If you are craving a comforting dinner that combines rich, savory flavors with creamy, garlicky goodness, this One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is going to become your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a satisfying, fuss-free meal that packs tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a luscious garlic butter cream sauce all into one pot, making both cooking and cleanup a breeze. Trust me, once you taste that velvety sauce infused with garlic and cheese, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with complicated recipes!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients is all it takes to create this divine pasta dish. Each component plays a unique role, whether it’s the rich butter adding silkiness, the garlic bringing savory depth, or the Parmesan cheese delivering a punch of umami that makes the sauce truly unforgettable.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor): Provides juicy, flavorful protein and forms the hearty base of the dish.
- 2 tbsp butter: Adds creamy richness and helps create that luscious garlic butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the soul of this recipe, giving it an irresistible aroma and warming flavor.
- 1 small onion, diced: Offers sweetness and texture when sautéed until translucent.
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste): Creates the savory cooking liquid that infuses the pasta with flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version): Gives the sauce its creamy, dreamy consistency.
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): Choose your favorite shape to soak up all that heavenly sauce.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that ties all the flavors together perfectly.
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who love a little subtle heat to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving): Melts into the sauce for a sharp, nutty finish.
- Salt & black pepper to taste: Seasoning essential for rounding out flavors.
- Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant pop of color and brightness at the end.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding the ground beef. Cook it until it’s fully browned and no longer pink, which should take about 5-7 minutes. This step builds the meaty foundation of the dish. If there’s excess fat, drain it off to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
Step 2: Sauté Onions and Garlic in Butter
Add the butter to the cooked beef so it melts into that flavorful base. Toss in the diced onion and cook until they become soft and translucent—around 3 minutes. This gentle sautéing brings out the onions’ natural sweetness. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook another minute until the air fills with that mouthwatering garlic scent.
Step 3: Add Broth, Cream, Pasta, and Seasonings
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add your pasta, making sure it’s nicely submerged in the liquid to cook evenly. Now sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the red pepper flakes for just a touch of heat. This is when all the flavors start melding beautifully.
Step 4: Simmer Until Pasta is Tender
Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You’ll see the sauce thicken and the pasta soften perfectly during this time—a key moment where this recipe really shines in its convenience and depth of flavor.
Step 5: Stir in Parmesan Cheese
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. It will melt and transform the sauce into an irresistible creamy masterpiece. Taste at this stage and adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference. This cheesy finish is the crowning glory of the dish.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve Hot
Finally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top along with a little extra Parmesan. The bright green color and fresh herbaceous notes add lively contrast to the rich, velvety pasta. Serve immediately while it’s warm and creamy—you’re in for a treat!
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley or basil adds a lovely splash of green and freshness that cuts through the richness of the sauce. Don’t forget an extra dusting of Parmesan cheese for that delightful cheesy punch in each bite. A grind of freshly cracked black pepper lifts the flavors even more.
Side Dishes
This pasta is a hearty main dish on its own, but you can pair it with crisp, refreshing sides to balance indulgence. A simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans work wonderfully. Garlic bread is always a classic companion to scoop up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual ramekins topped with melted cheese and broiled for a couple of minutes to create a bubbly, golden crust. Kids and adults alike love this playful presentation. Alternatively, garnish with toasted pine nuts or crispy fried onions for extra crunch and elegance.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta will continue to soak up sauce and flavors, so it tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for the best texture. Avoid freezing if you prefer creamier sauces as the texture can slightly change.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or milk to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwaving works too—just heat in short bursts and stir between intervals to keep it creamy and warm.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne, rotini, or shells hold the sauce well, you can swap in any short or twisted pasta shape you prefer. Just keep an eye on cooking times as thinner pastas may cook faster.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based margarine and use coconut cream or an almond-based cream alternative instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor in place of Parmesan.
Can I make this recipe spicy?
Definitely. The ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes offers mild heat, but feel free to add more or toss in some chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick it up to your preferred spice level.
How do I make this lighter?
Use half-and-half in place of heavy cream, and consider ground turkey or lean ground beef instead of 80/20. Also, swapping beef broth for chicken broth can lighten the flavor without compromising richness.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge. When ready, add broth, cream, and pasta to finish cooking. This saves time on busy days while still delivering comforting homemade goodness.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is a true gem for anyone craving home-cooked warmth without complicated steps. It’s rich, comforting, and packed with cozy flavors that everyone will love. I can’t wait for you to try making it and see how it quickly becomes a trusted favorite for weeknight dinners or anytime you need a little extra deliciousness in your life.
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that combines juicy ground beef, aromatic garlic, and creamy Parmesan-infused sauce with perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s an easy yet indulgent meal perfect for busy weeknights or casual family dinners.
Ingredients
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Pasta and Seasonings
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any excess fat to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté aromatics: Add butter to the cooked beef. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for about 3 minutes until translucent. Then stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the pasta ensuring it is fully submerged in the liquid. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer the pasta: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pasta cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish with cheese: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until it melts evenly into the sauce, creating a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese on top before serving. Serve the pasta hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and fat, but lean ground beef can be substituted for a healthier option.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness and calories.
- If you prefer a spicy kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Use any short pasta shape like penne, rotini, or shells for best results as they hold the sauce well.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
