One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

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When I think of comfort food that brings everyone to the table fast, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is one of my top picks. It’s rich, creamy, savory, and unbelievably easy to whip up on a busy weeknight. I love how it balances deep, meaty flavor with silky, cheesy pasta — and all in just one pot. No pile of dishes to deal with afterward, just satisfied smiles and empty bowls.

I’ve made this dish dozens of times, and it never fails. The garlic butter melts into the creamy sauce, coating every bite of pasta and ground beef with flavor that feels like it simmered all day. But truthfully, it’s ready in under 30 minutes. If you’re craving something hearty, quick, and foolproof, you’re going to want to bookmark this one.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

• Only one pot needed – fewer dishes, more flavor.
• Bold garlic butter flavor paired with creamy richness.
• Satisfying and filling – thanks to the ground beef and pasta combo.
• Quick to prepare – ideal for weeknight meals.
• Customizable – easy to adjust based on pantry ingredients.
• Family-friendly – both kids and adults go for seconds.

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What Kind of Pasta Works Best for One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta?

I usually reach for penne, rotini, or cavatappi when making this recipe — they hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly. But honestly, most short pasta types will work just fine. Shells cradle bits of beef and sauce, while fusilli creates great texture in every bite. I’d avoid long noodles like spaghetti, though, since they can clump and don’t always cook evenly in one-pot methods.

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Options for Substitutions

Life happens — and sometimes you need to improvise. This recipe is super forgiving:

• Ground Beef Alternatives: Swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a twist in flavor. For a meatless option, try lentils or a plant-based ground.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess: Use unsweetened almond milk and a vegan butter or margarine. Add a scoop of dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream for body.
• Cheese Substitutes: Parmesan is classic here, but grated Romano, Asiago, or even sharp cheddar can work in a pinch.
• Garlic Options: Fresh garlic is unbeatable, but you can use garlic powder or jarred minced garlic if needed.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: Just be mindful that it may cook faster and absorb liquid differently — keep an eye on it and add extra broth as needed.

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Ingredients for One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in building bold, comforting flavor without overcomplicating things.

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• Ground Beef
  The hearty base of the dish. It adds savory depth and pairs beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce. Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
• Pasta (Penne or Rotini)
  Short pasta shapes work best to trap the sauce in every curve and ridge, making each bite flavorful and textured.
• Garlic (Fresh Cloves)
  Garlic is the heart of this recipe. When sautéed in butter, it brings a nutty, aromatic warmth that infuses the whole dish.
• Butter
  Acts as the rich, luxurious base for the garlic to bloom in. Adds depth and that signature silky mouthfeel to the sauce.
• Beef Broth
  Adds moisture and enhances the beefy flavor while cooking the pasta in the same pot. It replaces water for maximum taste.
• Heavy Cream
  Makes the sauce velvety and rich. It pulls all the flavors together into a luscious, spoon-coating finish.
• Parmesan Cheese
  Salty, nutty, and melty — it thickens the sauce and provides umami that rounds everything out.
• Salt and Black Pepper
  Essential seasonings to bring all the ingredients into balance. Always taste and adjust at the end.
• Parsley (Optional, for garnish)
  A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a touch of freshness that cuts through the creaminess.

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Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s well-browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease if needed, then push the beef to the side of the pan.

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Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter

Add the butter to the cleared side of the pan. Once it melts, stir in the minced garlic. Let it cook for about 1 minute until fragrant — don’t let it brown. Mix it into the beef to evenly coat the meat in garlic butter goodness.

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Step 3: Add Broth and Uncooked Pasta

Pour in the beef broth and add the dry pasta straight into the pot. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Reduce the heat to a simmer, cover the pot, and let it cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

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Step 4: Stir in Heavy Cream

Once the pasta is nearly tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir in the heavy cream. Let it simmer uncovered for a few minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly and the pasta finishes cooking.

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Step 5: Add Cheese and Seasonings

Turn off the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of broth or cream to loosen it.

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if you’d like. Serve hot and creamy straight from the pot — no extra pans, no fuss.

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How Long to Cook One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

This recipe is all about speed and simplicity without sacrificing flavor. From start to finish, it typically takes:

• 5–7 minutes to brown the beef and sauté garlic
• 10–12 minutes to cook the pasta in broth
• 3–5 minutes to finish with cream and cheese

So you’re looking at a total cook time of about 20–25 minutes — dinner on the table in under half an hour.

