If comfort food had a love language, it would speak in creamy Parmesan, savory beef, and silky ribbons of fettuccine. This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce wraps all those cozy vibes into one dish that looks like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen—but it’s a breeze to make right at home.

With seared beef crumbles tucked into swirls of fettuccine and bathed in a rich garlic butter Parmesan sauce, every forkful is an invitation to slow down and savor. This dish is perfect for both a cozy night in or when you want to impress someone with your weeknight dinner skills. It brings together the heartiness of a meat lover’s pasta with the elegance of a cream-based sauce.

What Kind of Fettuccine Should I Use?

Fresh fettuccine gives this dish a luxurious texture and soaks up the creamy sauce beautifully, but dried pasta works just as well. Make sure to cook it al dente so the noodles maintain their bite and don’t get lost in the richness of the sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

Ground beef: Adds a hearty, savory element that anchors the dish.
Fettuccine pasta: The wide, flat noodles are ideal for catching every bit of creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: Forms the base of the luscious sauce and delivers velvety richness.
Parmesan cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth that perfectly complements the beef.
Garlic: Infuses the butter with irresistible aroma and warmth.
Butter: Creates the foundation for the garlic sauce, adding richness and sheen.
Salt and pepper: For seasoning balance and to enhance all the other flavors.
Fresh parsley: Optional, but brings a pop of color and freshness to finish the dish.

How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break it apart into crumbles and season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Drain excess fat and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Base

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently to combine with the garlic butter. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes. Gradually add the grated Parmesan while stirring to melt and thicken the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked beef back to the skillet. Toss in the fettuccine and a splash of the reserved pasta water to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot!

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine

Serve this rich and creamy pasta immediately for the best texture and flavor. Pair it with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a well-rounded meal.

If you have leftovers, allow them to cool completely before storing. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the silky texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! Linguine, tagliatelle, or even penne will work, though fettuccine holds the sauce best.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can cook the beef and prep the sauce ahead, but it’s best to combine everything right before serving to preserve the pasta’s texture.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk can be used, though the sauce will be less rich. You can also try a dairy-free creamer.

How do I thicken the sauce if it feels too runny?

Let it simmer a bit longer or stir in a bit more Parmesan cheese.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions.

Is this freezer-friendly?

It’s not ideal. Cream-based sauces tend to separate after freezing and reheating.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine, check out these other comforting pasta favorites:

Try this Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta for another creamy garlic-based dish.
Craving beef again? You’ll love this Garlic Parmesan Beef Spaghetti Pasta for a tomato-free twist.
This Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce is extra cheesy and kid-friendly.
Or go for something light and citrusy with Lemon Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Linguine.
Feeling like seafood? Try Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna.

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

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you stick to beef, or go for a mix of meats? Did you sneak in some mushrooms or spinach?

I love seeing how others bring these recipes to life. Tag me and join me on Pinterest at Life with Nina for more creamy, cozy recipes you’ll want on repeat.

Creamy Parmesan Beef Fettuccine with Garlic Butter Sauce

Author: Nina Johnson
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Pasta
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American/Italian

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy Parmesan beef fettuccine with garlic butter sauce is the ultimate comfort food dinner. Rich, savory, and full of flavor, it features tender beef, velvety cream, and a luscious garlic-Parmesan blend that hugs every strand of pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef

12 oz fettuccine pasta

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

4 cloves garlic, minced

3 tbsp unsalted butter

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart and cook until fully done. Season with salt and pepper. Drain and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1–2 minutes).

4. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese until smooth and thickened.

5. Add the beef back to the pan, then toss in the cooked fettuccine. Add reserved pasta water as needed to thin the sauce.

6. Mix until everything is evenly coated. Garnish with chopped parsley and more Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.