If you’re craving a comforting meal that combines hearty beef, silky cream, and rich garlic flavors all in one easy dish, look no further than this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe. It’s a fantastic blend of bold and buttery tastes wrapped around perfectly tender pasta, all cooked in a single pot to save you time and cleanup. This recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate, making it an instant favorite for weeknight dinners or anytime you want something satisfying without the fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet packed with flavor, each playing a vital role in creating that luscious texture, savory depth, and vibrant aroma you’ll love in this dish.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base full of hearty flavor that makes the dish satisfying.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Adds creamy richness and helps brown the beef perfectly.
- 5 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic punch that makes every bite irresistible.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings a fragrant blend of herbs that brighten the beef and sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the natural flavors, making each ingredient shine.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat that balances the creaminess.
- 3 cups beef broth: Creates a rich cooking liquid that the pasta absorbs for extra flavor.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Gives the sauce a smooth, velvety texture that coats every noodle.
- 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or spaghetti): Serves as the comforting carb base to soak up the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish that melts into the sauce beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Provides a fresh burst of color and herbaceous brightness as garnish.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef in Butter
Start by heating the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Adding the ground beef once the butter melts, cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it sizzles. This process packs in the savory flavor and gives you a great texture foundation for the dish.
Step 2: Add Garlic and Seasonings
Once your beef is perfectly browned, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook everything together for about a minute while stirring constantly to let those fragrant garlic and herbs bloom and coat the beef evenly.
Step 3: Simmer Pasta in Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and bring the whole pan to a gentle simmer. Add your choice of pasta directly to the pot and cook according to the package directions—usually 10 to 12 minutes—stirring occasionally. This step allows the pasta to absorb the rich broth, infusing every bite with extra beefy goodness while cooking to tender perfection.
Step 4: Stir in Cream and Parmesan
With the pasta tender and most of the broth absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken into a luxuriously creamy coating that clings deliciously to every noodle.
Step 5: Final Seasoning and Garnish
Taste the creamy beef mixture and adjust with extra salt or pepper if needed. Then, remove from the heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a pop of fresh color and flavor before serving.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a must for brightening up this indulgent dish, but you could also add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for some heat or a little extra Parmesan to make it even cheesier. A drizzle of olive oil can add a subtle, fruity note that contrasts nicely with the creaminess.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans bring texture and a healthy balance. Garlic bread is an easy favorite that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more elegant touch, serve this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls with parsley garnish and a Parmesan crisp on top. Alternatively, layering it in a casserole dish and baking it with extra cheese on top transforms it into a hearty baked pasta dinner your guests will rave about.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover creamy beef and garlic butter pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld even more, making it great for next-day lunches or quick dinners. Just be sure to cool it completely before refrigerating.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months by placing cooled portions into freezer-safe containers. Because of the cream and cheese, the texture might change slightly upon thawing, but reheating gently with a splash of broth or cream can bring back much of the original creaminess.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm the pasta slowly in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little beef broth or milk added to keep it creamy and prevent drying. Stir frequently until heated through for the best texture and flavor.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, and spaghetti all work beautifully here. Just keep in mind the cooking times on the package, and adjust as needed to ensure the pasta is tender and has absorbed the flavorful broth.
Is it possible to make this dish without heavy cream?
While heavy cream is key for that velvety sauce, you can substitute with half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese for a lighter but still creamy texture. Just be sure to stir gently and watch the sauce to prevent curdling.
Can I add vegetables to the One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Adding veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers when you add the garlic creates even more depth and nutrition. Just sauté them briefly with the beef before adding the broth and pasta.
What can I do to make this recipe spicier?
If you love a little heat, add crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning or a dash of hot sauce when you add the cream. It will give the dish a nice kick without overpowering the creamy flavors.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking in the one-pot method?
Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks in the broth to prevent sticking, and make sure there’s enough liquid covering the noodles. Using a nonstick pan or well-seasoned Dutch oven can also help for easy stirring and cleanup.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is an absolute game-changer when it comes to delicious, fuss-free meals. It’s rich, comforting, and incredibly satisfying, all while being so simple to whip up with everyday ingredients. Trust me, once you try it, this recipe will become a beloved staple in your kitchen as it has in mine. Give it a go—you’ll love how every bite brings a smile to your face!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is a comforting and delicious meal that combines tender ground beef, flavorful garlic, and a rich creamy sauce made with Parmesan cheese. The pasta simmers right in the savory beef broth, absorbing all the wonderful flavors for an easy yet indulgent dinner in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 12 oz pasta (such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Add Seasoning and Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to the browned beef. Cook for an additional minute while stirring constantly to release the garlic’s aroma without burning it.
- Simmer Pasta in Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Add the pasta directly to the simmering broth and cook according to the package instructions, usually 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta will absorb most of the liquid and become tender.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked and the broth mostly absorbed, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue cooking for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens into a luscious, creamy consistency.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste the creamy beef pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper as needed to suit your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Notes
- Use any pasta shape you prefer such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti for best results.
- Stir occasionally while cooking pasta to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Adding a splash of white wine with the broth can enhance the flavor.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.
