One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe has quickly become one of my go-to dinners when I want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. The best part? You cook everything in one pot! It’s such a lifesaver on busy weeknights or when you just want minimal cleanup. Honestly, the rich, garlicky flavors combined with that creamy cheesy sauce are downright irresistible.

Whenever I make this, I love how the pasta soaks up all that beef broth and garlic butter goodness, giving every bite that perfect cozy, homemade taste. If you’re after a quick yet indulgent dish that feels special but doesn’t take forever, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is absolutely worth trying—you won’t regret it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together beautifully because they balance each other’s flavors and textures. Plus, they’re pretty easy to find at any grocery store, and the best part is many are pantry staples I keep on hand for moments when I need dinner done fast.

• Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruity flavor and helps brown the beef perfectly.
• Ground beef: Use lean or regular based on your preference for richness and fat content.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic gives that wonderful aromatic punch rather than pre-minced jarred.
• Salt: Balances the flavors — be sure to season to taste as you go.
• Black pepper: Adds mild heat and depth to the dish.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little kick, this is your subtle heat booster.
• Beef broth: Provides savory liquid base; homemade broth adds extra flavor but store-bought works fine.
• Milk or heavy cream: Milk gives a lighter creaminess, while heavy cream makes it luxuriously rich.
• Pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine): I like shapes that trap the sauce well — penne is my personal favorite here.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings classic Italian flavor without fuss.
• Grated parmesan cheese: Adds salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
• Butter: Rounds out the creaminess and makes everything silky smooth.
• Fresh parsley (for garnish): Adds a fresh, slightly peppery brightness as a finishing touch.

Variations

I love making this recipe my own depending on my mood and what I have on hand. It’s super flexible, so don’t be afraid to tweak the ingredients to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Personalizing it makes cooking even more fun!

• Make it extra creamy: Swap the milk for heavy cream for a richer sauce—I personally do this when I’m craving something extra indulgent.
• Veggie boost: Toss in mushrooms or fresh spinach right before simmering. I’ve added spinach a dozen times—it’s a sneaky way to get greens in and adds beautiful color.
• Spicy upgrade: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to spice things up. This is perfect when you want a little kick.
• Swap beef for turkey: For a leaner meal, ground turkey works great here and still holds all those creamy flavors.
• Dairy-free option: Use a plant-based milk and skip the parmesan—but you’ll miss some of that savory punch.

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

Step 1: Cook the Beef & Garlic

Start by heating olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef. Break it up with your wooden spoon and cook until it’s nicely browned—about 5 to 6 minutes. Don’t rush this step; browning builds flavor. Then, stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you’re using them. Cook for just about a minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t burn. That garlicky aroma is the sort of thing that gets everyone excited!

Step 2: Add Liquid & Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring everything together so the mixture is combined. Now add your pasta and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Press the pasta gently down so it’s mostly submerged in the liquid—this helps the noodles cook evenly. Bring the pot to a gentle simmer, then cover it with a lid. Let it cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, giving it an occasional stir to keep the pasta from sticking to the bottom. You’ll notice the pasta soaking up all that rich broth flavor—it smells incredible!

Step 3: Make it Creamy

Reduce the heat to low once the pasta is tender. Stir in your grated parmesan cheese and butter until they melt smoothly into the sauce. At this point, you can taste and decide if it needs a bit more salt or pepper. If your sauce feels too thick, just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up. This final step is what brings the whole dish together—creating that dreamy, creamy texture you’re craving.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and more parmesan if you like things extra cheesy. Serve this dish hot, especially on chilly evenings when you want a bowl of pure comfort. I find it pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a simple leafy salad for some crunch. Trust me, once you try this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe, it’s going to become a household favorite fast.

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

Garnishes

I’m all about garnishing with fresh parsley because it adds a pop of color and a fresh, slightly peppery flavor that cuts through the richness nicely. Sometimes I also add a sprinkle of extra parmesan cheese on top for that salty, cheesy finish that makes the dish even more delicious.

Side Dishes

To keep things balanced, I often pair this pasta with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Another favorite is crusty garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that creamy sauce—because why waste a bite, right?

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this in individual rustic bowls with a little parsley bouquet on top and a drizzle of good-quality olive oil. It makes the dish feel a bit more elegant and like you really put in some care. Plus, using colorful pasta shapes like tri-color rotini can make the plate visually fun, especially if you’re cooking for kids!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and they typically last for about three days. Since this pasta thickens as it sits, I recommend loosening it up with a splash of milk when reheating. I’ve found this keeps the creamy consistency intact without drying out.

Freezing

I usually avoid freezing creamy pasta dishes because the texture can change, making the sauce separate slightly. But if you need to, I do it in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove with some added milk. It’s still tasty, just best enjoyed fresh when possible.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer using a skillet on low heat rather than the microwave—it warms more evenly and keeps the sauce silky. Add a splash of milk or broth as you stir to revive that creamy texture. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine, just stir every 30 seconds to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe hits so many marks for me: it’s fast, uses simple ingredients, and fills the house with amazing aroma that promises deliciousness. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a hectic day and always gets rave reviews around my dinner table. I genuinely recommend giving this recipe a try—you might just find a new favorite you’ll want to make over and over. Plus, the minimal cleanup means more time enjoying your food and less time scrubbing pots. Happy cooking!

Print