Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce

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There’s something deeply comforting about a bowl of rich, savory pasta, especially when it features tender chunks of beef and a silky garlic cream sauce. This Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is the perfect blend of hearty and indulgent—think restaurant-quality flavor made easily in your home kitchen. The beef is seared to perfection, locking in juices, while the rigatoni captures every bit of the velvety sauce. A subtle hint of garlic and herbs lingers in each bite, making it completely irresistible.

This dish is ideal for a cozy dinner, a family gathering, or even when you’re looking to impress guests with minimal effort. It’s an easy recipe that feels luxurious, blending the boldness of seasoned beef with the smoothness of a cream-based sauce. Whether you’re into dinner ideas that warm the soul or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this pasta delivers big flavor with comforting familiarity.

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Ingredients for Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 1 lb (450g) rigatoni or any short pasta
• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat or sirloin, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano, thyme, basil)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional but adds depth)
• Fresh parsley or thyme, chopped (for garnish)

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Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the rigatoni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water, and set aside.

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Step 2: Sear the Beef

In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef pieces in a single layer. Sear the beef on all sides until browned and cooked through—about 5–7 minutes. Work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.

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Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter, then stir in the chopped onion. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

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Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any flavorful browned bits from the bottom. Add the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian herbs, Worcestershire sauce (if using), and season with salt and pepper. Stir to combine, and let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes until it thickens slightly.

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Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the seared beef to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy garlic sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the top. Serve hot with extra Parmesan on the side for an extra layer of flavor.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store the Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it just as delicious the next day.

To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Freezing is not recommended, as cream-based sauces can separate and change texture once thawed.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Serving size based on 1/4 of total recipe.

• Calories: ~620
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 50g
• Fat: 33g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 480mg
• Sugar: 3g

Nutrition values may vary based on exact ingredients used.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine work well. Just choose a pasta shape that holds sauce nicely.

2. What cut of beef is best for this recipe?

Sirloin is great for tenderness, but stew meat or even ground beef can be used depending on what you have on hand.

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream with coconut milk and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative, but note that the flavor will slightly change.

4. How do I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce when sautéing the onions for a gentle kick.

5. Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! It’s creamy, cheesy, and not too heavy on spices—perfect for picky eaters.

6. Can I prep it in advance?

Yes, cook the beef and sauce ahead of time, then boil the pasta fresh and combine everything before serving.

7. What sides go well with this dish?

Garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted veggies make great companions.

8. How can I lighten the recipe?

Swap heavy cream with half-and-half and reduce the amount of cheese slightly to cut down on calories.

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