One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich, comforting dish made with tender ground beef, a creamy garlic butter sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• One-Pot Convenience – Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in one pot.
• Creamy & Flavorful – A luscious garlic butter sauce coats every bite.
• Hearty & Filling – Packed with protein and carbs for a satisfying meal.
• Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• Customizable – Swap beef for chicken, turkey, or mushrooms!

Ingredients

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

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 12 oz pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Directions

this recipe

1. Brown the Beef

• Heat a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
• Drain excess grease if necessary.

2. Sauté Garlic & Onion

• Push beef to the side and melt butter in the same pan.
• Add garlic and onion, sautéing until fragrant (about 2 minutes).
• Stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes.

3. Add Liquid & Pasta

• Pour in beef broth and milk, then bring to a gentle boil.
• Stir in uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged.
• Cover and simmer on medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Stir in Cheese & Seasonings

• Once pasta is tender, reduce heat to low.
• Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until creamy.

5. Serve & Enjoy

• Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
• Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Chicken Version – Use ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken.
• Spicy Kick – Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
• Veggie Boost – Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
• Extra Cheesy – Mix in ½ cup mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and cornstarch instead of flour.

Storage/Reheating

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months (thaw overnight in the fridge).
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

No, cooking it in the sauce makes it creamier and more flavorful.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work best to hold the creamy sauce.

How do I prevent pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while cooking to keep it from clumping.

Can I use water instead of beef broth?

Yes, but broth adds more depth of flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use almond or oat milk and dairy-free Parmesan.

How do I make this extra creamy?

Use heavy cream instead of milk and add extra cheese.

Can I add more garlic?

Absolutely! Add roasted garlic for even more flavor.

What’s the best way to thicken the sauce?

If needed, stir in 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water.

Can I add mushrooms?

Yes! Sauté them with the onions for extra depth.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes! It’s creamy, cheesy, and mild, but you can adjust spice levels.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is an easy, comforting meal packed with rich flavors and creamy goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish will become a family favorite in no time. Try it today and enjoy a cozy, homemade pasta dinner!

Print