If you’ve been dreaming of a pasta dish that marries weeknight convenience with restaurant-worthy flavor, One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the answer. Picture glossy strands of pasta enveloped in a garlicky, buttery, creamy sauce, dotted with hearty bites of seasoned beef—all brought together in just one pot with minimal fuss and maximum flavor. It’s one of those crowd-pleasers that will have everyone at the table going back for seconds!

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe celebrates simplicity: every ingredient pulls its weight to create layers of savory depth, luscious creaminess, and that irresistible, aromatic finish. Here’s exactly what you’ll need and why each should not be skipped:

Ground Beef: Adds savory richness and heartiness, and is a versatile base for our flavorful sauce.
Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and infuses everything with a hint of fruity depth.
Garlic (minced): The backbone of the dish’s bold, aromatic kick—fresh is always best!
Onion Powder: Provides subtle sweetness and melds perfectly into the sauce without overpowering.
Italian Seasoning: Brings a fragrant herby note, making the pasta taste instantly “big night in.”
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a touch for gentle background warmth—skip if you prefer mild.
Salt: Essential for flavoring each layer and tying everything together.
Black Pepper: A little freshly cracked pepper wakes up all the other spices.
Beef Broth: Gives depth and a luxurious savory note to the sauce.
Milk: Lightens the sauce and helps cook the pasta to a perfect al dente.
Short Pasta (penne, rotini, or shells): The ideal shapes for soaking up that creamy sauce.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty depth and thickens the sauce beautifully.
Unsalted Butter: Rounds out the sauce with a glorious sheen and a rich, garlicky finish.
Heavy Cream: The key to transforming everything to silk—don’t skimp on this step.
Chopped Parsley (optional): Sprinkling a bit on top brightens the dish and makes it pop on your plate.

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

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon, letting it cook until it’s beautifully browned and no longer pink. Make sure to drain off any excess fat if your beef is on the fattier side—this keeps the finished sauce from being greasy while concentrating all the meaty flavor in the pasta water.

Step 2: Build Flavor with Aromatics

Add the freshly minced garlic right into the browned beef, alongside the onion powder, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if you want a little extra zing), salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together and sauté for about one to two minutes. The goal here is to let the garlic get fragrant and the spices “bloom,” infusing the beef with layers of irresistible aroma that will set the foundation for your dreamy One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta.

Step 3: Simmer the Pasta and Sauce Together

Pour in the beef broth and milk, then add your uncooked pasta of choice. Give everything a good stir to ensure the pasta is fully submerged, then bring the mixture up to a gentle boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook uncovered for twelve to fifteen minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the liquid slowly reduce and the pasta absorb all that flavor, cooking up tender while magically thickening the sauce. Don’t wander too far—occasional stirring is key to prevent any sticking at the bottom!

Step 4: Add Creamy Finishing Touches

Once your pasta is perfectly al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, it’s time for the creamy finale. Lower the heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Watch as the sauce comes together in a rich, silky cloak over the pasta. Give it a minute or two to marry and thicken, then turn off the heat and let it sit briefly before serving. This makes the sauce thicken even more, so you get those swoon-worthy, creamy forkfuls in every bite of your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta.

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

Garnishes

Finish the dish with a flourish! A shower of chopped fresh parsley over the top is classic and adds a burst of fresh green to contrast with the creamy sauce. If you really love cheese (and who doesn’t?), a little extra fresh Parmesan on top just before serving is always a win. For a hint of heat, another pinch of crushed red pepper flakes delivers a beautiful visual pop and a bit of personality.

Side Dishes

Keep things simple and let the pasta shine, but if you want to round out the meal, a crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is another classic companion, offering the perfect vehicle for swiping up every last trace of the garlicky, buttery sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for a special occasion or gathering, try serving it in shallow, wide bowls to showcase that creamy sauce. Create a “pasta bar” by offering small bowls of toppings—think extra cheese, red pepper flakes, or even sautéed veggies. For an elevated touch, twirl servings into neat nests using a carving fork and top each with a crispy fried sage leaf or microgreens.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This pasta is one of those rare weeknight wonders that holds up beautifully in the fridge. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container, and they’ll stay deliciously creamy for up to three days. Give it a quick stir before reheating to reincorporate the sauce.

Freezing

For longer storage, One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta can be frozen—just let it cool completely first. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags (removing as much air as possible) and freeze for up to two months. Keep in mind that the creamy sauce may separate a bit after thawing, but a gentle reheat with an extra splash of cream or milk will revive its texture.

Reheating

Reheat your pasta gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding a tablespoon or two of cream or milk to restore silkiness and prevent drying out. You can also microwave individual portions in short bursts, stirring halfway through, until creamy and hot. Don’t overheat, as this can cause the cheese to become oily.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While ground beef provides the iconic flavor, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage are all delicious swaps. Just keep an eye on fat content and adjust your seasonings for the best results.

What kind of pasta works best in this recipe?

Short shapes like penne, rotini, or shells are ideal for catching the creamy sauce in their nooks and crannies. However, feel free to use whatever short pasta you have on hand—just adjust cooking times as needed.

How can I make this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta lighter?

For a lighter take, you can use reduced-fat milk, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half, or even add in baby spinach and peas for a veggie boost. It’s still wonderfully creamy, just a bit less indulgent!

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Simply substitute your favorite gluten-free short pasta and double-check that your beef broth and seasonings are gluten-free. The method and rest of the ingredients remain the same!

Can I prepare this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta ahead for a potluck?

Definitely. The flavors get even better as they sit, so it’s a fantastic make-ahead option. Gently reheat before serving and bring a bit of extra cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Final Thoughts

I can’t wait for you to dive into a bowl of One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta—it’s cozy, rich, and full of flavor, yet comes together with almost no cleanup. Whether you’re serving it for family dinner or sharing with friends, this is one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. Give it a try and let that creamy, garlicky goodness win you over!

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 25 reviews

Author: Emma
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta. A hearty and comforting dish that’s easy to make, perfect for a cozy dinner at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

3 cups beef broth
2 cups milk
12 oz short pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup heavy cream
chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook Ground Beef: In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil, then cook ground beef until browned.
Add Flavorings: Add garlic, onion powder, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Sauté until fragrant.
Cook Pasta: Pour in beef broth and milk, add pasta, and simmer until pasta is tender.
Make it Creamy: Stir in Parmesan, butter, and heavy cream until well combined.
Thicken and Serve: Let pasta sit to thicken, then garnish with parsley before serving.