If you’re craving a comforting yet indulgent pasta dish, this Luxurious Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect recipe for you. Tender strips of beef, simmered in a rich and creamy garlic sauce, are combined with perfectly cooked pasta for a meal that feels both sophisticated and satisfying. This dish is an excellent choice for a cozy weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort. The creamy sauce, flavored with garlic, basil, and beef broth, adds depth to the dish, while the beef strips lend it a hearty and flavorful punch.
What sets this recipe apart is the ease with which it brings together such luxurious ingredients. The heavy cream and beef broth create a velvety sauce that coats each strand of pasta, while the sautéed garlic and onion add a savory depth. Paired with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan, every bite is a comforting indulgence that will make you feel like you’re dining at a top-tier restaurant. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a dinner party, this pasta dish will surely leave everyone satisfied.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
1. Rich and Creamy Sauce
The combination of heavy cream and beef broth creates a thick, velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully, adding luxurious creaminess to each bite.
2. Quick and Easy
With a total cook time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
3. Savory Beef Flavor
Tender beef strips add a hearty and rich flavor to the dish, making it a filling and satisfying meal.
4. Customizable
You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your preferences by adding more vegetables, using different herbs, or even switching up the type of pasta.
5. Impressive Yet Simple
This dish is elegant enough for entertaining, but simple enough for a weeknight dinner, offering versatility for various occasions.
Ingredients
- Beef strips
- Olive oil
- Onion, chopped
- Garlic, minced
- Heavy cream
- Beef broth
- Dried basil
- Salt and pepper
- Cooked pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)
Variations
- Vegetarian Option: Use mushrooms or a mix of vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers in place of beef for a vegetarian version of this dish.
- Herb Variations: While basil is used in the recipe, you can experiment with thyme, rosemary, or oregano for different flavor profiles.
- Spicy Twist: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Cheese Choices: In addition to Parmesan, you could also use Romano, Pecorino, or a blend of Italian cheeses for a different flavor.
How to Make the Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the beef strips and cook until browned on all sides, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Add the heavy cream, beef broth, dried basil, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Stir well to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Step 4: Combine Pasta and Beef
Add the cooked pasta and the browned beef strips back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta and beef evenly with the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Serve
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese. Enjoy your luxurious meal!
Tips for Making the Recipe
- Beef Strips: Use a tender cut of beef such as sirloin or flank steak. Slicing against the grain will ensure that the beef remains tender.
- Pasta Cooking: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce. Reserve a little pasta water to add to the sauce if it gets too thick.
- Simmering the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to thicken, but don’t let it reduce too much or it may become too creamy and thick.
- Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a lot more flavor than pre-grated options. Use a microplane for the finest results.
How to Serve
This dish is best served hot as a main course. Pair it with a light salad of mixed greens and a glass of white wine for a complete meal. You can also serve it alongside some garlic bread or roasted vegetables to round out the meal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to absorb the sauce as it sits, so it may become slightly thicker the next day.
Freezing
This dish can be frozen, though the cream sauce may separate slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will last up to 2-3 months in the freezer.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until heated through.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Yes, chicken breast or thighs can be substituted for beef in this recipe.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you prefer, such as fettuccine, penne, or rigatoni, will work well with this sauce.
3. Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta for this recipe to make it suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
4. Can I make this dish without heavy cream?
If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cornstarch as a substitute for heavy cream.
5. Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would be excellent additions to this creamy pasta dish.
6. Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, feel free to experiment with cheeses like Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a different flavor.
7. How do I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, let it simmer for a few more minutes to reduce and thicken. Alternatively, you can add a little cornstarch mixed with water to help thicken it.
8. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can make the sauce and beef mixture ahead of time. Simply reheat and add the pasta when ready to serve.
9. Can I substitute beef broth with something else?
If you prefer a different flavor, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth as a substitute for beef broth.
10. How can I make this dish spicier?
Add red pepper flakes or hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Luxurious Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce offers a rich and indulgent meal that’s both comforting and flavorful. The creamy sauce pairs beautifully with the tender beef and pasta, creating a dish that is sure to become a favorite. With simple ingredients and an easy preparation process, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want to impress your guests. Whether you’re enjoying it alone or serving it at a dinner party, this pasta dish is guaranteed to satisfy your cravings for something deliciously creamy and savory.
PrintLuxurious Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a rich and creamy beef pasta dish that combines tender beef strips, a velvety garlic sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. This luxurious recipe is quick to prepare and perfect for a comforting weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 1 lb beef strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 12 oz cooked pasta
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
Instructions
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add beef strips and cook until browned. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, beef broth, dried basil, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
- Add cooked pasta and beef strips to the skillet, tossing to coat.
- Serve hot, garnished with grated Parmesan cheese.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk.
- You can use any pasta you prefer, such as fettuccine or penne.
- If you’d like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes