Introduction To One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
If you love creamy, garlicky pasta dishes but hate the mess of multiple pots and pans, then this One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is about to become your new favorite dinner hack. Combining tender ground beef with a rich garlic butter sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, all made in a single pot, this recipe brings convenience without compromising on flavor. It’s comfort food simplified—a luscious, hearty meal ready in less than 30 minutes that will satisfy your craving for something rich, savory, and downright delicious.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute guests, or anyone who wants a gourmet-tasting meal with minimal cleanup. Plus, it’s customizable, filling, and guaranteed to impress both family and friends.
Why is this recipe so popular?
- 🍳 One pot convenience: Minimal dishes to wash, maximizing time spent enjoying your meal.
- 🧄 Garlic butter flavor: A classic, rich flavor combo that’s universally loved.
- 🥩 Hearty beef: Protein-packed, making it a fulfilling dinner option.
- 🍝 Creamy pasta: Comforting and indulgent texture that feels special but is easy to make.
- ⏰ Quick prep and cooking: Ready in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy schedules.
- 👨👩👧👦 Family-friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike, a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- 🥘 No-fuss cooking: Everything in one pot means less time cleaning and more time relaxing.
- 🧄 Bold, rich garlic butter sauce: Creamy, luscious, and perfectly balanced with savory beef.
- 🍝 Perfectly cooked pasta: Absorbs all the delicious flavors as it simmers.
- 🥩 Flexible: Swap beef for ground turkey or chicken, or add veggies for extra nutrition.
- 💡 Customizable: Adjust garlic, cheese, and cream to taste.
- 🔥 Comfort food classic: Ideal for cold nights or when you want a cozy, satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
These ingredients come together to form a powerhouse of flavor:
- 🥩 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken)
- 🧈 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 🧄 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 🧅 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 🍝 8 oz uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work great)
- 🥛 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 🥛 1 cup heavy cream
- 🧀 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 🌿 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 🧂 Salt and black pepper to taste
- 🌿 Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- 🌶️ Red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
Preparation:
Step 1: Brown the beef
In a large deep skillet or wide pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed. Remove beef from the pot and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté aromatics
In the same pot, add remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Add onion and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Add pasta and broth
Add uncooked pasta to the pot, then pour in beef broth. Stir to combine and make sure pasta is submerged. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Cook pasta
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the broth is absorbed.
Step 5: Stir in cream, cheese, and beef
Once pasta is cooked, stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and the browned beef. Continue stirring over low heat until cheese melts and sauce is creamy and smooth.
Variation:
- 🧆 Vegetarian: Swap beef for sautéed mushrooms or lentils for a meat-free option.
- 🥦 Add veggies: Toss in spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers before adding cream for extra nutrition and color.
- 🧀 Cheese variations: Try adding mozzarella or Asiago for a different cheesy twist.
- 🌶️ Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.
- 🍗 Different proteins: Use ground turkey or chicken breast for a leaner version.
Cooking Note:
This recipe is forgiving but to get the creamiest results:
- Use broth with good flavor (homemade or quality store-bought).
- Stir gently but regularly during simmering to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Adjust cream amount for preferred richness—start with 1 cup and add more if needed.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- 🥗 Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
- 🥖 Serve alongside warm garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks for carb lovers.
- 🍷 Enjoy with a glass of chilled white wine like Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
- 🍅 Top with extra Parmesan and fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a fresh finish.
Tips:
- 👩🍳 Prep garlic and onion ahead to speed up weeknight cooking.
- 🥩 Use lean ground beef to reduce grease and fat.
- 🍝 Don’t overcook the pasta—remove from heat while still slightly firm as it will soften in the sauce.
- 🥛 For dairy-free, substitute cream and butter with coconut cream and olive oil respectively (flavor will differ).
- 🧊 Leftovers reheat well in microwave or stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen sauce.
Prep Time:
10 minutes
Cooking Time:
20 minutes
Total Time:
30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 34 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Carbohydrates: 33 g
- Fiber: 2 g
FAQs:
Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes! Short pasta like penne, rotini, shells, or fusilli works best to hold the sauce.
Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Absolutely, substitute with your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Q: Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
A: Heavy cream gives the best richness, but whole milk can be used for a lighter version—just expect a thinner sauce.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or water.
Q: Can I add vegetables?
A: Yes, spinach, peas, or bell peppers added before the cream step work beautifully.
Conclusion:
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate quick comfort meal that checks all the boxes—rich, creamy, garlicky, and packed with satisfying beef and tender pasta. Its one-pot magic means fewer dishes and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding family on a busy night or treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers big on taste with minimal effort.
The luscious garlic butter sauce coats every bite of pasta, while the beef adds hearty protein that keeps you full and happy. Easy to customize, fast to cook, and perfect for any season, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your dinner rotation. So grab your pot, butter, and garlic — dinner just got delightfully simple and delicious.
