There’s something incredibly comforting and utterly satisfying about the One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked pasta swimming in a luscious, velvety sauce loaded with rich ground beef and the mouthwatering aroma of garlic butter. This dish brings together simplicity and bold flavor in a way that feels both cozy and indulgent. Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner or craving a hearty meal that feels like a warm hug, this recipe has got you covered from start to finish.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in how straightforward and accessible the ingredients are, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish so memorable.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a hearty and savory foundation that’s rich and satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds creamy richness and helps develop that irresistible garlic butter flavor.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a fragrant, slightly spicy kick that wakes up every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Delivers a subtle herbaceous welcome, making the flavors feel balanced and fresh.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all flavors to perfection without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and a bit of a bite to round things out.
- 3 cups beef broth: Creates a delicious cooking liquid that the pasta soaks up, intensifying the taste.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Transforms the broth into a luscious, creamy sauce that coats every strand.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti): Your carb base—choose your favorite shape that holds the sauce well.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds salty depth and melts beautifully into the sauce for extra creaminess.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: The fresh green garnish that adds brightness and a pop of color.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef in Butter
Start by heating butter over medium heat in a large skillet or Dutch oven. When it’s melted and shimmering, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with your spatula so every bite of beef is tender and evenly cooked. This step builds the meaty foundation packed with flavor.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Once your beef is beautifully browned, toss in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. This quick step helps infuse the meat with that irresistible garlic butter essence.
Step 3: Pour in Broth and Add Pasta
Next, pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Add your pasta directly into the pot at this point—no need to cook it separately! Stir occasionally as the pasta cooks according to package directions, around 10 to 12 minutes. The pasta will absorb most of the flavorful liquid while softening perfectly.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
When the pasta is tender and the broth is mostly absorbed, it’s time to make things decadent. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese. Stir everything together and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes gloriously creamy, coating every pasta piece.
Step 5: Final Taste and Seasoning
Take a quick taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed. This little check makes sure every bite is perfectly balanced, rich but not too salty.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and finish the dish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley. This adds a refreshing herbal note and a pop of inviting green color.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of freshly chopped parsley—it adds a fresh, vibrant flavor and a splash of color that instantly brightens up this creamy dish. For an extra touch, consider a light dusting of Parmesan cheese on top for added salty goodness.
Side Dishes
Though this one-pot meal is a complete dish, pairing it with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans adds texture and balances out the richness beautifully. A warm crusty bread is also wonderful for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Serving this dish family-style right from the pot invites sharing and conversation around the table. For a more elegant presentation, plate individual servings and twirl the pasta with a fork to create neat nests topped with parsley and extra cheese. This little touch makes every meal feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of the One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pasta may soak up more sauce overnight, so it often tastes even more flavorful the next day.
Freezing
This dish freezes well, too. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to revive that creamy texture. Adding a splash of milk or broth helps loosen the sauce if it’s too thick. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but stir every 30 seconds for even warming and to prevent dryness.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lighter alternative that works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure it’s fully cooked and maintain the same seasoning for flavor balance.
What pasta type works best?
This recipe is pretty flexible—you can use penne, rotini, or spaghetti. Shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or rotini, tend to be crowd-pleasers as the creamy sauce clings perfectly to each piece.
Is there a way to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Swap the butter for olive oil, use a dairy-free cream substitute, and opt for a vegan Parmesan alternative. The flavor profile will shift slightly, but it remains a delicious, creamy pasta meal.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Adding spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the cooking process is a great way to boost nutrition and add layers of flavor without complicating the recipe.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is mild and comforting with gentle seasoning. If you like a little heat, you can sprinkle in red pepper flakes while cooking garlic or garnish with sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fuss-free yet deeply satisfying meal, the One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is a winner every time. It brings together rich flavors, creamy textures, and the convenience of cooking everything in one pot — making dinner time both easy and delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and discover just how comforting and flavorful this little pot of goodness really is!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and comforting meal combining savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a rich creamy sauce tossed with pasta. Perfect for busy weeknights, it delivers a satisfying, flavorful dish that requires minimal cleanup by cooking everything in a single pot.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups beef broth
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat butter over medium heat until melted. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add seasoning and garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another minute, stirring constantly to release the garlic’s aroma without burning.
- Simmer with broth and pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the pasta, making sure it is submerged in the liquid, and cook according to the pasta package instructions, about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta should become tender while most of the broth absorbs into the dish.
- Create the creamy sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste the pasta and add additional salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness before serving.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer, but shorter shapes like penne or rotini hold the sauce well.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, noting the sauce will be less rich.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is recommended for better flavor and melting quality.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and ensure beef broth is gluten-free.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk or broth.
