First of all — thank you so much for being here! It means the world to me to share hearty, soul-warming recipes with you. If you’re craving comfort but your schedule is tighter than ever, this One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta will quickly become your weeknight hero. Rich, garlicky, and ready in half an hour — anything but boring!!
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Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Pasta
This is the kind of meal that makes you sigh with happiness after the first bite — it’s creamy, garlicky, and loaded with tender beef, all tied together in one pot. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- One pot = no mess: Cook everything in a single pot for easy cleanup.
- Maximum comfort: The garlic butter sauce is luscious, clinging to every swirl of pasta.
- Totally flexible: Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken, add veggies, or spice it up — your call!
- Weeknight magic: On the table in just 30 minutes, but tastes like you simmered all afternoon.
What Does It Taste Like?
Picture this: tender pasta coated in a velvety, buttery garlic cream sauce, mingling with savory ground beef and a touch of Parmesan. Each bite is rich, comforting, and just garlicky enough to make your kitchen smell incredible!! I’m kicking myself for not having shot it bubbling away on the stove — it’s that cozy.
Benefits of This Recipe
- Quick: 30 minutes, start to finish.
- Family-friendly: Mild enough for kids but easy to spice up for grown-ups.
- Budget-friendly: Simple pantry staples come together into something special.
- Minimal cleanup: Less time washing dishes, more time enjoying that second helping.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 500g (1 lb) ground beef (85% lean works best)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 cups beef broth (or water plus a 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 heavy pot or deep skillet with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
Additions & Substitutions
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
- Protein swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage.
- Make it greener: Add a couple of handfuls of spinach at the end, or stir in peas.
- Extra flavor: A splash of white wine before the broth makes it extra luxurious.
- Cheese options: No Parmesan? Asiago or Pecorino Romano works beautifully.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta
1️⃣ Brown the beef: In your pot over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2️⃣ Sauté aromatics: Add butter, garlic, and onion to the beef. Cook until the onion is soft and fragrant — about 3-4 minutes.
3️⃣ Season: Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
4️⃣ Add pasta & broth: Pour in the beef broth and uncooked pasta. Stir, bring to a boil, then reduce heat. Cover and simmer for about 12-15 minutes until pasta is al dente, stirring occasionally.
5️⃣ Make it creamy: Lower heat, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Let it bubble gently until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
6️⃣ Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley, grab a fork, and dive in!
What to Serve with This Pasta
- A crisp green salad with tangy vinaigrette
- Garlic bread (because more garlic = more joy!)
- Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus
- A glass of chilled white wine if you fancy!
Tips for the Best Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta
- Use freshly grated Parmesan — it melts better than pre-shredded.
- Stir often while simmering to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Taste and adjust — feel free to add more garlic or cheese to suit your mood!
How to Store Leftovers
Cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of broth or cream to revive that saucy goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I freeze this?
Cream-based sauces can separate when frozen, so I recommend enjoying it fresh or from the fridge within a few days.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
You can! The sauce will be lighter and a bit less rich, but still delicious.
What pasta shapes work best?
Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or shells hold the sauce beautifully. Long pasta works too — just break it in half to fit the pot.
Let’s Wrap It Up!
I hope this One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta brings comfort and smiles to your table — even on your busiest nights. It’s hearty, quick, and endlessly adaptable.
If you loved this, why not check out my other cozy pasta ideas? Or try my Peach & Burrata Summer Salad or Grilled Peach Dessert Pizza — they’re perfect for balancing out a rich dish like this!
👉 Leave a review, pin your pasta pics on Pinterest, and tag me — I’d love to see your delicious creations!
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 650 | Protein: 30g | Carbs: 55g | Fat: 35g | Fiber: 3g
Thank you again for cooking with me — see you next recipe! 💛✨