If you’ve been craving a pasta dish that’s creamy, rich, and comforting—without leaving behind a mountain of dirty dishes—this one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is about to become your go-to recipe. It combines juicy ground beef, golden garlic butter, tender pasta, and a silky cream sauce in a single pot. The result? A restaurant-quality meal that’s quick enough for weeknights, but indulgent enough for guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One Pot = Less Cleanup – Cook everything in a single pot, saving time and effort.
- 30-Minute Dinner – Perfect for busy weeknights.
- Versatile & Customizable – Works with beef, chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat.
- Creamy Comfort Food – Garlic butter and cream create a luscious sauce that clings perfectly to pasta.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s a breakdown of the key ingredients and smart substitutions:
- Ground Beef (500g / 1 lb) – Adds richness. Substitute with ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based meat.
- Butter (4 tbsp, unsalted) – Essential for garlic butter base. For a lighter option, use olive oil.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic is best; garlic powder works in a pinch.
- Pasta (12 oz / 340g, short pasta like penne or rotini) – Short shapes hold sauce well. Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Beef Stock (3 cups) – Deepens flavor; chicken or vegetable broth works too.
- Heavy Cream (1 ½ cups) – Creates velvety sauce. Substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream.
- Parmesan Cheese (1 cup, grated) – Adds sharp, salty depth. Pecorino Romano or Grana Padano are great alternatives.
- Salt & Black Pepper – Adjust to taste.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp, chopped) – For garnish and freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned (6–8 minutes). Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Build the Garlic Butter Base
Lower the heat slightly, then add butter to the pan. Once melted, stir in garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
3. Add Pasta & Stock
Stir in the uncooked pasta and pour in the beef stock. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until pasta is tender (10–12 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Make It Creamy
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and parmesan. Let simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes, until sauce thickens and coats the pasta beautifully.
5. Garnish & Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
Pro Tips for Success
- Reserve Pasta Water: If sauce is too thick, add a splash of hot water to loosen.
- Cheese Quality Matters: Use freshly grated parmesan for the creamiest texture.
- Add Vegetables: Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers can be sautéed with beef for extra nutrition.
- Boost Flavor: A pinch of red pepper flakes or lemon zest brightens the dish.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta is hearty enough to stand alone, but here are pairings that elevate it:
- Side Dish: Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or roasted vegetables.
- Wine Pairing: A medium-bodied red like Merlot pairs perfectly with the creamy beef.
- For Kids: Skip the wine and serve with sparkling water or fresh juice.
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Best eaten fresh, but can be frozen for up to 1 month. Reheat gently with a splash of cream.
- Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with extra cream or milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximate)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 27g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fat: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
(Values may vary based on substitutions.)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I make this pasta without cream?
Yes! Use milk + a little cornstarch slurry for thickness, or try coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
2. Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
This recipe is designed for one-pot cooking with raw pasta. If using pre-cooked pasta, reduce the broth and simmer time.
3. Is this freezer-friendly?
Yes, but cream sauces can separate when frozen. Reheat gently with extra cream to bring it back together.
4. Can I make it spicy?
Absolutely! Add chili flakes, cayenne, or a splash of hot sauce.
5. What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best because it holds the creamy sauce.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of dish that proves you don’t need hours in the kitchen to make something indulgent. It’s comforting, versatile, and endlessly adaptable. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, this pasta is guaranteed to become a repeat favorite.
✨ Try it tonight—and don’t be surprised when it becomes your new weeknight obsession!
