Some nights, dinner needs to be fast. Other nights, it needs to be comforting. And every once in a while, you’re lucky enough to find a recipe that’s both. This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is exactly that—a weeknight hero that delivers big flavor with almost no cleanup.
I love how one bite of this pasta feels like you’ve been cooking all day, when really, you’ve only spent about half an hour (and in just one pot!). Rich garlic butter, savory ground beef, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce wrap around tender pasta, making every forkful pure happiness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot wonder – Everything cooks together, so cleanup is minimal.
- Creamy indulgence – A velvety sauce that clings to every pasta shape.
- Garlic butter magic – Bold, rich flavor in every bite.
- Customizable – Use chicken, turkey, or your favorite pasta shape.
What Does It Taste Like?
Think of your favorite creamy Alfredo—but upgraded. The garlic butter adds richness, the beef brings hearty depth, and the Parmesan ties it all together with salty, cheesy bliss. Add a little red pepper for gentle heat and fresh parsley for brightness, and you’ve got a dish that tastes like comfort itself.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Quick—ready in 30 minutes.
- Flexible—easy to swap ingredients.
- Budget-friendly comfort food.
Ingredients
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef (85% lean works best)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups beef broth (or water + beef bouillon cube)
- 300g (10 oz) pasta — penne, fusilli, or shells
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Tools You’ll Need
- Large, deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Use chicken or turkey instead of beef.
- Swap heavy cream for half-and-half (sauce will be lighter).
- Stir in spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- Use pecorino romano for a sharper cheese flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Add Aromatics
- Stir in garlic, onion, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook until onion is softened and fragrant.
- Add Pasta & Broth
- Pour in beef broth and add pasta. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until pasta is tender, about 10–12 minutes.
- Make it Creamy
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until sauce is smooth and glossy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve immediately.
What to Serve With It
- A crisp green salad.
- Garlic bread (because there’s no such thing as too much garlic).
- Roasted vegetables for balance.
Tips for the Best One-Pot Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts smoother.
- Don’t overcook pasta; it will continue to soften in the sauce.
- If sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or cream.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, but pasta absorbs sauce over time—add extra cream or broth when reheating.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Swap the beef for mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based ground meat.
Can I freeze it?
Freezing is possible, but cream sauces may separate slightly—stir well after reheating.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta proves you don’t have to choose between fast and comforting. In 30 minutes, you’ll have a rich, hearty meal the whole family will love—and only one pot to wash.
More Quick Comfort Recipes
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Garlic Butter Shrimp Linguine
📌 If you make this, share your photos on Pinterest! I’d love to see your one-pot pasta masterpiece.
Nutritional Information (per serving, 1/6 of recipe): ~520 calories, 29g fat, 41g carbs, 25g protein
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