If you’re on the hunt for a comforting yet fuss-free dinner, you’re in for a treat with this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender, savory ground beef mingling with silky garlic butter sauce, all tossed effortlessly with perfectly cooked pasta in one single pot. It’s creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor in every bite. This dish is an absolute weeknight hero, turning simple ingredients into a satisfying meal without cluttering your kitchen with pots and pans. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a beloved staple in your culinary rotation.

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that signature creamy consistency.

1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty, savory depth and protein to satisfy hungry appetites.
2 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps develop a luscious, silky sauce.
4 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with fragrant, aromatic flavor that elevates every bite.
1 medium onion, finely chopped: Sweetens and softens as it sautés, balancing the beef’s umami.
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes for that comforting Italian vibe.
2 cups beef broth: Acts as the flavorful cooking liquid, tenderizing pasta and blending all flavors.
1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, creamy texture that makes this pasta irresistible.
8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni): Holds the sauce beautifully with its ridges and tubular shape.
Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing out every ingredient’s true flavor.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and helps thicken the creamy sauce.
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish): Brightens the dish visually and adds a burst of fresh herbal flavor.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large pot over medium heat and adding your ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring every bit gets browned evenly. This step creates a robust, caramelized base flavor that is so important for the dish. Once browned, drain any excess grease to keep the sauce from becoming oily.

Step 2: Melt Butter and Sauté Aromatics

With the beef still in the pot, add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Then toss in the minced garlic and finely chopped onion. Sauté these for 2 to 3 minutes, until the onion turns translucent and the garlic releases its delightful aroma. These aromatics form the fragrant soul of your dish.

Step 3: Add Italian Seasoning

Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning and stir it through the mixture for about a minute. This small step layers in classic, comforting herb flavors that complement both the beef and the creamy sauce later on.

Step 4: Pour in Beef Broth and Cook Pasta

Add the beef broth to the pot and bring it to a boil. Once bubbling, add your pasta right into this flavorful liquid. Reduce the heat to a gentle simmer and cook for roughly 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will soak up the rich broth, becoming tender while lending some of its starch to help thicken your sauce.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Parmesan

Next, pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. You’ll notice your sauce thicken and become beautifully creamy, coating your pasta and beef in one irresistible silky blanket. Season with salt and pepper to your personal taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish things off by sprinkling fresh chopped parsley on top if you have it. This brings an inviting pop of green and freshness that cuts through the richness. Serve it hot and watch the smiles appear around the table.

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Beyond fresh parsley, consider adding a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who love a little heat. A drizzle of extra butter or a dash of lemon zest can also elevate your serving, offering additional richness or brightness depending on your mood.

Side Dishes

This creamy beef pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp side salads like a simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or crusty baguette is also a classic choice—it’s perfect for mopping up that luscious sauce you don’t want to leave behind.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve this dish in shallow bowls topped with a soft poached egg for extra indulgence. Alternatively, dress it up with roasted vegetables like cherry tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms mixed right in. It’s a versatile recipe that invites your creativity every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe store beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually meld even more overnight, making your next meal equally delicious.

Freezing

If you want to make a bigger batch ahead of time, freeze leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool it completely before freezing. When reheated, the pasta may be slightly softer but still wonderfully flavorful and creamy.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to revive that creamy texture. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but stirring occasionally is key for even heating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While penne or rigatoni are ideal because they hold sauce well, you can use fusilli, rotini, or even farfalle. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta type.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap out ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms and vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The creamy garlic butter sauce remains just as delicious.

Can I use a different cheese instead of Parmesan?

While Parmesan offers a distinct nutty flavor and melt, Pecorino Romano or Asiago are great alternatives. Just make sure to use a hard cheese for the best melting results.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes during the garlic and onion sauté step or stir in some hot sauce when adding the cream for a spicy kick that balances perfectly with the creamy sauce.

What should I do if my sauce is too thick or too thin?

If too thick, simply whisk in a bit more beef broth or cream until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, let it simmer a little longer to reduce and thicken naturally.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about a meal that comes together so quickly yet feels utterly indulgent. This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is that perfect balance of ease, flavor, and creamy goodness that warms you from the inside out. Give it a try and watch it become your go-to weeknight favorite—you won’t regret it!

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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3.9 from 66 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick, comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned and simmered with aromatic garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning in a single pot, then cooked together with pasta in beef broth. Finished with rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, this creamy dish delivers bold flavors and easy cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Produce

4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Pantry

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
2 cups beef broth
8 oz pasta (penne or rigatoni)
Salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Brown the beef: In a large pot, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces with a spoon for even cooking and texture.
Remove grease and melt butter: After the beef is cooked, carefully drain any excess grease. Add the butter to the pot and let it melt over medium heat, preparing the base for sautéing the aromatics.
Sauté garlic and onion: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the pot and sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.
Add Italian seasoning: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning and cook for an additional minute to bloom the herbs and infuse the flavors.
Cook pasta in broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the pasta, reduce the heat to a simmer, and cook for about 10 minutes. Stir occasionally until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Finish with cream and cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency. Season with salt and pepper according to taste.
Garnish and serve: Optionally sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a hint of color and freshness. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

You can substitute penne or rigatoni with other similarly sized pasta shapes like farfalle or rotini.
For a lighter version, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be less thick.
Make sure to stir occasionally when cooking the pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and can be reheated gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American