Here’s a delicious recipe for Garlic Butter Linguine with Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage. This hearty pasta dish combines rich garlic butter sauce, savory ground beef, spicy Italian sausage, and a melty cheese finish for the ultimate comfort meal.
🧄🍝 Garlic Butter Linguine with Cheesy Beef and Italian Sausage
🍽️ Servings: 4–6
⏱️ Prep Time: 15 mins
🔥 Cook Time: 30–35 mins
📝 Ingredients
For the Pasta:
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1 lb (450g) linguine
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Salt (for boiling water)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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6 tbsp unsalted butter
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6–8 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
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1 tsp Italian seasoning
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Salt & black pepper to taste
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¼ cup reserved pasta water
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
For the Meat Mixture:
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½ lb (225g) ground beef
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½ lb (225g) Italian sausage (mild or spicy, casings removed)
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1 small onion, finely diced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tsp fennel seeds (optional but recommended)
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Salt & pepper to taste
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½ tsp paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)
Cheese Topping:
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1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
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½ cup shredded provolone or fontina (optional)
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Extra grated Parmesan for topping
🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the Linguine
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add linguine and cook according to package directions until al dente.
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Reserve ¼ cup of pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.
2. Prepare the Meat Mixture
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In a large skillet or sauté pan over medium heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil.
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Add diced onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 3–4 minutes).
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Add the ground beef and Italian sausage. Break apart with a spatula.
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Season with salt, pepper, fennel seeds, and paprika.
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Cook until browned and fully cooked (8–10 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
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In a separate large pan or the emptied pasta pot, melt 6 tbsp butter over medium-low heat.
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Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté until fragrant (1–2 minutes). Do not brown the garlic.
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Stir in Italian seasoning, then add the reserved pasta water and stir.
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Add ½ cup grated Parmesan and stir until melted and slightly thickened (1–2 minutes).
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Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Combine Pasta & Sauce
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Add cooked linguine into the garlic butter sauce.
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Toss to coat evenly. Turn heat to low and fold in the cooked meat mixture.
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Stir gently to combine everything thoroughly.
5. Add the Cheese
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Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and provolone over the pasta mixture (either in the pan or transfer to a baking dish).
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Cover with a lid for 2–3 minutes (or broil for 2–4 minutes) until cheese is melted and gooey.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
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Sprinkle extra Parmesan and fresh parsley or basil on top.
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Serve with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
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Optional: Drizzle with a touch of truffle oil for a luxurious finish.
🔁 Variations & Tips
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Spicy Kick: Use hot Italian sausage and extra red pepper flakes.
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Creamy Option: Stir in ½ cup of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce for a creamy twist.
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Vegetable Add-ins: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers.