One-Pot Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

The Ultimate One-Pot Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Creamy beef and garlic butter pasta brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal cleanup.

Weeknight meals demand simple solutions that pack maximum flavor.

Tender beef mingles with rich, velvety sauce in a single skillet.

Fragrant garlic weaves its magic through each perfectly coated noodle.

Cheese melts luxuriously, creating a decadent experience without complicated techniques.

Anyone can master this straightforward culinary adventure that feels like restaurant-quality cooking.

Hunger calls – let’s make something delicious happen.

One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta Magic

  • Simplify Cooking: Streamline your meal prep with this single-pot wonder that eliminates multiple dishes and reduces kitchen cleanup.
  • Satisfy Comfort Cravings: Indulge in a rich, creamy pasta that delivers hearty flavors and filling satisfaction for the whole family.
  • Quick Weeknight Solution: Prepare a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes with minimal ingredients and straightforward cooking steps.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Flexibility: Easily customize the recipe by adding extra vegetables or adjusting seasoning to match your taste preferences.

Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty meat that provides the main protein base for this one-pot dish.
For the Dairy:
  • Butter: Adds rich flavor and helps create a smooth base for cooking.
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Create a luxurious and creamy sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Onion: Provide a deep, savory flavor foundation that enhances the overall taste of the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity and traditional Italian flavor.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and bring out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
For the Liquid and Pasta:
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce while helping to cook the pasta.
  • Pasta: The main carbohydrate component that absorbs the creamy sauce and makes the dish filling.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright finish and a pop of color to the dish.

Step-by-Step One-Pot Garlic Butter Pasta

Step-by-Step One-Pot Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Melt butter in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in ground beef and break it apart using a spatula.

Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden brown color, allowing about 5-7 minutes for perfect browning.

Step 2: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

Sprinkle minced garlic and diced onions into the pot.

Sauté these ingredients until they release their fragrant essence and become wonderfully soft, which takes roughly 2 minutes.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Shower the beef mixture with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the meat.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Base

Pour beef broth into the pot and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Let it bubble softly for about 5 minutes, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

Introduce heavy cream and Parmesan cheese to the pot.

Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick consistency. This process typically takes 3-4 minutes.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

Add uncooked pasta directly into the pot, ensuring it’s completely covered by the sauce. If needed, splash in extra water or broth.

Cover the pot and cook according to pasta package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Final Touch

Remove the pot from heat once the pasta reaches perfect tenderness and the sauce achieves a creamy consistency.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.

Serve the pasta piping hot, ready to delight hungry diners.

Tips for Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

  • Use full-fat heavy cream and stir continuously while adding dairy to maintain smooth consistency.
  • Monitor liquid levels during cooking, adding extra broth if pasta looks dry to ensure perfectly al dente noodles.
  • Toast Italian seasoning briefly in butter before adding beef to enhance herb aromatics and intensify overall taste profile.
  • Choose ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for rich flavor and proper sauce emulsification without excess greasiness.
  • Chop parsley right before serving to preserve bright color and maximize aromatic quality of garnish.

Variations That Elevate One-Pot Beef Pasta

  • Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with chopped cilantro for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Mediterranean Mushroom Magic: Include sliced mushrooms during beef cooking, swap Parmesan for crumbled feta cheese, and sprinkle with dried oregano for a Mediterranean flavor profile.
  • Vegetarian Veggie Delight: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, add diced bell peppers and zucchini, and use vegetable broth for a protein-packed meatless version.
  • Creamy Bacon Ranch Remix: Crisp chopped bacon before cooking beef, incorporate ranch seasoning mix, and garnish with green onions for a rich, indulgent variation.

Pairing Ideas with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Select a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, creamy beef pasta. These medium to full-bodied wines cut through the dish's richness while enhancing its savory garlic and meat flavors.
  • Prepare a crisp arugula salad with light vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heaviness. Toss with cherry tomatoes and shaved Parmesan for added brightness and textural variety.
  • Serve warm, buttery garlic bread slices alongside the pasta for dipping into the creamy sauce. Slightly toasted edges provide a delightful crunch that elevates the entire dining experience.

How to Store One-Pot Beef Pasta Right

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for 3-4 days, keeping the pasta and sauce together to maintain moisture and flavor.
  • Place portion in microwave-safe dish, add 1-2 tablespoons of milk or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through completely.
  • Transfer pasta to skillet, add splash of broth or milk. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring gently to prevent sticking and restore creamy texture. Cook for 3-5 minutes until heated evenly.

FAQs

  • Is this a one-pot meal?

Yes, this recipe is designed to be a complete one-pot meal where everything is cooked in the same pot, minimizing cleanup and making cooking faster and easier.

  • Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use various pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Just ensure the pasta is similar in cooking time and size to maintain the recipe’s consistency.

  • What kind of ground beef works best?

Lean ground beef with about 80/20 fat content works perfectly. It provides good flavor without making the dish too greasy. Ground chuck is an excellent choice for this recipe.

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
One-Pot Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 33 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy beef and garlic butter pasta brings hearty comfort straight to your dinner table with rich, savory flavors melding perfectly. Indulgent ingredients combine effortlessly in a single pot, ensuring minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction for hungry family members.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef
  • 8 ounces (8 oz) pasta (penne or spaghetti)

Dairy and Cheese:

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Aromatics and Seasonings:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Heat a spacious cooking vessel and melt butter over medium temperature, allowing it to shimmer gently.
  2. Introduce ground beef into the melted butter, fragmenting the meat using a sturdy utensil until it transforms into a rich, caramel-brown hue within 5-7 minutes.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic and diced onions, sautéing for approximately 2 minutes to release their aromatic essence and soften their texture.
  4. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked pepper, distributing the spices evenly across the meat mixture.
  5. Stream beef broth into the pot, encouraging a gentle simmer and allowing the liquid to condense and intensify for roughly 5 minutes.
  6. Pour heavy cream and grated Parmesan, stirring consistently until the sauce achieves a luxurious, velvety consistency within 3-4 minutes.
  7. Nestle uncooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete coverage. If necessary, supplement with additional liquid to facilitate optimal pasta absorption.
  8. Secure the pot with a lid, cooking pasta according to package guidance while intermittently stirring, typically 8-10 minutes.
  9. Remove from heat once pasta reaches desired tenderness and sauce maintains a creamy profile.
  10. Elegantly garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Reduce sodium by using low-sodium beef broth and cutting salt quantity in half for heart-healthy diets.
  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create lighter, leaner protein alternatives.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to transform this recipe into a celiac-friendly meal without compromising rich, creamy texture.
  • Reserve extra pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency if it becomes too thick during cooking process.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 670 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg
Ethan Caldwell

Ethan Caldwell

Founder & Culinary Innovator

Expertise

Farm-to-table cooking, Seasonal recipe creation, Culinary storytelling, Food photography and styling​

Education

The Chef’s Academy (Indianapolis, IN)

  • Program: Associate Degree in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on sustainable cooking practices, regional American cuisine, and recipe development.​

Ethan didn’t just fall in love with food, he grew into it, surrounded by fields, farmers’ markets, and family meals that told a story.
After sharpening his skills at The Chef’s Academy, he took his passion straight into the farm-to-table movement, working side-by-side with local growers and seasonal flavors.
He believes every recipe should feel like a walk through a summer market: colorful, fresh, and full of possibility.
Outside the kitchen, Ethan’s idea of a perfect day is hiking mountain trails, digging into heirloom vegetables, and hosting casual dinners where seconds are always encouraged.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star