One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This creamy pasta dish is everything you need for a cozy, satisfying meal. It’s quick to make, with the whole dish ready in just 30 minutes, and is packed with rich, comforting flavors. The combination of tender ground beef, garlic butter, and creamy sauce creates the ultimate comfort food experience, and it’s perfect for both busy evenings and special occasions. Plus, it’s a one-pot meal, meaning you’ll spend less time washing dishes!

• Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes.

• One-Pot: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.

• Family-Friendly: Perfect for kids and adults alike.

• Versatile: Swap pasta shapes or add extra veggies for variation.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

• 2 tbsp butter (for that rich, garlicky sauce)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced (the more, the better!)

• 1 small onion, diced (for sweetness & depth)

• 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste)

• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

• 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

• Salt & black pepper to taste

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess fat.

2. Cook the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.

3. Add Liquids & Pasta: Pour in beef broth, heavy cream, and bring to a simmer. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and pasta. Stir to combine and make sure the pasta is submerged.

4. Simmer: Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.

5. Finish & Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes

• Cooking Time: 20 minutes

• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Add Vegetables: Toss in some spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

• Different Meat: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef for a lighter or varied flavor.

• Extra Creaminess: Swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or even cream cheese for a thicker, richer sauce.

• Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge.

• Freezing: This dish can be frozen, though the cream may slightly alter in texture. Freeze for up to 1 month.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to thin the sauce if needed. You can also microwave it in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta, such as rotini, shells, or farfalle. Just ensure it cooks within the same time frame as the recipe suggests.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can use half-and-half or a lower-fat cream option, and ground turkey for a lighter meat choice.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute and vegetable broth for the beef broth.

How do I make the sauce even creamier?

Add more heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to make the sauce even richer and smoother.

Can I make this in advance?

This dish is best served immediately but can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 days and reheated.

What can I serve this pasta with?

Serve with a side salad, garlic bread, or sautéed vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I use chicken broth instead of beef broth?

Yes, chicken broth will give the dish a lighter flavor but still work beautifully.

Can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.

How can I add more flavor?

Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a sprinkle of smoked paprika for extra depth.

What kind of Parmesan should I use?

Freshly grated Parmesan works best for a smoother, more flavorful sauce.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is a simple, delicious dish that brings comfort and flavor to the table in just 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, this recipe is a family favorite that’s sure to become part of your regular dinner rotation.

One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta

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• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-inspired, Comfort Food
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect comfort food for busy nights. This dish combines tender ground beef, a velvety garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all cooked in just one pot. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s an easy, flavorful meal that requires minimal cleanup and satisfies the whole family. Add in your choice of pasta, a rich creamy sauce, and savory beef, and you’ve got a dinner everyone will love!

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Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)

2 tbsp butter

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, diced

3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste)

1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)

8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)

1 tsp Italian seasoning

½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)

Salt & black pepper to taste

Fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Brown the Beef: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Remove any excess fat.

2. Cook the Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 2 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.

3. Add Liquids & Pasta: Pour in beef broth, heavy cream, and bring to a simmer. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and pasta. Stir to combine and ensure the pasta is submerged.

4. Simmer: Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, about 10-12 minutes.

5. Finish & Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

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Notes

Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a lighter or different flavor.

For extra creaminess, add cream cheese or adjust the amount of heavy cream.

Spice it up by adding more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Serve with a side of garlic bread, salad, or sautéed veggies for a complete meal.