Picture this: you’ve had a busy day, and the last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen, right? But you also crave something comforting, something rich, flavorful, and downright delicious. Well, friend, this is the recipe you need in your life. One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a dish that checks all the boxes: it’s creamy, indulgent, and packed with so much savory flavor, you might find yourself going back for seconds.
Trust me when I say, this one’s a game-changer. The beauty of this dish is that it’s as simple as it is satisfying. One pot, a handful of ingredients, and in just under 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, garlic-infused pasta that will have everyone asking for the recipe. It’s exactly the kind of meal you’ll want to curl up with on a chilly evening, or impress your friends with at your next dinner party. Plus, it’s got that rich flavor from the garlic butter and beef that makes you feel like you’re eating at a cozy little restaurant. So, let’s dive in and get this creamy, dreamy pasta on your table.
Why You’ll Love One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
This recipe is everything you need when you want something quick, comforting, and flavorful. Let’s talk about why you’re going to love it:
Versatile: This dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you just need something easy and satisfying, but it’s also impressive enough to serve at a casual get-together. It’s the best of both worlds. Imagine sitting down after a long day to this comforting plate of creamy pasta—pure bliss. And it’s just as great for serving up at a small dinner party, where everyone will be asking, “What’s your secret?”
Budget-Friendly: You won’t need anything fancy for this one. Just the basics: pasta, ground beef, butter, garlic… the usual suspects that are likely already hanging out in your kitchen. But don’t let those humble ingredients fool you. They come together to create something incredibly special.
Quick and Easy: If you’re someone who gets intimidated by long recipes with complicated steps, this one’s for you. In less than 30 minutes, you’ll have a hearty, creamy meal ready to go. Plus, everything is made in one pot—no endless pile of dishes to clean afterward! What could be better?
Customizable: This recipe is so flexible! Feel like adding a little spice? Throw in some red pepper flakes. Want a richer flavor? Add a splash of cream or some Parmesan. You’re in control here, and you can adjust it however you like.
Crowd-Pleasing: You’ll have kids, adults, and everyone in between begging for more. It’s creamy, it’s comforting, and it’s just so satisfying. This is the kind of meal that unites everyone around the table. Plus, you’ll probably be asked to make it again—and again.

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Ingredients in One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. You don’t need a pantry full of fancy ingredients—just the essentials, and you’re good to go. Here’s what you’ll need:
Ground Beef: The heart of this dish. It adds flavor, texture, and a nice meaty richness that’s the perfect base for the creamy sauce.
Butter: We’re talking garlic butter here, which means flavor for days. Butter brings the richness, while the garlic brings that irresistible aromatic punch.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is the key to bringing depth and that warm, comforting aroma that’ll fill your kitchen. Trust me, when you sauté this in butter, it smells like heaven.
Pasta: You can use any pasta you have on hand, but something like rotini or penne works wonderfully, as it catches that creamy sauce perfectly.
Cream: This is what makes the sauce silky smooth and ultra-creamy. You’ll be drizzling it all over your pasta, and it’s a game-changer.
Seasoning: A mix of salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes for a little heat (if that’s your vibe). If you want to take it up a notch, a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese at the end seals the deal.
(Note: the full ingredient list with measurements is in the recipe card directly below!)
Instructions for One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Let’s get cooking, friend! Here’s how to make this creamy pasta magic:
Brown the Beef
In a large pot or skillet, cook your ground beef over medium heat, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. You’ll want to get it nice and browned, about 5-7 minutes. This is where all that rich flavor begins, so be sure to let the beef get a little crispy on the edges.
Sauté the Garlic
Once the beef is browned and cooked through, push it to one side of the pot and melt your butter in the empty space. Add the garlic and cook it for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant and golden. Be careful not to burn it—it’s all about that sweet, aromatic garlic goodness.
Combine and Add the Cream
Now, stir the beef and garlic together, and pour in your cream. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for a couple of minutes until everything is well combined and the sauce starts to thicken up a bit.
Add the Pasta
Next, add in your uncooked pasta. Stir it around to get it coated in the creamy mixture, and then add water (or broth) to cover the pasta. Let it all cook together, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened to a luxurious, creamy consistency. This should take about 10-12 minutes, depending on your pasta type.
Final Touches
Once the pasta is done, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Give it one last stir to incorporate everything evenly.
Serve and Enjoy
Spoon this creamy, dreamy pasta onto plates and garnish with a little extra Parmesan (if you’re feeling fancy). Dig in right away and savor every bite. You’ve just made one of the most comforting, flavorful dishes in no time.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
You don’t need much to make this meal even better—though you can totally take it over the top if you want! Here are a few ideas:
Fresh Salads: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette will add a refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. The balance of flavors is perfect!
Garlic Bread: You can never go wrong with a side of warm, buttery garlic bread. Perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce that’s left on your plate.
Roasted Vegetables: Try pairing this dish with some roasted vegetables—carrots, zucchini, or broccoli. The sweetness of the veggies pairs wonderfully with the richness of the pasta.
Wine: If you’re into wine, a light white wine, like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would be a lovely pairing with this creamy pasta dish.
Additional Tips
- Make It Spicy: If you love a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes when you sauté the garlic.
- Prep Ahead: Chop and prep your garlic and beef the night before to save time. The less you have to do when you’re hungry, the better!
- Storing Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce smooth.
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I substitute ground beef with another meat? A1: Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken would work great as a lighter option. You could even use a plant-based meat substitute if you prefer a vegetarian dish.
Q2: Can I use a different type of pasta? A2: Yes! Any pasta you have on hand will work. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the pasta you choose.
Q3: Can I make this ahead of time? A3: Yes! This dish stores well in the fridge for a few days. Just reheat on the stove with a little splash of cream or milk to keep it creamy.
Q4: How do I store leftovers? A4: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently over low heat to maintain that creamy texture.
Q5: Can I freeze this dish? A5: While this pasta is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.
Q6: Can I add extra vegetables to this dish? A6: Absolutely! Spinach, peas, or mushrooms would be great additions. Just sauté them with the garlic and beef for an extra pop of flavor and texture.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of dish that will make you feel like a culinary genius, even if you’re just trying to get dinner on the table in a flash. It’s rich, comforting, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, this dish has you covered. Enjoy every creamy bite, and don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular on your dinner rotation!
PrintOne-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner! Packed with savory ground beef, garlic, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, this easy, comforting dish comes together in no time!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
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For the Pasta:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
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Cook the Ground Beef:
In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula. -
Add Garlic and Onion:
Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant and softened. -
Season the Meat:
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. -
Simmer the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes to reduce the liquid slightly. -
Add the Cream and Parmesan:
Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir well until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-4 minutes. -
Add the Pasta:
Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it’s covered by the sauce. If necessary, add a bit more water or broth. Cover the pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
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Finish & Serve:
Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, remove from heat. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- You can use any type of pasta you prefer; penne, spaghetti, or rotini work great!
- For an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- If you like a spicier kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 90mg