Garlic butter and ground beef melting into one creamy sauce, clinging to tender pastaall from a single pot. One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is what happens when you want something deeply satisfying but refuse to deal with a pile of dishes.
I started testing this back in spring 2019, chasing a way to layer garlic three different ways without it turning bitter. The trick? Toast minced garlic in butter first, then fold in roasted garlic at the end for sweetness. After tweaking the cream-to-broth ratio about a dozen times, I finally nailed that silky coating that doesn’t break or clumpeven if you reheat it the next day.
PrintOne-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe Easy
Enjoy a comforting One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta dish ready in just 30 minutes. This recipe combines tender ground beef with a rich creamy sauce and fragrant garlic, perfect for an easy and delicious dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta penne or spaghetti works well
- 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
- Fresh chopped parsley
Instructions
- Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat and cook ground beef until browned and crumbled, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add onion to the skillet and cook until soft and translucent, around 3 to 4 minutes, then stir in minced garlic and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Season the mixture with dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, mixing well to coat all ingredients.
- Pour in beef broth and stir gently to loosen any bits on the pan bottom, then add heavy cream and bring everything to a simmer.
- Add pasta to the skillet making sure it is submerged in the liquid, lower heat to low, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes stirring occasionally until pasta is al dente and sauce is creamy.
- Stir in grated Parmesan until melted and sauce becomes smooth.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 600 kcal
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Wonder
This One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta delivers everything you crave on a busy weeknight: rich flavor, minimal cleanup, and that cozy feeling of a home-cooked meal without the fuss.
- One pan does it all: No boiling pasta separately, no juggling multiple potseverything cooks together and builds flavor as it goes.
- Garlic in butter is magic: Toasting garlic in butter first mellows its bite and creates a sweet, nutty base that infuses every bite.
- Weeknight-friendly timing: From stovetop to table in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when you need dinner fast but still want something satisfying.
- Nostalgic comfort: This tastes like the kind of meal that brings everyone to the tablewarm, creamy, and just a little indulgent.
Key Ingredients That Make It Work
You don’t need a long grocery list to pull off something this good. Here’s what each ingredient brings to the table:
- Ground beef: Adds hearty, savory richness that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Butter and garlic: The foundation of flavorbutter softens garlic’s sharpness and creates a silky base.
- Heavy cream and beef broth: Together, they form a luscious sauce that clings to the pasta without feeling too heavy.
- Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that salty, umami finish that makes everything taste more like itself.
- Italian seasoning: A simple herb blend that adds warmth and complexity without needing a dozen spice jars.
How the Magic Happens (Step-by-Step)
The beauty of this dish is in the layering. Each step builds on the last, creating depth without complexity. Here’s the flow:
| Step | What You Do | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Brown the beef | Melt butter, add ground beef, cook until browned and crumbled | 5–7 min |
| 2. Sauté aromatics | Add onion, cook until soft; add garlic, cook 1–2 minutes | 4–5 min |
| 3. Season & simmer | Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, broth, and cream | 2 min |
| 4. Cook pasta in sauce | Add pasta, cover, simmer until tender and sauce thickens | 10–12 min |
| 5. Finish with Parmesan | Stir in Parmesan, let it melt into the sauce | 1 min |
| 6. Garnish & serve | Top with fresh parsley and enjoy | 1 min |
Pro Tip: Scrape up those browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan when you add the broththat’s pure flavor gold.
Swaps and Tweaks to Make It Yours
This recipe is flexible, so feel free to adjust based on what’s in your fridge or what your family loves. After years of testing one-pot pastas, I’ve learned that small swaps can make a big difference without losing the soul of the dish.
| Ingredient | Swap Ideas |
|---|---|
| Ground beef | Ground turkey, Italian sausage (mild or spicy), or plant-based crumbles |
| Heavy cream | Half-and-half for lighter sauce (may be thinner), or full-fat coconut cream for dairy-free |
| Pasta shape | Penne, spaghetti, rigatoni, or even egg noodles |
| Parmesan | Pecorino Romano for sharper flavor, or nutritional yeast for dairy-free |
| Italian seasoning | Fresh basil and oregano, or a pinch of thyme and rosemary |
Note: If you love a little heat, toss in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when you add the garlic.
Serving and Storage Tips
Serve this straight from the skillet for that cozy, family-style vibe. It pairs beautifully with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables. Leftovers? They’re even better the next day once the flavors have had time to marry.
| Storage Method | Details |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator | Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. |
| Freezer | Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. |
| Reheating Tip | Add a tablespoon of butter or cream while reheating to bring back that silky texture. |
Pro Tip: If the sauce tightens up in the fridge, don’t worryjust stir in a little beef broth or water while reheating, and it’ll come right back to life.
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FAQs (One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta)
What cut of beef works best for this recipe?
Sirloin steak or beef tenderloin work perfectly because they cook quickly and stay tender. Cut the beef into bite-sized strips against the grain for maximum tenderness. Avoid tougher cuts like chuck roast as they need longer cooking times to become tender.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work great with this dish. Choose pasta shapes that hold sauce well in their ridges or tubes. Avoid delicate pasta like angel hair as it can become mushy in the one-pot cooking process.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Add the cream after reducing heat to low and stir continuously. Never let the sauce boil once cream is added. If it starts to separate, remove from heat immediately and whisk in a tablespoon of cold butter to bring it back together.
What if my pasta isn’t tender enough?
Add more broth or water, cover the pot, and continue cooking for 2-3 minutes. The pasta will absorb the extra liquid and finish cooking. Check for doneness and repeat if needed, adding liquid in small amounts to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin.
Can this meal be made ahead of time?
This dish is best served immediately as cream sauces can separate when reheated. If you must make it ahead, undercook the pasta slightly and add extra broth when reheating. Reheat gently on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent curdling.
One Skillet, All the Comfort
This One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta comes together in about 30 minutes, and the payoff is incrediblesilky sauce, tender beef, and that deep garlic-butter aroma filling your kitchen. You’ll love how the pasta soaks up all that creamy richness while it cooks, building flavor with every minute. It’s the kind of dinner that feels indulgent but doesn’t ask much of you.
Want to play with flavors? Stir in a handful of baby spinach or sun-dried tomatoes right at the end for a little brightness. If you’re reheating leftovers, add a splash of broth and a pat of butter to bring back that velvety textureit’s a trick I picked up after making too many one-pot pastas to count. And if your family loves cheese, go ahead and add extra Parmesan or even a sprinkle of mozzarella on top.
I’d love to see your versiontag me if you make it, or tell me what you stirred in to make it yours. Did you grow up with creamy pasta nights like this, where everyone gathered around one big skillet? Save this recipe for a night when you need something warm, easy, and deeply satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that turns into a family favorite without even trying.
