If you love creamy, comforting pasta dishes but hate washing a mountain of dishes, then this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is about to become your new weeknight favorite. Featuring savory ground beef, fragrant garlic butter, and a luscious parmesan cream sauce, all cooked together in one pot, this dish is rich, hearty, and irresistibly satisfying.
This recipe takes its inspiration from Italian-American comfort food, bringing together classic pasta flavors in a simple, family-friendly format. Whether you’re feeding a busy family on a weeknight or just craving a warm, cozy bowl of pasta, this recipe is sure to check all the boxes.
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- All made in one pot for minimal cleanup
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Creamy, rich, and bursting with flavor
- Easily customizable with different pasta shapes
- Perfect for feeding a hungry family
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Garlic
Heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked.
Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and cook for about 1 minute, letting the garlic become fragrant without burning.
Step 2: Add the Liquid and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Then add the dry pasta and Italian seasoning. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat slightly, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure it cooks evenly.
Step 3: Make it Creamy
Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and butter, mixing until melted and creamy.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan cheese if you’d like.
Serve the pasta hot with crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for the perfect cozy meal.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the best melt and flavor
- Choose a sturdy pasta like penne or rotini to hold up to the rich sauce
- Don’t overcook the pasta — it should be al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce
- Add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peas for extra nutrition
- Use ground turkey or chicken as a leaner substitute for ground beef
Serving Suggestions
This one-pot creamy beef pasta is hearty enough to stand on its own, but it’s even better paired with:
- Garlic bread or focaccia
- A fresh green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
- Roasted seasonal vegetables
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth and warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until creamy again.
FAQs
Can I freeze this pasta?
Creamy pasta dishes are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them if needed. Just reheat gently with extra cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Can I make it spicier?
Sure! Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to dial up the heat.
Can I use a different cheese?
Absolutely — shredded mozzarella or fontina would be delicious, but parmesan is classic.
Let’s Stay Connected
If you try this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Drop a comment below or tag me on social media — your creations always inspire me.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb 450g ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a little kick
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk or heavy cream for extra richness
- 12 oz 340g pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine work well)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Garlic
- Heat the olive oil in a large, high-sided skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and fully cooked.
- Add the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir and cook for about 1 minute, letting the garlic become fragrant without burning.
Step 2: Add the Liquid and Pasta
- Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Then add the dry pasta and Italian seasoning. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid so it cooks evenly.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat slightly, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the pasta from sticking and to ensure it cooks evenly.
Step 3: Make it Creamy
- Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and butter, mixing until melted and creamy.
- If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
- Remove the pot from the heat. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and an extra dusting of parmesan cheese if you’d like.
- Serve the pasta hot with crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for the perfect cozy meal.
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