Description
Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender spaghetti coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with savory browned ground beef and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights and easily customizable to suit various tastes and dietary needs.
Ingredients
Scale
Spaghetti and Pasta Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti noodles
- Salt (for pasta water)
- Reserved pasta water (about 1/4 cup)
Beef and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes and Add-ins
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (for spicy variation)
- Fresh basil or thyme (for herb infusion)
- Vegetables like spinach, cherry tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers (for veggie boost)
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/4 cup of pasta water to help with the sauce later.
- Brown the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the skillet with the cooked beef. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet with the garlic butter and beef. Toss well to coat evenly. If the mixture appears dry, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce and create a silky texture.
- Finish with Parmesan and Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for added freshness and color before serving.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic cloves for a brighter, more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic.
- Cook pasta to al dente to maintain a pleasant texture and avoid mushiness.
- Reserve pasta water as its starch helps bind the sauce for a creamier finish.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for better melting and optimal texture.
- Brown the ground beef thoroughly to develop deeper, caramelized flavors.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1/4 recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Spaghetti, Parmesan Pasta, Ground Beef Pasta, Quick Dinner, Easy Italian Recipe, Comfort Food, Weeknight Meal
