Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Hearty Beef Bolognese

Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Hearty Beef Bolognese – A Flavor-Packed Comfort Dish

If you love rich, savory pasta dishes, this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Hearty Beef Bolognese is going to be your new favorite meal. It’s the perfect combination of tender spaghetti coated in a creamy garlic butter sauce and a robust, slow-simmered beef Bolognese that’s packed with flavor. Whether you’re preparing a cozy dinner for the family or looking for a dish that feels restaurant-quality, this easy yet indulgent recipe is a must-try.

Introduction

Few things are as comforting as a bowl of perfectly cooked pasta smothered in a rich, meaty sauce. This dish brings together the bold flavors of Italian-style beef Bolognese with the silky smoothness of garlic butter spaghetti, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.

Unlike traditional Bolognese, which can take hours to develop its deep flavors, this version is quick and easy, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner. The buttery, garlicky spaghetti adds an extra level of decadence, creating a dish that feels both gourmet and comforting at the same time. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a dish that tastes like it came straight from a high-end Italian restaurant.

Ingredients

To make this Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Hearty Beef Bolognese, you’ll need the following:

For the Beef Bolognese Sauce:

1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried basil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Spaghetti:

12 oz spaghetti
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Hearty Beef Bolognese

1. Cook the Spaghetti

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while preparing the sauces.

2. Prepare the Beef Bolognese Sauce

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until softened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Cook for about 7-8 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink. Drain any excess grease if necessary.

Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth, mixing well to combine.

Add the dried oregano, basil, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and develops a rich flavor.

3. Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce

In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy.

4. Combine Pasta and Garlic Butter Sauce

Add the cooked spaghetti to the pan with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Toss the pasta gently to evenly coat it in the sauce. The buttery, cheesy goodness will cling to every strand of spaghetti, making it irresistibly delicious.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Plate the garlic butter spaghetti and top it with the hearty beef Bolognese sauce. Garnish with extra grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for an added touch of freshness. Serve warm and enjoy every bite of this comforting, restaurant-worthy dish.

Helpful Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Bolognese

Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly minced garlic, high-quality Parmesan, and fresh herbs will elevate the flavors of this dish.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your spaghetti al dente to maintain the perfect bite. Overcooked pasta can become mushy when mixed with the sauces.
Simmer the Sauce Longer for Deeper Flavor: If you have extra time, let the Bolognese sauce simmer for 30-40 minutes instead of 15-20 minutes for a more intense, rich flavor.
Make it Spicier: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicier kick.
Try a Different Pasta: While spaghetti is classic, you can substitute it with linguine, fettuccine, or even penne for a different texture.

Cooking Tips

Deglaze the Pan: After browning the beef, add a splash of red wine or balsamic vinegar to deglaze the pan and bring out extra depth in the sauce.
For Extra Creaminess: Stir an additional tablespoon of butter into the pasta just before serving.
Make It Healthier: Swap the heavy cream for Greek yogurt or half-and-half to lighten up the garlic butter sauce.

Serving Suggestions

This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Beef Bolognese is delicious on its own, but pairing it with side dishes can make it an even more satisfying meal. Try serving it with:

Garlic Bread – A crispy, buttery side to soak up the extra sauce.
Caesar Salad – A fresh, tangy contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Vegetables – Try zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 580
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 32g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Fiber: 4g
Sodium: 780mg
Sugar: 6g

Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm leftovers in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to prevent drying out.
Freeze the Bolognese: The beef Bolognese sauce freezes well. Store in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works just as well in this recipe.

Can I make the garlic butter pasta without cream?
Yes, you can substitute olive oil or chicken broth for a lighter version.

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?
Yes! Use 4-5 fresh tomatoes, finely chopped, and cook them down until they form a sauce.

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Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Spaghetti with Hearty Beef Bolognese is a rich, indulgent, and flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any pasta lover. Try it today and enjoy the perfect blend of buttery, creamy pasta and robust, meaty sauce! 🍝