrape up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet, as these add extra flavor to your sauce.
- Create Creamy Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Allow the mixture to simmer for a few minutes until it slightly thickens, which will enhance the sauce’s richness.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the browned beef to the skillet. Let it simmer in the creamy sauce for about 3-4 minutes so the meat absorbs the delicious flavors.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy beef sauce.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix until melted and thoroughly combined, adding a lovely depth of flavor and creaminess.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.
Notes
- Be sure not to overcook the beef to keep it tender and juicy.
- For a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and imparts more flavor than pre-grated versions.
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic and onions.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
