One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the answer to every weeknight dinner dilemma. Imagine tender bites of pasta bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, mingling with savory ground beef, a hint of Italian seasoning, and a shower of Parmesan—ready in just 30 minutes and all in one pot! It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table with excitement and guarantees contented sighs at the first bite. If you crave something hearty, comforting, and absolutely packed with flavor and creamy goodness, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s keep things simple, delicious, and stress-free: every ingredient in this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta plays a unique role. Savor the depth from the beef, richness from the butter and cream, the zesty punch from fresh garlic, and a beautiful balance of spices and herbs—each one working in harmony to deliver maximum comfort with minimal fuss.

• Ground beef (1 pound): Provides a hearty, meaty base and soaks up all the lovely flavors from the sauce.
• Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons): Gives the dish silky richness and helps mellow the garlic.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with aromatic, savory warmth—don’t skimp!
• Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Adds a herby, classic taste that brings all the elements together.
• Red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Offers gentle heat—add more if you love a little spice.
• Salt and black pepper (to taste): Essential for elevating all the other flavors.
• Short pasta (12 ounces, such as penne or rotini): Perfect shapes for trapping the creamy sauce and hearty beef.
• Beef broth (3 cups): Deepens the overall savoriness and is the secret to flavoring your noodles as they cook.
• Heavy cream (1/2 cup): Makes the sauce irresistibly creamy and smooth.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (1/2 cup): Adds nutty saltiness and thickens the sauce beautifully.
• Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A fresh, vibrant finish that wakes up all those rich flavors.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as you go, until it’s beautifully browned and cooked through. If your beef releases a lot of fat, drain off the excess—this keeps your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta from feeling greasy, while letting all the bold flavors shine.

Step 2: Infuse the Flavors

Add the butter right into the browned beef, letting it melt and coat everything in silky richness. Then, toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if you like a little kick), and generous pinches of salt and pepper. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant—your whole kitchen will start smelling incredible!

Step 3: Cook the Pasta Right in the Pot

Pour the dry pasta straight into the flavorful beef mixture, followed by all the beef broth. Give everything a good stir, crank up the heat to bring the pot to a lively boil, then lower the flame. Cover and let it simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring now and then. As the noodles cook, they soak up all that garlicky, beefy flavor, and the mixture will thicken until your pasta is just tender.

Step 4: Make It Creamy

Once your pasta is al dente and most of the liquid has absorbed, it’s time for the luscious finale. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle over the Parmesan. Stir gently and simmer uncovered for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken and coat every bite with creamy goodness. The cheese will melt, and the whole dish becomes silky and irresistible.

Step 5: Finish with Freshness

Remove the pot from the heat and shower your pasta with those vibrant chopped parsley leaves. This last touch freshens up the dish, balancing all the rich, savory notes and giving the final presentation a lovely pop of color. Serve your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta straight from the pot and watch it disappear!

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

Garnishes

A generous scatter of extra grated Parmesan and more chopped parsley is always a winning move. For a burst of color and flavor, add thinly sliced scallions or a light drizzle of olive oil. Cracked black pepper or even toasted breadcrumbs work wonderfully if you want a bit of crunch on top of your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta.

Side Dishes

This is a stand-alone stunner, but fresh, crisp salads or simply roasted vegetables on the side make dinner feel even more special. Think garlic bread or warm baguettes for sopping up every last bit of creamy sauce. Steamed or sautéed green beans, broccoli, or a zesty arugula salad will balance out the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

To make your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta feel like a restaurant dish, serve it in warmed bowls with a big swirl of the saucy noodles on top. For individual servings, try twirling the pasta into little nests with tongs. If you’re feeding a crowd, present the whole pot at the table for that cozy, family-style feel—everyone loves digging in together!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days—just keep those noodles covered so they don’t dry out. When you reheat, you’ll find that the flavors deepen overnight, making for a super-quick and tasty next-day lunch.

Freezing

You can freeze One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, but keep in mind the sauce may change texture slightly after thawing because of the cream. For best results, cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. The taste is still fantastic, though!

Reheating

For the creamiest results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, splashing in a bit of extra cream or broth to loosen up the sauce as needed. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! Ground turkey or pork sausage work beautifully in this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, offering a different flavor twist while keeping things hearty and satisfying.

Is it possible to make this pasta vegetarian?

Yes, you can! Simply swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms, and sub in vegetable broth for the beef broth—it’ll still taste rich, garlicky, and totally crave-worthy.

Do I have to use heavy cream?

If you prefer something a little lighter, try half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less thick. For dairy-free options, canned coconut milk works (the flavor will be different, but still delicious).

What pasta shapes work best?

Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni are perfect for this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta—they hold sauce well and cook evenly alongside the beef. Avoid super-thin pasta as it may get mushy.

Can I add more vegetables?

Go for it! A few handfuls of spinach, chopped mushrooms, or even some bell pepper stirred in with the pasta add color, flavor, and a veggie boost—just toss them in when you add the broth so they cook right along with everything else.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a meal that’s equal parts easy, comforting, and packed with flavor, you absolutely can’t go wrong with One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta. It’s weeknight magic, perfect for sharing with family or friends, and sure to become a repeat favorite. Give it a try, and let every creamy, garlicky bite win you over!

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