We all have that one meal we fall back on this is mine. I started making this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta on nights when time and energy were running low.
It began as a way to use up ground beef and pasta but turned into something we actually crave. It’s rich, garlicky, and comes together in one pot with no drama.
I love serving it with a slice of garlic bread or next to our cheesy chicken wraps. No stress. No dishes piling up. Just a big skillet of comfort and quiet wins.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Ingredients One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
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)
Instructions One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Step 1: Cook the beef and garlic
Heat olive oil in a deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and break it apart with a spatula. Cook for 5–6 minutes until fully browned. Stir in minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Let it cook another minute until fragrant.
Step 2: Add the liquids and pasta
Pour in the beef broth and milk, stirring to blend. Add your pasta and Italian seasoning. Give it a stir to make sure the pasta is mostly covered. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
Step 3: Stir in the creamy goodness
Turn the heat to low. Add parmesan and butter and stir until melted and smooth. If the sauce thickens too much, splash in a bit more milk or broth until it’s just right.
Step 4: Serve and garnish
Spoon it into bowls while it’s hot. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra cheese if you like. It’s perfect with toasted garlic bread or a crisp cucumber ranch crack salad for a full plate.
And when we’re feeling extra indulgent, we’ll pair this with simple apple pie biscuits for that sweet finish.
What Makes This One-Pot Pasta So Addictive
Creamy comfort with garlic-forward flavor
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta:
The garlic cooks down with the beef to build a rich, savory base.
Butter melts in at the end to tie everything together smoothly.
Parmesan adds saltiness and depth without overpowering the dish.
One pot, full flavor—no extra dishes
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta:
The pasta simmers right in the broth and milk, soaking up flavor.
As it cooks, the sauce thickens into something silky and satisfying.
You get all the comfort of a baked dish without turning on the oven.
It’s the kind of dinner we love after banana berry parfait sundaes,
or alongside cheesy garlic chicken wraps when we want extra cozy
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Variations
Quick Ingredient Swaps
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta:
No beef? Ground turkey or chicken works just as well.
No beef broth? Use chicken broth or vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
No milk? You can use heavy cream or even a dairy-free substitute like oat milk.
Simple Add-Ons
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta:
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and nutrients.
Toss in a handful of crushed red pepper for added heat.
Swap in fresh mozzarella for an extra creamy finish.
Use a different pasta shape if penne isn’t your favorite.
Use what’s in your kitchen.
This dish pairs beautifully with a side of cucumber ranch crack salad or alongside simple cheesy garlic chicken wraps.
Serving and Storing One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
How to Serve It
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta:
Serve hot with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
Pair with a side of crispy garlic bread or a simple salad for a full meal.
For a lighter option, serve with a fresh cucumber ranch crack salad.
It also makes a great base for adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach.
How to Store It
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta:
Let the pasta cool before transferring to an airtight container.
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days—sauce may thicken as it cools, just add a splash of broth or milk when reheating.
You can freeze leftovers for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a bit of liquid to loosen the sauce.
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FAQs About One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
Can I use pre-cooked pasta?
Pre-cooked pasta won’t absorb the flavor from the broth and milk as well, so it’s best to cook the pasta directly in the pot for the richest, creamiest results.
What’s the best pasta for this recipe?
Penne, rotini, or fettuccine work best because they hold the sauce well. But feel free to use whatever pasta you have on hand!
How do I prevent pasta from sticking?
Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid while it simmers. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking together.
Can I use water instead of beef broth?
While water can work in a pinch, beef broth gives the dish its deep, savory flavor. If you need a substitute, vegetable broth is a great option.
Conclusion
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of dish that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. It’s creamy, comforting, and doesn’t ask for extra dishes or complex steps. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or serving it up for a crowd, this recipe will be your new go-to for a quick, hearty meal. Pair it with garlic bread or a side salad, and you’ll be set for a satisfying dinner everyone will love.
Print
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta: Quick, Creamy Comfort
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is rich, savory, and comforting, made with simple ingredients and ready in under 30 minutes.
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)
3 cups beef broth
2 cups milk (or heavy cream)
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)
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
2. Stir in minced garlic, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine. Add pasta and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes until pasta is tender.
4. Reduce heat to low and stir in parmesan cheese and butter until melted and creamy. Add more liquid if needed.
5. Serve garnished with fresh parsley and extra parmesan.
Notes
You can use any pasta shape you prefer.
For extra creaminess, use heavy cream instead of milk.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a veggie-packed dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, one-pot pasta, garlic butter pasta, quick dinner
