Creamy One-Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe for Busy Nights

Creamy beef and garlic butter pasta brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal cleanup.

pasta lovers rejoice as this simple dish combines rich flavors in a single pan.

Weeknight meals just got easier with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.

Hearty beef mingles with silky butter sauce, creating a luxurious texture that feels like a restaurant-quality experience.

Home cooks can whip up this delectable meal in under thirty minutes.

Perfectly seasoned and incredibly satisfying, this recipe promises to become your new go-to meal when hunger strikes and time is short.

You’ll want to savor every single bite of this irresistible comfort food.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and drain any excess fat.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can easily adjust or omit them based on your spice preference. For no heat, simply skip the red pepper flakes.

  • Do I need to drain the beef before adding other ingredients?

If your ground beef is very fatty, you can drain some excess fat after browning to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy. For leaner beef, you can skip this step.

  • What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne, rotini, or farfalle are ideal for this one-pot recipe as they hold the creamy sauce well and cook evenly.

What Makes One-Pot Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta Special

  • Simplify Cooking: Enjoy a delicious meal without multiple pots and pans, making cleanup a breeze with this one-pot wonder.
  • Flavor Explosion: Combine rich beef, creamy sauce, and aromatic garlic for a mouthwatering dish that satisfies serious comfort food cravings.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Perfect for busy families needing a hearty, delicious dinner that comes together faster than ordering takeout.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes or add extra vegetables to make this recipe your own personal masterpiece.

Ingredients Needed for One-Pot Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the pasta dish.
  • Pasta: The core component that provides a satisfying base for the creamy sauce.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, flavorful foundation for the dish.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and creamy sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic: Provides a deep, aromatic flavor that complements the beef and pasta.
  • Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
Garnish:
  • Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a bright, clean finish to the creamy pasta dish.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta while creating a rich sauce.

How to Prepare One-Pot Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle Butter and Awaken Garlic

Drop butter into a spacious pot and let it melt smoothly over medium heat. Sprinkle in minced garlic and dance it around for about 60 seconds until its rich aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Introduce ground beef into the pot and cook until it transforms into a beautiful golden-brown color, breaking it into delightful crumbles.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

Pour in these liquid delights:
  • Beef broth
  • Heavy cream
Sprinkle in seasonings:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir everything together to create a luxurious sauce base.

Step 4: Welcome the Pasta

Allow the sauce to bubble gently, then nestle pasta into the creamy mixture. Cover the pot and let everything simmer and dance together for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

Step 5: Cheese Finale

Once pasta reaches perfect tenderness, invite Parmesan cheese to join the party. Stir until it melts seamlessly into the sauce, creating a velvety texture.

Step 6: Serve and Celebrate

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve this one-pot wonder immediately and watch everyone’s eyes light up with delight.

Helpful Tips for One-Pot Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Use a single large pot to reduce dishes and save time during cooking and washing.
  • Crush fresh garlic cloves for more intense, vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced options.
  • Stir occasionally and check pasta at 10 minutes to ensure perfect al dente consistency without overcooking.
  • Add a splash of white wine or beef broth to enhance the sauce's richness and complexity.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to match your preferred heat intensity, from mild to bold and spicy.

Flavor Twists for One-Pot Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu, using vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Spicy Southwestern Remix: Add diced jalapeños, swap Parmesan with pepper jack cheese, and include taco seasoning for a zesty Mexican-inspired version.
  • Lighter Cream Alternative: Use Greek yogurt or half-and-half instead of heavy cream to reduce calories and create a tangier sauce profile.

Best Pairings for One-Pot Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Select a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, creamy beef pasta and cuts through its heavy texture.
  • Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness, adding fresh acidity and providing a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
  • Serve warm, crusty garlic bread alongside the pasta to soak up the delicious sauce, offering an extra layer of garlic flavor and providing a crunchy texture against the creamy pasta.

How to Store One-Pot Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Stays good for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until warmed through.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore moisture. Stir gently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.
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One-Pot Creamy Beef And Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe


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4.8 from 16 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy beef and garlic butter pasta brings comforting Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table in just one pot. Savory ground beef, rich garlic butter, and silky pasta create a luxurious meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound beef (sliced into strips or ground beef)
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) pasta (such as penne or fettuccine)
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish:

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Heat butter in a spacious pot over medium temperature until fully melted and slightly bubbling.
  2. Introduce minced garlic and sauté quickly, releasing aromatic flavors for approximately 60 seconds.
  3. Incorporate ground beef, stirring and breaking into crumbles until completely browned and no pink remains.
  4. Stream beef broth and heavy cream into the pot, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes for complex flavor profile.
  5. Allow liquid mixture to reach gentle simmer, creating a rich cooking environment for pasta.
  6. Carefully add uncooked pasta directly into the liquid, ensuring even distribution throughout the pot.
  7. Cover pot and reduce heat, allowing pasta to cook for 10-12 minutes while occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
  8. When pasta reaches perfect al dente texture, fold in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until smoothly integrated and sauce becomes creamy.
  9. Sprinkle finely chopped parsley across the surface for fresh color and herbal note.
  10. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and pasta maintains ideal consistency.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter protein option that maintains the dish’s rich flavor profile.
  • Use gluten-free pasta to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising the creamy texture and taste.
  • Reduce red pepper flakes for a milder version or increase for extra heat, allowing personalization based on spice tolerance.
  • Reserve some pasta water before draining to help adjust sauce consistency if the mixture becomes too thick during cooking.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 710 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 40 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
Jess Martinez

Jess Martinez

Contributing Recipe Writer & Nutrition Consultant

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cooking, Nutritional analysis and healthy recipe planning, Cultural food traditions, Modifying traditional dishes for better health

Education

Santa Fe Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Focused on mastering the flavors and cooking methods of traditional Southwestern cuisine.


Jess’s love for bold, homegrown flavors led her straight into the world of Southwestern cooking and cultural nutrition.
After completing her Certificate in Culinary Arts at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to show that good-for-you food can still taste incredible.
At saltytart.com, Jess shares vibrant, health-conscious recipes with roots in tradition but a fresh, modern twist. When she’s not testing new recipes, you’ll find her at local growers’ markets, tending her herb garden, or digging into food history books.

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