Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce

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This Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce is the kind of hearty, soul-warming dish that brings everyone running to the table. Imagine tender beef cubes seared to perfection, simmered in a rich and velvety garlic-infused sauce that wraps around every bite of perfectly cooked rigatoni. Each forkful delivers a blend of juicy meat, creamy depth, and a savory punch of garlic that makes it almost impossible to stop eating.

It’s the ultimate comfort food—ideal for a cozy dinner, yet impressive enough for a casual gathering. Whether you’re planning your next easy dinner idea, searching for a quick meal with beef, or craving something luxurious after a long day, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and simple. Get ready for one of your new favorite weeknight pasta dishes!

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Ingredients for Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce

• 1 lb (450g) beef stew meat or sirloin, cut into bite-sized chunks
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 10 oz (280g) rigatoni or your favorite pasta
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Step 1: Sear the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then add them to the hot pan in a single layer. Sear the meat on all sides until browned—about 5–7 minutes. Once seared, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside.

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Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed, then toss in the chopped onion. Cook until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Now add thyme and paprika for a layer of warm, earthy flavor.

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Step 3: Build the Sauce

Add the tomato paste to the aromatics and stir well, letting it caramelize slightly for about 2 minutes. Then pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any delicious browned bits. Return the seared beef to the pan and simmer for 10–15 minutes to tenderize the meat and concentrate the flavors.

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Step 4: Creamy Finish

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer gently until it thickens into a rich, creamy coating—about 5–7 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

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Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the rigatoni (or preferred pasta) in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, but reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water in case the sauce needs thinning.

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Step 6: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta to the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together until the rigatoni is completely coated. If the sauce is too thick, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Garnish with fresh parsley and a bit more grated Parmesan if desired.

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Storage Instructions

To keep your Beef Pasta in a Creamy Garlic Sauce tasting fresh, follow these simple storage tips:

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen, making it even tastier the next day.
• Freezer: For longer storage, place the cooled pasta and sauce in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to prevent drying out.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving – based on 4 servings)

• Calories: ~620 kcal
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fat: 35g
• Saturated Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 560mg
• Calcium: 180mg
• Iron: 4.2mg

Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different cut of beef?

Absolutely! Sirloin is ideal for tenderness, but chuck roast or stew meat works well too—just allow for longer simmering to make it tender.

2. Can I substitute the heavy cream?

Yes! You can use half-and-half for a lighter option or coconut cream for a dairy-free version (note: this will alter the flavor slightly).

3. What type of pasta works best?

Rigatoni holds up well and soaks up the sauce beautifully, but penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine can be delicious substitutes.

4. How do I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes during the sautéing step or stir in a touch of chili paste with the tomato paste.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Definitely. Cook the beef and sauce in advance and store separately from the pasta. Combine and reheat when ready to serve.

6. Is this dish gluten-free?

The sauce is naturally gluten-free. Simply use gluten-free pasta to make the whole dish suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.

7. Can I add vegetables?

Of course! Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers pair beautifully with the creamy garlic base. Just sauté them before adding the cream.

8. What wine pairs well with this?

A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Chianti complements the richness of the beef and cream perfectly.

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