Rich, Comforting, and Ready in Just 30 Minutes
If you’re looking for a quick, cozy, and ultra-satisfying dinner, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is exactly what you need. Made with savory ground beef, fragrant garlic butter, tender pasta, and a silky parmesan cream sauce, this dish delivers maximum flavor with minimal cleanup.
Everything cooks together in one pot, allowing the pasta to soak up the rich beefy broth and creamy sauce—making every bite irresistibly delicious. Perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or anytime you need a reliable comfort meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot meal – fewer dishes, easier cleanup
- Creamy & hearty – rich parmesan sauce with savory beef
- Fast & easy – ready in about 30 minutes
- Family-friendly – simple ingredients everyone loves
- Customizable – easy to add veggies or extra cheese
This is comfort food done right—simple, indulgent, and incredibly satisfying.
Recipe Overview
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
- 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.
Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
Step 2: Add Liquid and Pasta
Pour in beef broth and milk, stirring to combine.
Add pasta and Italian seasoning, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce begins to thicken.
Step 3: Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Stir in parmesan cheese and butter until melted and smooth.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth until creamy.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese.
Serve hot with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta
- Use freshly grated parmesan for the smoothest sauce
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking
- Don’t overcook pasta—it will continue to thicken as it rests
- Add liquid gradually when reheating to restore creaminess
Variations & Add-Ins
- Extra creamy: Use heavy cream instead of milk
- Veggie boost: Add mushrooms, spinach, or peas before simmering
- Cheesy upgrade: Mix in mozzarella or cream cheese
- Spicy version: Increase red pepper flakes or add chili oil
- Protein swap: Ground turkey or chicken works well
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk
- Freezing: Not recommended due to the creamy sauce texture
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 people
Description
This rich and creamy one-pot pasta is made with savory ground beef, garlic butter, and a luscious parmesan sauce. Everything cooks together in one pan for easy cleanup and maximum comfort-food flavor.
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 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
- Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook 5–6 minutes, breaking it up until browned.
- Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in beef broth and milk. Stir well, then add pasta and Italian seasoning, ensuring pasta is mostly submerged.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in parmesan cheese and butter until melted and creamy.
- Adjust seasoning as needed. Add a splash of milk or broth if the sauce is too thick.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra parmesan. Serve hot.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, substitute milk with heavy cream.
- Add mushrooms or spinach before simmering for more flavor.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is everything comfort food should be—rich, cozy, and unbelievably easy. With bold garlic flavor, savory beef, and a silky parmesan sauce, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that fits perfectly into busy schedules.
Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or just craving something indulgent, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor with weeknight simplicity.