When comfort food calls, nothing satisfies quite like a bowl of creamy fettuccine tangled with savory beef and a garlic butter sauce that coats every bite. This dish is rich without being heavy, indulgent yet simple enough for a weeknight meal. The combination of textures and flavors—tender noodles, seasoned ground beef, and that luscious creamy sauce—makes this a dinner table winner for both family and guests.

Perfect for cozy nights or when you’re craving something hearty but elegant, this Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine is one of those recipes that tastes like a restaurant meal but is shockingly easy to make at home. And the best part? It comes together quickly with ingredients you likely already have stocked in your kitchen.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use for Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine?

Fettuccine is the star here for good reason. Its broad, flat shape perfectly captures the creamy garlic butter sauce, ensuring every forkful is loaded with flavor. However, if you don’t have fettuccine on hand, tagliatelle or pappardelle would also work beautifully. The key is to choose a pasta shape with enough surface area to soak up the sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine

Fettuccine pasta – The foundation of this dish, it holds the sauce well and offers a hearty bite.

Ground beef – Provides the savory base and adds richness. You can use lean or regular depending on your preference.

Garlic cloves – Essential for building flavor in the butter sauce; fresh is best for that punchy aromatic hit.

Unsalted butter – Forms the base of the sauce, adding creaminess and depth.

Heavy cream – Thickens the sauce and delivers that classic creamy texture.

Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated works best to melt smoothly into the sauce, adding salty nuttiness.

Salt and black pepper – Simple seasoning to enhance every element.

Fresh parsley – Brings brightness and a touch of color to the final plate.

Olive oil – Helps brown the beef evenly and adds richness.

Red pepper flakes (optional) – A pinch adds gentle heat and complexity if you like a touch of spice.

How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine

Step 1: Boil the Fettuccine

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles. Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked, remove from skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Build the Cream Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add red pepper flakes here if using.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the beef to the skillet, then add the drained fettuccine. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce needs thinning.

Step 6: Finish with Garnish

Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and a final dusting of Parmesan before serving.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine

Serve this pasta hot right from the skillet with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of meat?

Absolutely. Ground Italian sausage or even shredded rotisserie chicken would work well with the creamy sauce.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

While you can freeze it, cream-based sauces tend to separate upon reheating. For best results, enjoy fresh or store in the fridge for short-term leftovers.

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For a middle ground, use half-and-half.

What’s the best Parmesan to use?

Freshly grated Parmesan is ideal. Pre-grated varieties may not melt as smoothly into the sauce.

Can I make it spicy?

Yes! Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of hot sauce if you like more heat.

What vegetables pair well with this dish?

Roasted broccoli, peas, or even sauteed mushrooms would make great additions.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If this Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine hit the spot, don’t miss these other comforting dinner ideas:

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra garlic or use a different kind of cheese? Did you spice it up or keep it cozy and classic?

I love seeing how you bring these recipes to life in your kitchen. Ask questions, share photos, or swap tips—let’s keep cooking better together.

More recipes like this one are shared daily on my Pinterest @hallarecipes if you want to stay inspired!

Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce is your go-to comfort food made elegant. This pasta dish is rich, savory, and layered with garlic, Parmesan, and perfectly seasoned ground beef—all swirled together in a velvety cream sauce. Ideal for both weeknights and dinner guests.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt and pepper. Transfer beef to a plate.

3. In the same skillet, melt the butter and add minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.

4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and melted. Add red pepper flakes if using.

5. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine.

6. Add the drained pasta and toss with the sauce. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.

7. Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.