Hey comfort food lover! 🍝✨ If you’ve ever stood in the kitchen at 6 p.m. thinking “I want something creamy, garlicky, and deeply satisfying… but I don’t want a mountain of dishes” — I promise, this One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is exactly what you need.
It’s rich, velvety, and oh-so-flavorful. The garlic butter sauce coats every piece of pasta while tender ground beef adds that hearty bite. And the best part? It all comes together in one pot in under 30 minutes. Minimal effort, maximum comfort. Yes, please!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One pot = less mess and less cleanup
- Deep garlic butter flavor that makes every bite a dream
- Rich, creamy Parmesan sauce hugs the pasta perfectly
- Ready in 30 minutes flat — ideal for weeknights
- Customizable: adjust the spice, switch the beef, or use your favorite pasta shape!
What You’ll Need
Here’s your simple shopping list for a dinner that feels fancy but is secretly effortless:
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef (85% lean is ideal)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced (more if you’re a garlic lover!)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a mild kick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups beef broth (or water + 1 beef bouillon cube)
- 300g (10 oz) pasta (penne, fusilli, or shells are perfect)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Tools You’ll Need
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Cheese grater
How to Make It: Step-by-Step
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as you go. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Add Garlic Butter Flavor
Push the beef to one side. Add butter and let it melt, then add the minced garlic and onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the onion is soft.
Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes, if using.
3. Add Pasta & Broth
Pour in the beef broth and pasta. Stir well, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 12–15 minutes (or until the pasta is tender), stirring occasionally.
4. Make It Creamy & Cheesy
Once the pasta is cooked, pour in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese melts into the sauce, creating that luscious, silky coating. Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
5. Garnish & Serve
Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for a bright, fresh finish. Serve warm, with extra Parmesan if you’d like (highly recommended!).
Tips for Success
- Choose short pasta shapes — they hold the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts more smoothly than pre-grated.
- Low and slow — don’t rush the simmering step; it helps the pasta absorb all that beefy flavor.
- Love it spicy? Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though it’ll be less rich.
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
Delicious Serving Ideas
This pasta is a meal all on its own, but if you’re feeling extra:
- Add a side of garlic bread to soak up every drop of sauce.
- Toss together a quick green salad with a tangy vinaigrette for balance.
- Pair with roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli for a pop of color.
FAQs
Can I swap the beef for something else?
Absolutely! Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based mince for a lighter twist.
What if I don’t have beef broth?
Use chicken or veggie broth instead — or water plus a bouillon cube.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes — it keeps well! Just note the pasta may absorb more sauce overnight, so stir in a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
Conclusion
There you have it — One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta, the ultimate weeknight comfort food. Rich, creamy, garlicky goodness, all in one pot with hardly any cleanup. It’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.
Here’s to good food, big bowls of pasta, and even bigger smiles around the table. 💛🍝
More Cozy One-Pot Recipes to Try Next
- One-Pot Chicken Alfredo
- Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta
- Beef & Broccoli Stir-Fry Noodles
- Cheesy Taco Pasta Skillet
Show Me Your Pasta!
Did you make this dreamy bowl of garlic butter goodness? Tag your photos with #OnePotGarlicPasta on Pinterest or Instagram — I’d love to see your cheesy, creamy creations!
Until next time — happy cooking and happy eating! 🧄✨