One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta in a black skillet topped with fresh parsley and grated parmesan cheese

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

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This indulgent one-pot wonder combines tender ground beef with al dente pasta swimming in a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. It’s the ultimate weeknight comfort food that comes together in just 30 minutes but tastes like you’ve been simmering it all day. Trust me, this pasta is about to become your new go-to when those creamy carb cravings hit!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • It’s truly a one-pot meal – less dishes means more time enjoying dinner!
  • Ready in about 30 minutes from start to finish
  • The creamy garlic butter sauce is absolutely addictive
  • Perfect for picky eaters and sophisticated palates alike
  • Leftovers (if you have any!) taste even better the next day
  • Easily customizable with whatever veggies you have on hand
  • That magical combination of beef and pasta never disappoints

Ingredients

  • Ground beef – creates a hearty, protein-packed base for our pasta
  • Pasta – I recommend a short pasta like rotini or penne to catch all that delicious sauce
  • Butter – the foundation of our sauce, bringing richness and that golden flavor
  • Garlic – don’t be shy here, we’re using plenty to create deep, aromatic flavor
  • Heavy cream – creates that luxurious, velvety texture we’re after
  • Beef broth – adds depth and allows the pasta to cook right in the savory liquid
  • Parmesan cheese – brings a salty, nutty finish that ties everything together
  • Italian seasoning – a time-saving blend that adds herby complexity
  • Red pepper flakes – optional but recommended for a gentle kick of heat
  • Fresh parsley – brightens up the finished dish with color and freshness

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Listen, this is where the magic happens! In just a few simple steps, you’ll transform everyday ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that’ll have everyone thinking you spent hours in the kitchen (our little secret!).

  1. Brown that beef: Start by cooking your ground beef in a large, deep skillet until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. This is where the flavor foundation begins! Drain any excess fat – we want richness, not greasiness.
  2. Garlic butter heaven: Push the beef to one side and add that butter to melt. Once it’s sizzling, throw in the garlic and let it dance in the butter for about 30 seconds until it’s fragrant enough to make your mouth water. Trust me, your kitchen is about to smell AMAZING.
  3. One-pot wonder: Now pour in that beef broth, add your pasta directly to the pot (yes, uncooked!), and give everything a good stir. This is the game-changer move – the pasta soaks up all those savory flavors as it cooks.
  4. Simmer to perfection: Cover and let it bubble away until the pasta is just tender. Each piece absorbs that garlicky, beefy goodness as it cooks. It’s pasta with a purpose, folks!
  5. Creamy finishing touch: Here comes the good part! Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Parmesan, stirring until everything is silky smooth and coated in that dreamy sauce. When you see it coming together, you’ll know exactly why this recipe is so popular!

Tips for the Best Results

  • Don’t rush the beef browning – those little caramelized bits are flavor gold!
  • Al dente is the way to go with the pasta – it’ll continue softening in the hot sauce
  • For an extra flavor punch, deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine before adding the broth
  • Fresh Parmesan makes a world of difference compared to the pre-grated stuff
  • Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving – it helps the sauce thicken to perfect consistency
One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta with tomatoes in a cast iron skillet topped with fresh parsley and parmesan cheese

Make It Your Own

The beauty of this recipe is how versatile it is! Try these simple swaps:

  • Swap ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef
  • Add sautéed mushrooms for an earthy twist
  • Toss in some baby spinach at the end for a pop of color and nutrients
  • Sprinkle with crispy bacon bits for an extra layer of flavor
  • Try different cheese combinations – fontina or provolone melt beautifully in this sauce

Serving Suggestions

This creamy pasta is practically a meal on its own, but I love serving it with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. A chunk of crusty garlic bread for sauce-swiping is never a bad idea either! And if you’re feeling fancy, a glass of medium-bodied red wine takes this weeknight wonder to date-night territory.

Common Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely! This pasta actually gets even more flavorful overnight as all those delicious ingredients continue to mingle. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to bring back that silky texture.

My sauce seems too thin, help!
No worries! If your sauce isn’t quite as thick as you’d like, try this little trick: let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Still not there? Mix a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it in. Works like magic every time!

Can I freeze leftovers?
You can, but creamy pasta dishes can sometimes separate when thawed. If you do freeze it, reheat it slowly and add a touch of fresh cream to bring the sauce back together. That said, this pasta disappears so quickly in my house that leftovers are rarely an issue!

What if I don’t have heavy cream?
In a pinch, you can substitute half-and-half, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich. Another option is to use cream cheese thinned with a little milk – it creates a different but equally delicious creamy texture.

How spicy is this dish?
With the amount of red pepper flakes in the recipe, it’s got just enough warmth to be interesting without overwhelming the other flavors. If you’re cooking for spice-sensitive folks, you can always leave it out or serve it on the side for sprinkling.

Why This Recipe Is On Repeat in My Kitchen

I’ve made this one-pot pasta more times than I can count, and there’s a good reason for that. It’s the perfect balance of indulgent and practical – a creamy, comforting dish that doesn’t require hours in the kitchen or a sink full of dishes. On those nights when you want something that feels special but don’t have the energy for anything complicated, this is the recipe that delivers every single time.

The first time I made this for my family, there was this moment of silent appreciation around the table – you know, that magical quiet that falls when everyone is too busy enjoying their food to talk? That’s when I knew this recipe was a keeper. Now it’s in our regular rotation, and I’m betting it will be in yours too once you try it.

So grab that pot, get those ingredients ready, and prepare for a pasta dish that’s about to change your weeknight dinner game forever. Your future self will thank you!

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