Name: One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided); 6 cloves garlic (minced); 4 cups beef broth; 2 cups whole milk; 12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional); 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup heavy cream; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re craving comfort food that delivers on big flavors and major weeknight ease, you’ve got to try this One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta. Juicy ground beef simmers with tender pasta in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce, all crowned with a flurry of Parmesan and golden melted butter. Not only does it come together in under 30 minutes, but cleanup is a breeze—because everything cooks in just one pot! With savory, creamy goodness in every bite, this dish has become a go-to favorite for family dinners and cozy nights in.

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

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta lies in its handful of kitchen staples, each pulling their weight to create layers of comfort, richness, and aroma. Here’s exactly what you’ll need—be sure to use fresh, flavorful ingredients for the very best results.

Olive oil: Adds a subtle base note and keeps the beef from sticking as it browns.
Ground beef: The heart of this pasta, giving it a deep, meaty foundation with every bite.
Salt: Essential for seasoning the beef and bringing all the flavors together.
Black pepper: Gives a gentle kick of warmth and depth.
Unsalted butter (divided): Melts into the sauce for richness, with a finishing touch that makes everything silky and indulgent.
Garlic (minced): Brings aromatic sweetness and that unmistakable garlic punch.
Beef broth: Infuses the dish with savory depth while cooking the pasta to perfection.
Whole milk: Offers creaminess and helps balance the sauce for a velvety finish.
Pasta (such as penne or rotini): Twists and tubes are perfect for soaking up all that creamy sauce.
Italian seasoning: Adds a fragrant mix of herbs, enhancing the overall Italian flavor profile.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For a subtle touch of heat that dances nicely with the creamy sauce.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts right into the sauce for an irresistible cheesy layer.
Heavy cream: The final flourish for a sauce that’s beautifully luscious and dreamy.
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish: Adds brightness and a pop of color that makes the dish look as good as it tastes.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Begin by heating the olive oil in your favorite large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, then season with salt and black pepper. As the beef cooks, use a wooden spoon to break it up and let it brown all over, which should take about 5 to 6 minutes. If there’s extra fat, carefully drain it off—this keeps the finished pasta rich without being greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Push all the browned beef to one side of your pan, making a little space. Add 2 tablespoons of butter, letting it melt into a golden puddle. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for a minute—just enough to breathe in that incredible garlicky aroma without letting it burn. This quick step helps the garlic flavor seep right into the butter and, ultimately, the entire dish.

Step 3: Simmer with Pasta and Liquids

Stir everything together, then pour in the beef broth and whole milk. Sprinkle in the pasta, Italian seasoning, and if you like a touch of heat, the crushed red pepper flakes. Give it all a good mix to make sure the pasta is well-submerged. Increase the heat and bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer. Let the mixture cook uncovered for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally. The pasta will become perfectly tender, and most of the liquid will be absorbed to form a rich, creamy base.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Now for the magical part of One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta: stir in the Parmesan cheese, heavy cream, and remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. As you stir, you’ll see the sauce thicken and coat every piece of pasta and beef. Remove your skillet from the heat so the sauce has a moment to set and get extra creamy—just give it a good two minutes to rest before serving.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a generous handful of freshly chopped parsley scattered over the top. This not only lifts the flavor but brings a burst of green that makes the pasta look truly irresistible. Spoon into bowls and enjoy while it’s piping hot!

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

Garnishes

This creamy pasta loves a good garnish. Besides the fresh parsley, you can top each serving with extra grated Parmesan or a little fresh-cracked black pepper for added flavor. For a restaurant-style flourish, add a drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a pinch of flaky sea salt right before serving—trust me, your guests will swoon!

Side Dishes

One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides. Try a crisp Caesar salad, garlic bread with a golden crust, or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Their freshness and crunch complement the creamy, hearty pasta for a well-rounded meal the whole table will love.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun spin, serve this pasta family-style in a big, beautiful serving bowl so everyone can help themselves. Or, for a cozy dinner, spoon it into smaller ramekins topped with a sprinkle of extra cheese and quickly broil for a bubbly, golden finish. Mini cast iron skillets also make every serving look delightfully rustic and inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta keeps incredibly well. Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, still creamy and delicious when you’re ready for round two (or three).

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save extra portions, this pasta can be frozen. Cool completely, then divide into freezer-safe containers—just be aware that the sauce may thicken after freezing. It’s best to thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and you may want to add a splash of milk or cream to bring back the silky texture.

Reheating

When it’s time to reheat, add a touch of milk to loosen up the sauce and keep things ultra-creamy. Warm gently in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. If microwaving, cover loosely and heat in short bursts, stirring in between to prevent any hot spots.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne and rotini are especially good at catching the creamy sauce, any short pasta will work well. Just adjust the cook time as needed to keep it perfectly al dente.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Yes! You can swap in ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, use reduced-fat milk, and cut back on the butter or cream. The sauce will remain flavorful and satisfying, just a bit less rich.

Can I add vegetables to One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta?

Definitely—spinach, peas, or chopped bell peppers make wonderful additions. Add them during the last five minutes of simmering so they stay bright and tender.

What’s the best way to prevent the pasta from sticking?

Just give the pot a stir every few minutes while the pasta cooks. This keeps everything moving, ensuring the noodles soak up all the creamy goodness without clumping together.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! Use a larger Dutch oven or stockpot, and keep an eye on the liquid levels—add a splash more broth or milk if needed to ensure the pasta cooks evenly. Everyone will be clamoring for seconds!

Final Thoughts

If you want a dinner that’s guaranteed to wow with incredible flavor and practically zero mess, One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is the answer. Every spoonful is a reminder that comfort food can be simple, satisfying, and oh-so-delicious. Give this recipe a try—your family may just declare it a new weeknight tradition.

One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta. A hearty dish featuring tender ground beef, garlic butter, and Parmesan cheese in a creamy sauce, all cooked together with pasta for a convenient and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For the Sauce:

4 tablespoons unsalted butter (divided)
6 cloves garlic (minced)
4 cups beef broth
2 cups whole milk
12 ounces pasta (such as penne or rotini)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup heavy cream
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Brown the ground beef with salt and pepper for about 5–6 minutes.
Prepare the Sauce: Push beef to one side, melt 2 tablespoons of butter, and sauté garlic. Add broth, milk, pasta, seasonings, and simmer for 10–12 minutes.
Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan, cream, and butter. Let it thicken off heat for 2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.