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Tips for Perfect One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

• Use a large, heavy-bottomed pot: This helps everything cook evenly and prevents burning at the bottom.
• Choose pasta wisely: Short, sturdy shapes like penne, rotini, or cavatappi work best. Avoid thin or delicate noodles.
• Don’t overcook the garlic: Once garlic turns brown, it becomes bitter. Just sauté it until fragrant, then move on.
• Simmer with the lid on: This keeps steam in and helps the pasta cook evenly while soaking up flavor.
• Stir occasionally: Especially after adding the pasta, to keep it from sticking to the bottom.
• Balance the sauce: If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or cream. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a couple of extra minutes.
• Season at the end: Parmesan and broth are salty, so wait until everything’s combined before adjusting with salt.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even a simple one-pot recipe like this one has a few easy pitfalls to avoid. Keep these in mind to ensure your pasta turns out creamy, flavorful, and not a soggy mess:

• Adding pasta before the broth boils: If the broth isn’t hot enough, the pasta won’t cook evenly. Bring it to a boil first, then reduce to a simmer.
• Not stirring during simmering: Pasta can stick to the bottom of the pan if left alone too long. Stir every few minutes to keep things moving.
• Using too much garlic: Yes, there is such a thing! Overloading the garlic can overpower the balance of flavors — stick to the recommended amount unless you know you love it intense.
• Overcooking the pasta: It should be tender but not mushy. Taste as you go, especially in the final minutes.
• Skipping the seasoning step: Always taste before serving and adjust the salt and pepper — especially after adding cheese, which can be quite salty.
• Forgetting to rest before serving: Letting the dish sit for a couple of minutes helps the sauce settle and thicken beautifully.

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What to Serve With One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

This rich and hearty dish pairs well with lighter sides or dishes that bring freshness or texture contrast.

Simple Green Salad

A crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a tangy vinaigrette helps balance the creamy richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread or Toasted Baguette

You can never have too much garlic! Plus, it’s perfect for scooping up extra sauce.

Roasted Parmesan Broccoli

Add some crunch and a hit of umami with roasted broccoli sprinkled with cheese.

Caprese Skewers

Cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella, and basil on skewers drizzle with balsamic — refreshing and bite-sized.

Marinated Olives or Antipasto Plate

A small dish of marinated olives, artichokes, and roasted red peppers brings briny, bright flavors to the table.

Steamed Asparagus with Lemon

Tender asparagus with a squeeze of lemon adds a clean, springy contrast.

Lemon-Garlic Green Beans

Crisp-tender beans sautéed with garlic and lemon zest — simple, fast, and flavorful.

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Storage Instructions

This pasta stores like a dream and makes excellent leftovers — if there’s any left!

• Refrigerator: Transfer the cooled pasta to an airtight container. It will keep well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
• Reheating: Warm it in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce as it reheats.
• Freezing: While technically possible, I don’t recommend it. The cream sauce can separate or become grainy once thawed, and the pasta tends to get mushy.
• Meal Prep Tip: You can cook the beef ahead of time and freeze it, then just add it in when you’re ready to make the dish fresh.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (assuming the recipe serves 4–6):

• Calories: 580–680 kcal
• Protein: 25–30g
• Fat: 30–35g
• Carbohydrates: 50–60g
• Fiber: 2–4g
• Sugar: 3–5g
• Sodium: 600–750mg
• Calcium: ~20% DV (from the Parmesan)

Note: These values will vary depending on the specific ingredients used (e.g., full-fat vs. light cream, cheese type, exact pasta amount).

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Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic, or stir in a spoonful of chili paste with the cream. You could also swap in spicy Italian sausage for a more intense kick.

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Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

It’s not recommended. This recipe relies on the pasta absorbing the broth and flavor during cooking. Pre-cooked pasta won’t soak up the sauce properly and might turn mushy.

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Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Just substitute with gluten-free pasta and make sure your broth and cheese are certified gluten-free. Keep in mind gluten-free pasta may cook faster and need more liquid.

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Is there a vegetarian version?

You can omit the beef entirely or swap it with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or lentils. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it meat-free.

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What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Try half-and-half, evaporated milk, or a mix of milk and cream cheese. For a non-dairy version, go with coconut cream or unsweetened oat or almond milk plus a thickener.

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Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely! Stir in spinach, zucchini, mushrooms, or peas during the final 5 minutes of cooking. They’ll add color, texture, and extra nutrition.

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What’s the best cheese for this recipe?

Parmesan is the classic pick, but you can experiment with Pecorino Romano, Asiago, or even a bit of cream cheese or gruyère for deeper richness.

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Can I make this ahead of time?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the beef and garlic-butter base a day ahead. Store it in the fridge and just add pasta, broth, and cream when ready to finish.

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Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of dish that earns a permanent place in your dinner rotation — quick, hearty, and loaded with comforting flavor. I love how it brings together the richness of garlic butter, the creaminess of a silky sauce, and the savory bite of ground beef all in one pan. Whether you’re cooking for your family, friends, or just yourself, it’s one of those meals that feels like a hug in a bowl.

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