One-Pot Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Irresistible One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Comfort meets convenience in this irresistible one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta that promises to revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a rich and satisfying meal without complicated kitchen maneuvers.

Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor define this culinary adventure.

Savory beef mingles with silky butter and aromatic garlic, transforming simple ingredients into something extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of creamy texture and robust taste.

Busy home cooks will appreciate how quickly this dish comes together, saving precious time without sacrificing deliciousness.

Why People Love This Creamy Beef Pasta Dish

  • Speed Through Dinner: Tackle this one-pot wonder that saves you precious cleanup time and delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Indulge in a creamy, hearty meal that brings together rich beef, silky pasta, and bold garlic butter sauce for ultimate satisfaction.
  • Family Crowd-Pleaser: Create a delicious dinner that appeals to both kids and adults, packed with familiar ingredients everyone loves and can enjoy together.
  • Minimal Cooking Skills Required: Perfect for beginner cooks or busy individuals who want a delectable meal without complicated techniques or multiple cooking steps.

What You Need for Creamy One-Pot Pasta

For the Meat:
  • Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the pasta dish.
For the Dairy:
  • Butter: Provides a rich, smooth base for cooking and enhancing the overall flavor.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and velvety sauce texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a sharp, salty depth to the creamy sauce.
For the Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Onion: Provide a classic aromatic base that builds depth of flavor in the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds complexity and traditional Italian taste.
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor profile.
For the Liquid and Pasta:
  • Beef Broth: Adds a savory liquid base that intensifies the meaty flavor.
  • Pasta: The core ingredient that makes this a filling and satisfying one-pot meal.
  • Water: Helps to cook the pasta and adjust sauce consistency if needed.
For the Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the dish.

How to Cook Creamy Beef Pasta in One Pot

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Butter

Heat a large pot over medium flame. Drop in butter and let it melt completely.

Add ground beef and crumble it using a spatula. Cook the meat until it turns a rich golden brown color, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Enhance with Aromatics

Toss in minced garlic and diced onions. Sauté these ingredients until they become wonderfully fragrant and softened, releasing their delightful flavors into the pot.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper over the beef. Stir thoroughly to distribute the seasonings evenly throughout the meat and aromatics.

Step 4: Create the Liquid Base

Pour beef broth into the pot. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it bubble softly for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate and meld together.

Step 5: Build the Creamy Sauce

Add heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, thick consistency that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 6: Cook the Pasta

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

Cover the pot and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 7: Check for Doneness

Test the pasta for tenderness.

When it reaches the perfect texture and the sauce looks creamy and inviting, remove the pot from heat.

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.

Serve the pasta steaming hot, directly from the pot for maximum flavor and comfort.

Great Tips for Garlic Butter Beef Pasta Dish

  • Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the pot to achieve perfect golden-brown ground beef with maximum flavor development.
  • If sauce looks too thick, gradually add extra broth or water to maintain creamy consistency without making pasta dry.
  • Grate Parmesan fresh and add gradually while stirring to ensure smooth sauce without clumping.
  • Swap Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like thyme or basil for enhanced aromatic profile and brighter taste.
  • Replace regular pasta with gluten-free pasta and ensure beef broth is certified gluten-free for dietary accommodations.

Unique Pasta Styles Using Creamy Beef Flavor

  • Spicy Southwest Beef Pasta: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chiles, and top with shredded pepper jack cheese for a zesty southwestern kick.
  • Mediterranean Lamb Pasta: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, use oregano instead of Italian seasoning, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version.
  • Mushroom Stroganoff Pasta: Substitute half the ground beef with sliced mushrooms, use sour cream instead of heavy cream, and sprinkle with fresh dill for a classic stroganoff flavor profile.
  • Creamy Chicken Alfredo Variation: Replace ground beef with diced chicken breast, use white wine instead of beef broth, and add roasted garlic for a classic alfredo-style one-pot meal.

What Goes Well with Creamy Beef Pasta

  • Flavor Symphony Pairings
  • Uncork a bold Cabernet Sauvignon to complement the rich beef and creamy sauce, cutting through the dish's decadence with its robust tannins.
  • Serve a crisp Caesar salad alongside, featuring tangy dressing and crunchy croutons to provide textural contrast and refresh the palate between bites.
  • Select roasted garlic bread as a perfect sidekick, allowing diners to soak up every delicious drop of the luxurious sauce while adding extra aromatic depth.
  • Recommend a light, herbal green salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heaviness and introduce a bright, zesty element to the meal.

How to Keep Beef Pasta Fresh for Later

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.

Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Lay flat to maximize storage space and prevent freezer burn.

Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to restore creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Cover with damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute the pasta with other varieties like penne, fettuccine, or shells. Just ensure the cooking time remains similar.

  • Is it possible to make this dish less creamy?

Reduce the amount of heavy cream or use half-and-half to make the sauce lighter and less rich.

  • Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute that works perfectly in this one-pot pasta dish.

  • How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot?

Stir the pasta occasionally during cooking and ensure there’s enough liquid to cover the pasta completely.

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One-Pot Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

One-Pot Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe


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4.5 from 8 reviews

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

Description

Creamy garlic butter beef pasta promises a delightful culinary journey through comforting flavors and rich textures. Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a satisfying meal that brings warmth and joy to your dining experience.


Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Starch:

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti)

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Cream:

  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Garnish:

  • Fresh chopped parsley

Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium temperature, melt butter, and sauté ground beef, crumbling with a spatula until thoroughly browned and caramelized, approximately 5-7 minutes.
  2. Incorporate minced garlic and diced onions, cooking until aromatic and translucent, releasing their intense flavors for about 2 minutes.
  3. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, evenly distributing the spices throughout the meat mixture.
  4. Stream beef broth into the pot, allowing it to simmer and concentrate flavors, reducing liquid volume for roughly 5 minutes.
  5. Introduce heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency, thickening within 3-4 minutes.
  6. Gently nestle uncooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring complete liquid coverage; supplement with additional broth if necessary. Secure pot lid and cook pasta according to package directions, typically 8-10 minutes, intermittently stirring to prevent sticking.
  7. Verify pasta’s tenderness and sauce’s optimal creaminess, then remove pot from heat source.
  8. Elegantly garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter protein option that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
  • Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
  • Control sauce thickness by adjusting liquid quantities – add more broth for a thinner consistency or simmer longer for a richer, more concentrated sauce.
  • Enhance meal prep by preparing this dish ahead and storing in refrigerator for up to 3 days, gently reheating with a splash of additional broth to restore creamy texture.
  • 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: 480 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Creating single-serving recipes tailored for individuals, small households, or meal preppers
  • Culinary arts with a focus on clean plating and natural styling for food photography
  • Working with fermented ingredients and dairy-based cooking techniques
  • Designing seasonal menus that use fresh, locally sourced produce

Education

Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR

  • Program: Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Gained hands-on experience in professional kitchens, learning advanced recipe development, seasonal ingredient sourcing, and simple, beautiful food presentation.

ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR

  • Program: Food Safety Certification
    Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.

Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.

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