Description
Savory cheesy garlic butter linguine pasta delivers Italian comfort with a hearty twist of ground beef. Rich layers of flavor and creamy texture invite comfort-seeking dinner guests to indulge in this irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) linguine pasta
- 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
Cheese and Dairy:
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup heavy cream
Herbs, Spices, and Aromatics:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Fill a generous pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Submerge linguine and cook until perfectly tender, maintaining an al dente texture. Carefully extract and preserve one cup of starchy pasta liquid before draining.
- Ignite a spacious skillet over moderate heat. Introduce ground beef, systematically fragmenting the meat into delicate crumbles until achieving a rich golden-brown complexion, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Incorporate finely diced onions into the beef, allowing them to soften and become translucent. Sprinkle in aromatic seasonings – garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper – allowing the spices to bloom and intensify their flavors.
- Within the same skillet, gently melt butter and introduce minced garlic, creating a fragrant base. Pour heavy cream and reserved pasta water, whisking until achieving a harmonious, silky consistency.
- Gradually fold in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture.
- Transfer cooked linguine directly into the cheese sauce, thoroughly coating each strand. Adjust sauce consistency by introducing additional pasta water if needed.
- Layer seasoned ground beef atop the glistening pasta. Embellish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional dusting of Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately while piping hot, presenting a decadent fusion of creamy pasta and savory beef.
Notes
- Choose high-quality ground beef with less fat for a leaner dish and better texture.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for more robust flavor and smoother melting.
- Swap regular linguine with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes or using mild paprika for sensitive palates.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 680
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 60 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg