Name: One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 3 cups beef broth; 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness); 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp butter; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

I’m so excited to share this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe with you! It’s one of those comfort dishes that feels fancy but comes together fast, which means you get a fantastic meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The blend of rich, buttery garlic flavor with tender ground beef and creamy pasta hits all the right notes, especially when you want something hearty yet simple after a busy day.

What makes this recipe a standout for me is how everything cooks up in one pot – save yourself from the usual pasta boiling and multiple pans cleanup hassle. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving a cozy dinner, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is reliable and downright delicious every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in balancing savory, creamy, and aromatic flavors. When shopping, aim for fresh garlic and good quality parmesan to really elevate the dish.

Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing your beef and garlic, adding a gentle fruity richness.
Ground beef: Go for 80/20 or leaner depending on preference; it browns well and keeps the pasta hearty.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic makes a huge difference for that punch of savory flavor everyone loves.
Salt: Simple seasoning to bring everything together, but remember to adjust at the end.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and depth without overpowering the creamy base.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but I love throwing these in if I’m craving a little kick.
Beef broth: The liquid base that infuses the pasta with robust meaty goodness.
Milk or heavy cream: Use milk for a lighter feel or swap in heavy cream when you want it decadently rich.
Pasta: Penne, rotini, or fettuccine work beautifully here; just make sure it’s mostly submerged in liquid.
Italian seasoning: A classic herb blend that adds that comforting Mediterranean hint.
Parmesan cheese: Stirred in at the end for creamy, salty umami – freshly grated if you can.
Butter: Finishes the sauce with a silky texture and rich buttery flavor.
Fresh parsley: Brightens up the dish and adds a nice pop of color for serving.

Variations

I love playing around with this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Mixing it up keeps it exciting and tailored to your tastes, so feel free to customize!

Vegetable Add-ins: Sometimes I toss in mushrooms or fresh spinach right before simmering to add extra earthiness and nutrition – it works beautifully without overpowering the garlic butter base.
Swap the Beef: For a leaner or different protein, ground turkey or chicken are great alternatives, though I find beef gives the most robust flavor.
Spicy Kick: If you like it hotter, I double up on red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for some smoky heat.
Make it Vegetarian: Omit beef and add a can of drained white beans or extra mushrooms for protein and heartiness that still feel indulgent.
Extra Creamy: Use heavy cream instead of milk and add an extra tablespoon of butter for a luscious sauce that’s almost like alfredo.

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

Step 1: Brown that Beef and Sizzle the Garlic

Heat up your olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Aim for a nice brown color without rushing – about 5 to 6 minutes. Once the beef is nice and browned, stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook it for just about a minute until you can really smell that garlicky goodness – careful not to let it burn!

Step 2: Pour in the Liquids and Pasta

Next, it’s time to add your beef broth and milk (or cream if you prefer extra richness). Give it all a good stir to combine. Then add in your pasta along with the Italian seasoning. Make sure the pasta is mostly covered by the liquid; you don’t want dry noodles poking out. Now bring everything to a gentle simmer, cover your pot, and let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes. Stir every now and then to prevent sticking and check that your pasta doesn’t overcook.

Step 3: Stir in Cheese and Butter for Creaminess

Once your pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed, turn the heat down to low. Stir in your freshly grated parmesan cheese and butter, mixing until the sauce becomes silky and creamy. Taste for seasoning here – sometimes you might want a pinch more salt or pepper. If your sauce feels too thick, splash in a little extra milk or broth until it reaches your preferred consistency.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Once everything is hot and creamy, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a vibrant finish. Serve it straight from the pot with a big spoon, maybe alongside some garlic bread or a crisp green salad to balance the richness.

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

The dish shows a close-up of creamy pasta with thick noodles mixed with small pieces of browned meat, all coated in a light brown sauce. There are small green parsley bits sprinkled on top, adding a touch of color. The noodles look soft and shiny, covered evenly by the sauce and meat. This is served in a white bowl on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I always reach for freshly chopped parsley; it adds a pop of color and fresh taste that cuts through the richness nicely. Sometimes, I add a few extra shards of parmesan cheese on top for that restaurant-style touch. A drizzle of good olive oil at the end never hurts either!

Side Dishes

This pasta loves company. I often serve it with a crisp Caesar or arugula salad for some brightness. Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices make the perfect vehicle to soak up all that leftover creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also pair wonderfully to add some crunch and freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to plate this pasta in small bowls and garnish with a sprig of rosemary or thyme. Adding a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes or a swirl of pesto can also make the presentation feel more upscale and colorful. These little touches always get compliments when I serve friends!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they keep really well for up to three days. If you notice the sauce has thickened overnight, don’t worry—just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen it back up.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this pasta a couple of times with good results. Portion it out into freezer-friendly containers and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Keep in mind that the texture of the pasta can soften a bit after freezing, so I recommend freezing only if you plan to use it within a month.

Reheating

When reheating, I prefer warming it gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently. Adding a splash of milk or broth helps restore the creamy texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just cover the dish and pause to stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or fettuccine are great choices because they hold the sauce well. Just make sure your pasta fits comfortably in your pot and is mostly covered by the liquid. If you swap for thinner pasta like spaghetti, keep a close eye on cooking time so it doesn’t overcook.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Simply use a gluten-free pasta in place of regular pasta. Most gluten-free pastas cook similarly, just check your package instructions for cooking times and adjust the simmering time if needed. Also, make sure your beef broth is labeled gluten-free.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep ingredients ahead by mincing the garlic and measuring spices or grating cheese. However, I recommend cooking it fresh for the best texture. If you want to make it fully ahead, store cooked pasta and sauce separately to avoid sogginess.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the pasta?

Reheat gently on low heat while stirring and add a bit of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy. Microwave heating is fine, but cover the dish and stir midway through to distribute heat evenly and keep the pasta moist.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, try substituting milk with unsweetened almond milk or coconut milk, and replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil. Nutritional yeast can be a good alternative for parmesan flavor, though the texture will be different.

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe has become a go-to for me on those nights when I want comfort food fast without sacrificing flavor. Its creamy texture, hearty beef, and aromatic garlic come together so beautifully, and the fact that it all happens in one pot makes cleanup a breeze. I’d encourage you to give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again!