Description
This Garlic Butter Parmesan Spaghetti with Savory Beef is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender ground beef, al dente spaghetti, and a rich garlic butter sauce infused with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner, this recipe balances hearty protein with creamy, savory flavors to delight your taste buds in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz spaghetti
Beef and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping
Instructions
- Cook Spaghetti: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
- Brown Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Season with salt and black pepper. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and melt unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and optional crushed red pepper flakes, cooking gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the garlic butter mixture.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked spaghetti, reserved pasta water, and grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet. Toss thoroughly to ensure the pasta is well coated with the savory sauce and cheese.
- Finish with Parsley: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in chopped fresh parsley to add a fresh, herby flavor.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot, topping each serving with additional grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley if desired.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water helps emulsify the sauce and keeps it creamy and smooth.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and texture.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
- Make sure not to overcook garlic to avoid bitterness.
