One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
A rich, satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in one pot—juicy ground beef, tender pasta, and a luxuriously creamy garlic-butter-Parmesan sauce. With no draining, no extra pans, and minimal cleanup, this dish delivers bold flavor in record time. Comfort food doesn’t get easier than this!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- All-in-One Convenience – Pasta cooks right in the broth, soaking up flavor.
- Creamy & Comforting – Parmesan + cream = silky restaurant-quality sauce.
- Customizable – Add veggies, swap proteins, or spice it up.
- Minimal Cleanup – One pot means no colanders or extra dishes.
Equipment
- Large pot or deep skillet (with lid)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Grater (for Parmesan)
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Ladle for serving
Ingredients (Serves 4)
Main Components
- 8 oz (225g) dried pasta (penne, fusilli, or fettuccine recommended)
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (80/20 for juiciness)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 2 cups chicken broth (or beef broth for deeper flavor)
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or oregano/thyme mix)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup sautéed mushrooms
- Fresh spinach, roasted peppers, or zucchini
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat a large pot over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it up until no pink remains. Drain excess fat if desired.
2. Sauté Garlic & Butter
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic. Stir 1–2 minutes until fragrant (don’t burn the garlic).
3. Cook the Pasta
Add pasta, broth, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce to low-medium. Cover and simmer 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Make It Creamy
Stir in cream and Parmesan. Cook 2–3 minutes until sauce thickens and coats pasta. Fold in optional veggies now.
5. Finish & Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Sprinkle with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.
Pro Tips
- Grate Parmesan Fresh – Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
- Stir Often – Scrape the bottom to prevent pasta from sticking.
- Simmer Gently – Keep heat moderate to prevent cream from separating.
- Thicker Next Day – Add a splash of milk when reheating.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with crusty garlic bread or focaccia.
- Serve with a crisp Caesar salad for balance.
- Turn into a baked casserole: top with mozzarella and broil for 3–5 minutes.
- Great for lunchboxes—just reheat gently.
FAQ
Q: Can I use frozen veggies?
Yes—peas, corn, or spinach can be added in the last 3 minutes.
Q: Why did my sauce separate?
Likely too much heat or cold cheese. Keep heat low and use room-temp Parmesan.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes—use GF pasta and verify broth labels. Adjust cook time slightly.
Q: Can this be meal-prepped?
Definitely. Store in airtight containers up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream.!
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown beef 5–7 mins. Drain excess fat.
- Add butter + garlic. Sauté 1–2 mins.
- Add pasta, broth, seasoning, salt & pepper. Simmer 8–10 mins until pasta is al dente.
- Stir in cream + Parmesan. Cook 2–3 mins until creamy.
- Adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley + Parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes