One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how effortlessly satisfying this dish is. The ground beef adds heartiness, the garlic butter brings richness, and the Parmesan ties it all together into a creamy, dreamy sauce. And because it all cooks in a single pan, there’s no need to juggle multiple pots or worry about overcooked pasta. It’s a true one-pot wonder that always hits the spot, whether I’m feeding my family or just looking for an easy comfort meal.

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 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or your choice)

• Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

• Additional Parmesan, for topping (optional)

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. I start by heating a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. I brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, I drain it off.

2. Next, I add the butter, garlic, and onion to the pan. I sauté everything for 3–4 minutes until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.

3. I stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, mixing well with the beef.

4. Then I add the beef broth, heavy cream, and dry pasta directly to the pan. I stir everything together until the pasta is fully coated and submerged.

5. I bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. I cover the pan and let it simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender.

6. Once the pasta is cooked, I remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it’s fully melted and the sauce is creamy.

7. I let the pasta sit for a few minutes so the sauce can thicken slightly.

8. Before serving, I garnish with chopped parsley or basil and add extra Parmesan on top if I want even more cheesy flavor.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 20 minutes

• Total time: 30 minutes

• Calories: Approximately 645 kcal per serving

Variations

• Spicy Kick: I add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if I want some heat.

• Veggie Boost: I like to stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and texture.

• Cheese Mix: Sometimes I swap or add mozzarella or cream cheese for an even creamier finish.

• Low-Carb Swap: I use low-carb pasta or zucchini noodles when I’m cutting carbs.

• Different Proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work great if I want to change things up.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Freezing: This pasta isn’t ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce, but it can be frozen if needed. I thaw overnight and reheat with a splash of cream or broth.

• Reheating: I reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?

Yes, I’ve used whole milk or half-and-half before, but the sauce won’t be as rich. I sometimes thicken it with a little extra Parmesan if needed.

What’s the best pasta for this recipe?

I usually go with penne, fusilli, or rotini since they hold the sauce well, but any short pasta will do.

Do I need to cook the pasta separately?

Nope! That’s the beauty of this recipe. The pasta cooks right in the sauce, soaking up all that flavor and making cleanup easier.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often make it a few hours in advance and reheat just before serving. It reheats well with a splash of broth or cream to keep it saucy.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the pan?

I stir occasionally while it simmers and make sure there’s enough liquid to cook the pasta evenly. A nonstick or heavy-bottomed pan helps too.

Conclusion

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect weeknight go-to—quick, comforting, and full of flavor. It’s rich, cheesy, and comes together with minimal effort, all in one pot. Whether I’m feeding a hungry family or looking for something cozy and easy for myself, this pasta dish always delivers. It’s one of those meals I come back to again and again when I need something hearty, creamy, and delicious.