One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender beef, a creamy garlic butter sauce, and Parmesan cheese—all made in one pot for easy cleanup. This hearty meal comes together quickly and is perfect for busy weeknights when I want something delicious without spending too much time in the kitchen.
Ingredients
(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Directions
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the garlic and onion, and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s covered by the sauce. Add a little extra water or broth if needed. Cover the pot and cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, remove the pot from the heat.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.
Servings and Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: Approximately 450 kcal per serving
Variations
Add Vegetables – I like tossing in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
Spicy Kick – A pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce can give this dish a spicy edge.
Cheese Lovers – Mixing in some shredded mozzarella makes the sauce even cheesier.
Low-Carb Option – Swap out the pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
Protein Swap – Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of beef for a different twist.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing: While the dish can be frozen, the creamy sauce may change texture. If freezing, I recommend storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.
Reheating: I warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to restore the sauce’s consistency. The microwave works too—just heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
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FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! While penne or spaghetti works great, I sometimes use fusilli, rigatoni, or even fettuccine for variety.
How do I make this dish gluten-free?
I use gluten-free pasta and ensure my beef broth is labeled gluten-free. The rest of the ingredients should already be safe.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but I find that pasta absorbs the sauce over time. If making ahead, I store the sauce separately and cook fresh pasta when serving.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair perfectly with this rich and creamy dish.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If the sauce is too thin, I let it simmer a little longer or add more Parmesan cheese. A small cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) can also help.
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food that delivers on flavor, ease, and satisfaction. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and hearty beef, it’s a go-to meal for busy nights. Plus, with just one pot to clean, it makes dinnertime stress-free. Whether I stick to the classic recipe or try a variation, this dish always hits the spot.
Recipe:
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich, comforting dish made with tender ground beef, a luscious garlic butter sauce, and Parmesan cheese. With everything cooked in one pot, it’s an easy, quick, and delicious meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty pasta dish will satisfy the whole family with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
½ cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
-
Brown the Beef:
- In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned.
-
Sauté Aromatics:
- Stir in the garlic and onion, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Season the Dish:
- Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
-
Simmer the Sauce:
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
-
Make It Creamy:
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce thickens (about 3-4 minutes).
-
Cook the Pasta:
- Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s covered by the sauce.
- If needed, add extra water or broth.
- Cover and cook according to the pasta package instructions (8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
-
Finish & Serve:
- Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, remove from heat.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 servings
- Calories: ~450 kcal per serving
