Why You’ll Love This Recipe

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect comfort food that combines tender ground beef, aromatic garlic butter, and a luscious creamy sauce all in one easy-to-clean pot. It’s rich, flavorful, and comes together quickly, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or cozy weekends at home. With minimal cleanup and maximum flavor, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

ground beefgarlic (minced)butteronion (chopped)Italian seasoningsaltpepperchicken or beef brothheavy creamuncooked pasta (penne or rotini recommended)Parmesan cheese (grated)parsley (for garnish, optional)

directions

In a large pot or deep skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.

Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until fragrant and translucent.

Stir in the ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.

Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Pour in the broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.

Add the uncooked pasta and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.

Reduce heat to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced to a creamy sauce.

Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and incorporated.

Garnish with parsley if desired and serve hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves approximately 4 people.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.

Add spinach or mushrooms during the sauté step for added veggies.

Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version.

Try different pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave individual portions with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess, or warm on the stovetop over low heat.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

It’s best to use uncooked pasta in this one-pot method so it absorbs flavor as it cooks.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add red pepper flakes for a kick.

Can I freeze this?

Cream-based pastas don’t freeze well as the sauce may separate. Fresh is best.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth is gluten-free.

What type of cream works best?

Heavy cream gives the richest texture, but you can also use whole milk or half-and-half.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while simmering and ensure there’s enough liquid in the pot.

Can I make this ahead?

Yes, but it tastes best freshly made. Reheat with a bit of cream to refresh.

What cheese alternatives work?

Mozzarella or cream cheese can be used, but Parmesan adds the best flavor.

Can I add tomatoes?

Yes, a handful of cherry tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes add a nice touch.

What if the sauce is too thick?

Add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it up before serving.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta delivers hearty comfort with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this simple yet luxurious dish is sure to satisfy. Make it once and you’ll come back to it again and again for its ease, richness, and irresistible flavor.