If you’re looking for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is about to become your new favorite go-to! Rich, savory, and loaded with creamy garlic flavor, this is the kind of meal that fills the kitchen with warmth and the dinner table with smiles. Thank you so much for being here and sharing your love of home-cooked meals—this recipe is one I’m truly excited to pass along to you.
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What is One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta?
This dish is exactly what it sounds like—a full-flavored pasta dinner made in one single pot. Ground beef, butter, garlic, and Parmesan melt into a luscious, creamy sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It’s savory, rich, and so simple to prepare. I promised you versatile, and here’s proof!
Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Recipe
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One-pot wonder: Fewer dishes, less cleanup. Yes, please!
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Weeknight magic: Ready in 30 minutes from start to finish.
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Comfort food at its best: Creamy, garlicky, beefy goodness—need I say more?
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Kid-friendly, adult-approved: It checks every box on the flavor front.
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Customizable: You can tweak it to suit your pantry or taste buds.
What Does This Pasta Taste Like?
Picture this: tender pasta swirled in a silky, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, with bites of seasoned ground beef adding depth and heartiness. The garlic butter base is aromatic and buttery without being too rich, balanced beautifully by the umami punch of beef broth and the sharpness of Parmesan. It’s cozy, savory, and indulgent—anything but boring!!
Benefits of This Recipe
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Time-saving: One pot, 30 minutes, done.
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Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients that go a long way.
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Great for meal prep: Leftovers reheat beautifully.
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Family-sized: Generously serves 4–6 hungry people.
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Perfect any time of year: A true all-seasons recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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1 lb ground beef
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2 tablespoons butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 medium onion, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon salt
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1/4 teaspoon black pepper
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1/2 cup beef broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)
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Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
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Large pot or Dutch oven
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Chef’s knife and cutting board
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Grater (for fresh Parmesan, if using)
Ingredient Swaps and Add-Ins
Want to make it your own? Here are some ideas:
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Pasta: Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, spaghetti—you pick! Just adjust cook time if needed.
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Cheese: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or a blend of Italian cheeses.
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Veggies: Add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes in with the onion.
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Protein: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of beef.
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Creamy touch: Lighten it up with half-and-half or milk, though it won’t be quite as rich.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Step-by-Step Instructions
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Brown the beef
In a large pot over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the ground beef and break it up with a spatula. Cook for 5–7 minutes, or until browned and no longer pink. -
Sauté aromatics
Add the garlic and chopped onion. Sauté for 2 minutes until soft and fragrant. -
Season the base
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the beef. -
Simmer the broth
Pour in beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavor. -
Make it creamy
Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce thicken for 3–4 minutes. -
Cook the pasta right in the sauce
Add your uncooked pasta, making sure it’s mostly submerged. You can add a splash of water or extra broth if needed. Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, for 8–10 minutes or until the pasta is tender. -
Garnish and serve
Turn off the heat. Give everything a good stir and top with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy the magic!
What to Serve with This Pasta
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A crisp green salad with balsamic vinaigrette
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Garlic bread or warm focaccia
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Roasted green beans or steamed broccoli
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A light white wine like Pinot Grigio or even a sparkling water with lemon
Tips for Creamy Pasta Success
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Don’t overcook the pasta: Stir occasionally so it cooks evenly and doesn’t stick to the pot bottom.
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Use freshly grated cheese: It melts better and gives a richer flavor than pre-shredded.
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Taste before serving: Adjust salt and pepper at the end—cheese and broth can be salty!
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Want it thinner? Add a splash of reserved pasta water or broth just before serving.
How to Store and Reheat
Storage
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Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
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Freezer: You can freeze it, though cream sauces may separate slightly when thawed.
Reheating
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Warm over medium-low heat on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! Just reheat gently before serving.
Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, but keep an eye on the cooking time—it varies a lot between brands.
Is this spicy?
Not at all! But feel free to add red pepper flakes if you like a kick.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your pot is big enough, and you may need to adjust cook times slightly.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of recipe that just works—whether it’s your first time making dinner or your hundredth. It’s simple, satisfying, and built for sharing. You’ll be amazed how such basic ingredients can come together in such a comforting, flavor-packed way.
Try it once, and I have a feeling it’ll land in your regular dinner rotation. ❤️
If you enjoyed this dish, don’t miss out on these reader favorites:
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Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
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Beef Stroganoff with Egg Noodles
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi
Share Your Kitchen Creations!
Did you try this recipe? I’d love to see it! 💫
Pin it, snap a pic, and tag me on Pinterest or leave a review below. Let’s make our kitchens more delicious—one comforting pasta at a time.
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
- 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
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add the garlic and onion, and cook for another 2 minutes, until fragrant and softened.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir to combine until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, ensuring it’s covered by the sauce. Add a little extra water or broth if needed. Cover the pot and cook the pasta according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Once the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, remove the pot from the heat.
- Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve hot.