Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter – So Good, So Easy

Rich, Savory, and Ready in 30 Minutes – A Comforting Weeknight Favorite

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Introduction

This Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter is the kind of recipe that becomes an instant staple in your kitchen. It’s rich, flavorful, filling, and ridiculously easy to make—just one pot, a few everyday ingredients, and 30 minutes to dinner bliss.

Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want something hearty and comforting, this dish combines tender ground beef with garlic-infused butter, pasta, and a velvety cream sauce. It’s a comforting mashup of a garlic butter pasta and beef stroganoff, with the simplicity of a one-pan dinner.

No need to juggle multiple pots or prep tons of ingredients—this dish is unfussy, delicious, and made for real life.

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Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in this recipe is carefully chosen for maximum flavor and minimal fuss. Here’s what makes it so delicious:

Ground Beef

• Rich and Savory: Provides a hearty base and deep flavor.

• Use 80/20 for richness, or 90/10 for a leaner option.

Pasta

• Short Pasta Works Best: Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or shells absorb the sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.

• Cooking the pasta in the sauce adds flavor and creaminess.

Garlic

• Aromatics: Garlic is sautéed in butter at the beginning to create that signature garlic butter base. Use fresh garlic for best flavor.

Butter

• Flavor Carrier: Melts with the garlic and beef for a decadent base.

Onion

• Adds sweetness and balance to the beefy, buttery richness.

Heavy Cream or Half & Half

• Creamy Texture: Makes the sauce silky and comforting.

• Half & half or milk + a little cream also work if you prefer it lighter.

Beef Broth

• Flavorful Liquid: Used to cook the pasta and create a rich base.

• You can also use chicken broth or vegetable broth in a pinch.

Parmesan Cheese

• Adds Umami and Saltiness: Melts into the sauce for extra creaminess and depth.

Seasonings

• Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for flavor balance.

• Italian Seasoning or Dried Parsley: Adds a subtle herbal note.

• Optional: Crushed red pepper flakes for a mild kick.

These ingredients come together quickly but taste like they’ve simmered all day.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Sauté Garlic and Onion

In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 1 small diced onion and cook for 2–3 minutes, until soft. Add 3–4 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add 1 pound ground beef to the skillet. Break it up and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed, but leave a little for flavor.

Step 3: Add Broth and Pasta

Pour in 3 cups beef broth and add 12 ounces of dry pasta. Stir well and bring to a gentle boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 4: Add Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in ½ cup heavy cream and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Finish with Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt an additional tablespoon of butter and stir in 1 minced garlic clove. Drizzle over the finished pasta and stir gently to distribute.

Step 6: Serve

Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley, more Parmesan, or red pepper flakes if desired.

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Tips, Variations, and Substitutions

Pro Tips:

• Stir Often: Stir the pasta occasionally as it cooks to prevent sticking.

• Simmer Gently: Keep the heat moderate so the liquid doesn’t evaporate too quickly.

• Use Fresh Garlic: For best flavor, avoid garlic powder here.

Variations:

• Cheesy Twist: Add ½ cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar with the Parmesan.

• Spinach or Kale: Stir in a handful of greens in the last 2 minutes of cooking.

• Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onion for a more robust flavor.

• Creamy Tomato Beef Pasta: Add 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ½ cup marinara sauce for a creamy tomato variation.

Substitutions:

• Beef Alternatives: Try ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.

• Dairy-Free: Use plant-based butter, dairy-free cream, and nutritional yeast instead of cheese.

• Pasta Options: Use whole wheat pasta or gluten-free pasta (watch the cooking time closely).

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Serving Ideas & Occasions

This one-pot beef pasta is a weeknight hero—easy, cozy, and satisfying. Serve it:

• On its own: It’s a complete meal with protein, carbs, and fat.

• With a salad: A crisp green salad with vinaigrette balances the richness.

• Alongside garlic bread: For even more garlic butter goodness.

• For casual dinners: Family-friendly and picky-eater approved.

• As leftovers: Reheats well for next-day lunches or quick dinners.

This dish is also great for:

• Meal prepping (stores and reheats easily)

• Busy weekdays

• Potluck-friendly meals

• Cold nights when you need comfort food

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Nutritional & Health Notes

While this pasta is rich and creamy, you can make small tweaks to suit your goals:

Nutritional Highlights:

• Protein-Packed: Thanks to the beef and cheese.

• Iron-Rich: From the red meat and Parmesan.

• Comfort in Every Bite: It’s satisfying without being overly heavy.

Lighter Options:

• Use lean ground beef or turkey.

• Swap heavy cream for milk or Greek yogurt (add it at the end off-heat to prevent curdling).

• Use whole wheat or legume-based pasta for extra fiber and nutrition.

• Add veggies like spinach, peas, or broccoli for a balanced meal.

It’s all about balance—this dish offers plenty of indulgence with flexibility to adapt to your preferences.

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FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, fusilli, or elbows work best. Avoid spaghetti or linguine for one-pot meals, as they don’t absorb the liquid as evenly.

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2. Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. This pasta stores well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

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3. Is this dish spicy?

Not by default. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced jalapeño with the garlic.

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4. Can I freeze this beef pasta?

It freezes decently, though the cream may slightly separate upon reheating. Let it cool completely, store in an airtight container, and freeze for up to 1 month.

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5. What’s a good side for this pasta?

Try garlic bread, Caesar salad, steamed broccoli, or sautéed green beans for a balanced meal.

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6. Can I make this without cream?

Yes. Substitute with milk and a bit of cornstarch to thicken the sauce, or use Greek yogurt stirred in after cooking (off the heat) to keep it creamy.

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7. How can I make this dish dairy-free?

Use a dairy-free cream alternative (like oat or cashew cream), plant-based butter, and skip or replace the cheese with nutritional yeast or dairy-free shreds.

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