If you’re looking for a comforting, rich, and ridiculously easy dinner, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is about to become your new best friend. Imagine tender pasta swimming in a luscious, garlicky cream sauce perfectly balanced with savory ground beef, all cooked effortlessly in one pan. It’s a true celebration of bold flavors and cozy textures, ideal for busy weeknights when you want a home-cooked meal without the fuss. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will be a staple you turn to again and again for quick, satisfying dinners that impress without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet pack a punch in flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role—from juicy ground beef adding hearty depth to the creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the pasta. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so irresistibly delicious.
- Olive oil: The perfect base for sautéing the beef, giving a subtle fruity richness and helping everything brown beautifully.
- Ground beef: Use lean or regular, this is the protein star that keeps the dish robust and satisfying.
- Garlic: Minced fresh garlic brings that irresistible aromatic punch that makes your kitchen smell like home.
- Beef broth: Adds a savory, meaty depth to the sauce while giving the pasta the perfect cooking liquid.
- Heavy cream: This ingredient transforms the dish into a silky, dreamy pasta experience.
- Pasta (penne or rotini): Choose shapes that hold the sauce well and provide a delightful bite.
- Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that enriches the creaminess and rounds out the flavors.
- Salt and pepper: Essential to enhance and balance all the individual flavors.
- Fresh parsley: A sprinkle adds freshness and a pop of color to brighten the finished dish.
How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s beautifully browned, about 6 to 8 minutes. This step is key because browning the meat creates those deep, savory flavors you crave. Once browned, drain out any excess fat so your pasta won’t be greasy.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic. Cook it for about a minute until it becomes fragrant and golden but not burnt. This quick step infuses the oil with rich garlic aroma which will elevate the entire dish.
Step 3: Simmer Pasta in Beef Broth
Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then add your pasta directly to the skillet. Cooking the pasta right in the broth means every bite soaks up maximum flavor while saving you from dirtying extra pots. Let it cook until tender, roughly 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Add Cream and Parmesan
Once the pasta is cooked perfectly, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Keep the heat on low and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to let the sauce thicken and become luscious. The cheese will melt beautifully, adding that irresistible tang and creamy texture that makes this recipe shine.
Step 5: Season and Garnish
Finally, season with salt and pepper to your taste. A pinch of salt will bring all the flavors together, while pepper adds just the right amount of warmth. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for a lovely green contrast and a fresh, herbal note.
How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic garnish that adds vibrant color and a subtle earthiness, balancing the creamy richness perfectly. A little extra Parmesan cheese dusted on the top can also make your presentation pop and give guests an extra hit of umami.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp green sides like a simple mixed salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted broccoli for some green crunch. Garlic bread or warm, crusty rolls are also fantastic for mopping up any leftover sauce and making the meal feel indulgently complete.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve this pasta in individual shallow bowls, garnished with parsley and a small wedge of lemon on the side to brighten each serving. Alternatively, bake it briefly with extra cheese on top for a golden gratin finish to wow your guests with minimal extra effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors will mellow and deepen overnight, making for an even tastier next-day meal.
Freezing
While freezing this creamy pasta is possible, the texture of the cream might change slightly upon thawing. If you want to freeze it, do so in a freezer-safe container for up to two months and thaw slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back the creamy texture. Microwaving works too—just heat in short intervals and stir in between to keep it evenly warm.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta in this recipe?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or any pasta shape that holds sauce well works great. Just adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose to keep everything perfectly tender.
Is it okay to substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Yes, you can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Keep in mind the flavor will be a bit milder, so consider adding extra seasoning or a splash of soy sauce for depth.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make it dairy-free, use coconut cream or a dairy-free heavy cream alternative, and swap Parmesan for a nutritional yeast topping. The creamy texture will still be wonderful, with a different but delicious flavor profile.
What if I don’t have beef broth on hand?
You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth. It will change the flavor subtly but still keep the dish rich and tasty. Just avoid water, as it won’t provide enough flavor.
Can I add vegetables to this dish?
Yes! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers would be excellent additions. Add them right after browning the beef or toss in fresh spinach at the end to wilt gently in the sauce.
Final Thoughts
The One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves hearty, comforting meals with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s perfect for family dinners or special occasions when you want a dish that’s both fuss-free and crowd-pleasing. So go ahead and give this delicious recipe a try—you’ll be making it again and again!
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and easy-to-make dish featuring tender ground beef and garlic-infused sauce simmered with pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan broth. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that delivers big on flavor with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups pasta (such as penne or rotini)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned, about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to crumble the beef as it cooks for even browning. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for about 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt. This step infuses the base flavors of the dish.
- Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add the pasta directly to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, about 10-12 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken and become creamy, coating the pasta and beef nicely.
- Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and season with salt and pepper as needed. Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving to add a fresh, vibrant finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese offers better texture and flavor than pre-grated options.
- Make sure the skillet is large enough to accommodate the pasta and liquid to avoid overflow.
