Description
Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef is a comforting and elegant pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti noodles coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, topped with rich Parmesan cheese and perfectly seasoned savory ground beef. Ready in about 30 minutes, this flavorful recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions and is easily customizable to suit different tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz spaghetti pasta
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
Beef
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional and Garnishes
- Red pepper flakes, to taste (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve a cup of pasta water, then drain the spaghetti and set it aside.
- Brown the Savory Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, seasoning generously with salt and black pepper. Cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside, leaving any rendered fat behind.
- Sauté the Garlic: Add the butter to the same skillet and allow it to melt. Stir in the fresh minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. If desired, sprinkle in red pepper flakes for a hint of heat.
- Combine and Toss: Return the browned beef to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Add the drained spaghetti into the pan, tossing thoroughly so every strand is evenly coated. Use the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce and achieve a silky consistency.
- Finish with Parmesan and Parsley: Turn off the heat and stir in a generous handful of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, which adds a creamy and salty finish. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic: It elevates the flavor compared to garlic powder or pre-minced options.
- Reserve pasta water: The starchy water emulsifies the sauce and helps it cling to the noodles.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Aim for al dente so the spaghetti maintains a nice bite and texture.
- Quality Parmesan: Freshly grated cheese melts better with far superior flavor to pre-grated varieties.
- Adjust seasoning gradually: Taste and tweak salt and pepper throughout for the perfect balance.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg