If you love the combination of savory beef, silky noodles, and rich, aromatic butter, then Garlic Butter Beef Linguine is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Imagine fork-twirled strands of linguine, tossed in a glossy garlic butter sauce, partnered with tender cuts of beef and finished with plenty of fresh parsley and Parmesan. It’s wildly satisfying, totally doable in under 30 minutes, and just the kind of dish that brings everyone running to the table. This Garlic Butter Beef Linguine will make you feel like an Italian nonna, conjuring magic from humble ingredients and filling the kitchen with irresistible smells.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how a handful of straightforward ingredients can deliver such big flavor. Each item in this recipe not only plays its part, but truly elevates the Garlic Butter Beef Linguine—bringing texture, richness, or brightness to every bite.
- Linguine pasta: Choose a bronze-cut noodle if you can for extra sauce cling—its width captures all the garlicky, buttery goodness.
- Thinly sliced beef (sirloin or flank steak): Look for beef that’s marbled and tender, as it cooks quickly while soaking up the sauce flavors.
- Unsalted butter: The base of your sauce; using unsalted gives you control over the final saltiness.
- Olive oil: Helps the beef sear beautifully and prevents the butter from burning.
- Garlic: Four cloves may seem generous, but they lend punchy depth and aroma to the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional): This tiny pinch adds a gentle warmth without dominating the dish.
- Salt and black pepper: Just the right amount for perfectly seasoned steak and sauce every time.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the pasta, making the sauce extra creamy and flavorful.
- Chopped fresh parsley: Brings freshness and a pop of color that keeps Garlic Butter Beef Linguine lively.
- Extra Parmesan for serving: Because, honestly, you can never have too much cheese at the table!
How to Make Garlic Butter Beef Linguine
Step 1: Cook the Linguine
Begin by cooking your linguine according to the package’s directions, aiming for that sweet spot of al dente. Just before draining, remember to save about half a cup of that starchy pasta water—this will be your secret weapon for turning the sauce glossy and luscious. Drain the noodles and set them aside, ready for their buttery destiny.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
While the pasta is bubbling away, pat your beef slices dry and season them with salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high and add the olive oil plus one tablespoon of butter. Now, in a single layer, sear the beef for 2 to 3 minutes per side until beautifully browned. Don’t overcrowd the pan (work in batches if you need to), then transfer the beef to a plate to rest.
Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and toss the remaining butter into the skillet. Let it melt, then add your minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Give it about 30 seconds—just until the kitchen smells gloriously garlicky and the garlic softens ever so slightly. Watch carefully: garlic turns from golden to burnt in the blink of an eye!
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Add your drained linguine straight into the pan with the garlic butter. Toss everything so each noodle glistens. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and a splash or two of reserved pasta water. Stir and toss until you have a creamy, silky sauce that hugs every strand. Slide the beef back in and give it a final toss so the flavors mingle and the beef warms through.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Transfer your Garlic Butter Beef Linguine to a serving platter or dish individual bowls. Shower everything with chopped parsley and, of course, extra Parmesan. Call everyone to the table—the sooner, the better, so you all get to enjoy it at its peak.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef Linguine
Garnishes
For that fresh, herby pop, finish your Garlic Butter Beef Linguine with plenty of chopped parsley. A generous sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top never hurts either! If you like a little zing, a final crack of black pepper or a few extra red pepper flakes can be lovely.
Side Dishes
This pasta goes perfectly with a crisp green salad—think peppery arugula, sharp vinaigrette, and maybe some shaved fennel for crunch. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also a must: you’ll want something to mop up every last bit of sauce. If you’re feeling fancy, roasted asparagus makes a pretty and tasty side, too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, you can plate the linguine in individual bowls, nestling a few pieces of beef right on top and garnishing with parsley. Or, go family style with a beautiful platter in the center of the table, letting everyone help themselves. For a fun twist, serve the linguine twirled into nests using tongs for a picture-perfect touch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Garlic Butter Beef Linguine stores surprisingly well. Place any extras in an airtight container and pop them in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, making the next-day pasta just as crave-worthy (if not more!) than when it’s fresh.
Freezing
If you want to freeze a batch, let the pasta cool completely first. Transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, pressing out excess air. Garlic Butter Beef Linguine will keep for up to 2 months frozen. For best texture, freeze and reheat the pasta and beef together—but keep Parmesan and parsley for serving after reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to your skillet or microwave-safe bowl to help the sauce come back to life. Warm gently over low heat on the stove, stirring frequently, or microwave in short bursts. Finish with fresh parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan to revive all those amazing flavors.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While linguine captures the silky sauce especially well, you can swap in spaghetti, fettuccine, or even penne. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente and reserve some cooking water for the sauce.
What beef cut works best for Garlic Butter Beef Linguine?
Thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak are both excellent choices because they stay tender and soak up all that garlicky butter sauce. If you prefer, you can use ribeye or even leftover steak cut into strips!
Can I make this dish without red pepper flakes?
Of course! Red pepper flakes are totally optional and only provide a subtle heat. Leave them out for a milder flavor, or substitute a pinch of freshly ground black pepper if you’d like a different kick.
How can I make Garlic Butter Beef Linguine more nutritious?
For a veggie boost, toss in sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach when cooking the garlic. You can also try using whole wheat pasta for extra fiber, or add blanched broccoli florets for a burst of color and vitamins.
Will the garlic flavor be overpowering?
Not at all! Four cloves might sound bold, but once the garlic sautés in butter it turns mellow and sweet, layering the dish with richness instead of sharpness. If you’re a garlic lover, you can always add an extra clove or two.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you’ll give this Garlic Butter Beef Linguine a place in your dinner rotation—it’s one of those easy, elegant meals that brings everyone together and feels like a little bit of luxury at the end of a busy day. Whip up a batch and see just how delicious a homemade pasta night can be!
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Garlic Butter Beef Linguine Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and savory pasta dish, this Garlic Butter Beef Linguine is a flavorful combination of tender beef slices, al dente linguine, and a rich garlic butter sauce. Topped with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, this dish is a perfect main course for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Linguine Pasta:
12 oz linguine pasta
Beef:
1 lb thinly sliced beef (sirloin or flank steak)
Garlic Butter Sauce:
3 tbsp unsalted butter, 1 tbsp olive oil, 4 cloves garlic minced, 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional), 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper
Additional:
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook Linguine: Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Sear Beef: Season beef with salt and pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Add beef and cook for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. Remove beef and set aside.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add remaining butter, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) to the skillet, cooking for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients: Add cooked linguine to the skillet, tossing to coat in garlic butter. Stir in Parmesan cheese and enough reserved pasta water to create a silky sauce. Return beef to skillet and toss until heated through.
- Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add sautéed mushrooms or spinach when cooking the garlic.
- This dish pairs well with garlic bread and a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
