One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta: A Comforting Skillet Classic

There are nights when you want something indulgent but without the endless pile of dirty dishes. That’s when One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta comes in to save the evening. If you’ve ever craved a pasta dish that feels like restaurant comfort food yet doesn’t chain you to the stove, this is it. The first time I made this, I was skeptical about whether pasta could truly cook in the same pot with beef and sauce—but the result was a silky, garlicky masterpiece that quickly became part of my weeknight rotation. With tender pasta, rich cream, and that unmistakable garlic butter flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe again and again.

Ingredients & Why They Matter

Every ingredient in this dish has a role to play, and skipping one changes the story on your plate.

Core Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 works best for flavor)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 lb short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley, for garnish

Why They Work Together:

• Butter + garlic create that rich, aromatic base. It’s the flavor hook that makes the dish feel decadent.
• Ground beef adds a hearty, savory punch while soaking up all the spices.
• Beef broth not only cooks the pasta but also seasons it from the inside out.
• Heavy cream + Parmesan bring in creaminess that clings to every bite.
• Pasta choice matters: ridged or tubular shapes hold the sauce better, giving you more flavor in every forkful.

Step-by-Step Method (One Pot Technique)

Cooking everything in one pot doesn’t just cut cleanup—it creates layers of flavor you can’t get with separate pans.

Browning the Beef

Start by melting butter in a large Dutch oven or deep skillet. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Let it brown fully; those little crispy edges add depth. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until fragrant.

Building the Flavor Base

Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. The spices bloom in the butter and beef fat, giving you a head start on a sauce that tastes slow-simmered even though it’s weeknight-fast.

Simmering the Pasta

Pour in beef broth and bring it to a gentle boil. Add pasta straight into the liquid. Stir frequently at first—this keeps it from sticking. As the pasta cooks, it soaks up the broth, making every bite seasoned from within.

Finishing the Sauce

When the pasta is al dente, lower the heat. Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until melted and creamy. The sauce will thicken as it rests. Sprinkle with parsley and let it sit for a minute before serving.

Tips & Troubleshooting for Best Results

• Too thin? Let the pasta sit uncovered for a few minutes so the sauce naturally thickens.
• Too thick? Add a splash of broth or even warm water to loosen it.
• Pasta sticking? Stir more frequently in the first 5 minutes of cooking.
• Leftovers separating? Add a little cream or broth when reheating on the stove to bring the sauce back together.

Think of this recipe as flexible. If you like it saucier, add an extra quarter cup of cream. If you prefer it bold, toss in more garlic or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Dietary Variations & Ingredient Substitutions

This dish is naturally indulgent, but you can adapt it without losing the essence.

Vegan / Dairy-Free

Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles, use vegan butter, and replace cream with oat or cashew cream. Nutritional yeast works surprisingly well in place of Parmesan.

Gluten-Free

Choose a gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. Just watch the cooking time—it’s usually shorter than wheat pasta. Use certified gluten-free broth as well.

Low-Calorie

Trade heavy cream for half-and-half, or stir in Greek yogurt at the end (off the heat) for creaminess without the calories. Go for lean ground beef or ground turkey to lighten it further.

Halal

Make sure the ground beef is halal certified. Stick with vegetable or halal beef broth, and avoid broths with hidden pork derivatives.

Serving Suggestions & Pairings

Pairing this dish is all about balance. Because it’s rich, you’ll want something fresh on the side.

• Salads: A crisp Caesar or simple arugula salad cuts through the creaminess.
• Veggies: Roasted broccoli or green beans roasted with olive oil and lemon bring brightness.
• Bread: A slice of garlic bread or warm baguette lets you scoop up every drop of sauce.
• Drinks: For wine, a light red like Pinot Noir works beautifully. Prefer nonalcoholic? Try sparkling water with lemon to refresh your palate.

Storage, Leftovers, and Freezing

This recipe holds up well, though the sauce will thicken as it cools.

• Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Add a splash of broth or cream and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Stir well to restore the sauce.
• Freezing: It can be frozen, but the cream may separate slightly. If freezing, undercook the pasta by 2 minutes, cool completely, then freeze in portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

There’s something deeply satisfying about a dish that comes together so easily yet tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen. One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta gives you that perfect mix of indulgence and practicality—rich enough for a cozy weekend meal but fast enough for a busy Tuesday night. Once you try it, you’ll see why it deserves a permanent spot in your weeknight dinner lineup.

FAQ

Can I use a different meat instead of beef?

Yes — ground turkey, chicken, or even a spicy sausage works nicely. Just adjust cooking time so the meat doesn’t overcook or dry out.

What pasta shapes work best for this recipe?

Short, ridged or tubular pastas like penne, rigatoni, or rotini cling to the creamy sauce better. Avoid very thin pastas since they tend to overcook in this one-pot method.

Is heavy cream necessary? What can I substitute?

Heavy cream adds body and richness, but you can substitute half-and-half or stir in Greek yogurt off the heat (don’t boil) for a lighter version. Be cautious—too thin a swap can lead to a watery sauce.

How do I prevent the pasta from absorbing all the liquid before it’s done?

Stir frequently in the early stages to prevent sticking, and monitor the liquid level. If it’s getting low too quickly, add a little extra broth or water mid-cook.

Can I prepare this in advance or freeze leftovers?

Yes. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. It can also be frozen, but thaw it slowly and rewarm carefully to maintain its creamy texture.

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

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• Author: Manar Annan
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

A rich and comforting one-pot pasta dish with ground beef, garlic butter, cream, and Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights with minimal cleanup.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20)

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 6 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 medium onion, finely chopped

• 1 tsp salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• 4 cups beef broth

• 1 lb short pasta (penne, rigatoni, or rotini)

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

• Melt butter in a large Dutch oven or skillet over medium heat.

• Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.

• Stir in onion and garlic; cook until softened and fragrant.

• Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika.

• Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle boil.

• Add pasta directly to the pot, stirring often to prevent sticking.

• Cook until pasta is al dente and most liquid is absorbed.

• Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream and Parmesan until smooth and creamy.

• Garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Notes

Stir pasta frequently in the first few minutes to prevent clumping.

Adjust thickness by adding extra broth (for thinner) or letting it rest uncovered (for thicker).

Leftovers reheat best with a splash of cream or broth.

Use gluten-free pasta or vegan substitutes as needed for dietary variations.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: One-Pot, Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1½ cups)
• Calories: ~580
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg