This Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine is a warm hug in a bowl! With creamy cheese, butter, and a hint of garlic, it’s a dish you’ll want to twirl your fork around all day.
Then there’s the ground beef that adds heartiness—perfect for a cozy dinner! I often sprinkle extra cheese on top because, well, who can resist more cheese? 😄
I love how easy it is to whip up this pasta. Just cook the noodles, mix in the delicious sauce, and it’s ready in no time. It’s a family favorite that always brings smiles!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Linguine Pasta: This flat pasta is perfect for soaking up creamy sauces. If you can’t find linguine, spaghetti or fettuccine work nicely too. Choose what you have on hand!
Ground Beef: Lean ground beef adds great flavor. For a healthier option, consider using ground turkey or chicken instead. These alternatives can be just as tasty with a little seasoning adjustment.
Unsalted Butter: Butter adds richness to the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, olive oil can be used. Just remember, it may change the flavor a bit.
Cheese: Mozzarella provides stretchiness, while Parmesan adds sharp flavor. Feel free to swap mozzarella for provolone or cheddar. For a dairy-free version, try a vegan cream cheese or nutritional yeast.
How Do I Make Sure My Sauce Is Creamy and Not Too Thick?
A key concern is achieving a creamy sauce without it becoming too thick. Here’s how to get it just right:
- Start by melting some butter and cooking the beef. Make sure it’s well-seasoned.
- Add minced garlic and let it cook briefly to bloom the flavor.
- When you pour in the heavy cream, let it simmer gently. Keep stirring!
- Gradually add your cheeses. If it gets thick, use the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.
- Finish with the remaining butter off the heat for extra creaminess and richness!
Your sauce should be velvety and clinging to the pasta perfectly. Enjoy your cooking!
Cheesy Garlic Butter Linguine Pasta With Savory Ground Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz linguine pasta
For The Beef Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe will take about 25 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend about 10 minutes cooking the linguine, and another 15 minutes making the tasty beef sauce with garlic and cheese. It’s quick and full of flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Linguine:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the linguine pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, which usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Once done, reserve 1 cup of the pasta water (you’ll need this later!) and then drain the pasta. Set it aside for now.
2. Browning the Ground Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of the butter. Once it’s melted, add in the ground beef. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Make sure it’s browned all the way through. Season it with some salt and pepper to taste.
3. Adding Garlic and Cream:
When the beef is nicely browned, stir in the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until you can smell the garlic’s delicious aroma. Then, pour in the heavy cream, mixing it well with the beef and garlic. Let this simmer together for a few minutes to thicken up a bit.
4. Melting the Cheeses:
Gradually add both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses to the skillet, stirring continuously until everything is melted and the sauce becomes creamy. If you find the sauce is too thick for your liking, simply stir in some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
5. Combining Pasta and Sauce:
Next, add the drained linguine into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy cheese sauce. It should look delicious and inviting!
6. Finishing Touches:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for extra richness and flavor. Give it one last toss to mix everything nicely.
7. Serving Up:
Serve the cheesy garlic butter linguine right away! Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and, if you like, add a bit more cheese on top. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Something Other Than Ground Beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a lighter or vegetarian option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the type of meat you’re using to ensure it is fully cooked.
How Can I Make This Recipe Lighter?
If you’re looking to cut back on calories, consider using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of cheese. You can also opt for whole-grain linguine for added fiber without sacrificing flavor!
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or additional cream in a skillet over low heat to help restore the creamy texture while stirring occasionally.
Can I Prepare the Sauce in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and cheese sauce ahead of time. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it on the stove and toss in freshly cooked pasta to combine!
