Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy beef pasta is the perfect one-pot meal that’s full of flavor, simple to make, and comforting to eat. The garlic butter sauce adds depth and richness, while the creamy base makes every bite indulgent and satisfying. The best part? You cook everything in one pot, making cleanup a breeze! It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that you can customize with your favorite veggies or seasonings, and it’s perfect for when you want a meal that’s both filling and full of delicious flavor.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
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1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
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8 oz pasta (such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Brown the Beef:
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In a large pot or skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
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Drain any excess grease from the beef if necessary, then add the minced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Add Broth and Seasonings:
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Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
3. Cook the Pasta:
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Add the pasta to the pot, stirring to combine. Ensure the pasta is covered by the liquid. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, covering the pot. Simmer for about 12-15 minutes (or according to the pasta’s package instructions), stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Make It Creamy:
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Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until everything is well combined and the sauce becomes creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
5. Serve:
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Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is creamy, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired, before serving.
6. Enjoy:
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Serve the creamy beef and garlic butter pasta hot, and enjoy this indulgent yet easy dish!
Servings and Timing
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Servings: 4 servings
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Prep time: 5 minutes
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Cook time: 20-25 minutes
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Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Add Veggies: For added nutrition, mix in vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers. Sauté them along with the garlic for extra flavor.
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Use Different Meat: You can swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, for a different twist.
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Make It Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce, for a spicier kick.
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Use Different Pasta: Any short pasta like penne, rotini, or bowties will work well in this recipe. You can also use spaghetti or fettuccine for a longer pasta option.
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Lighten It Up: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or milk, or use a lighter cheese like mozzarella instead of Parmesan.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Leftover creamy beef and garlic butter pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Freezing: This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the pasta might change after thawing. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months.
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Reheating: To reheat, warm the pasta on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help bring back the creamy consistency. You can also microwave it in intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can use ground chicken or turkey in this recipe as a leaner alternative to ground beef. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the dish ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it on the stovetop with a little extra cream or broth to bring it back to a creamy consistency.
Can I make this dish without cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk, or even use a dairy-free alternative like coconut milk for a lighter version. Just keep in mind that it may not be as rich and creamy as the original.
Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Absolutely! Vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, peas, or zucchini can be added to this recipe. Just sauté them with the garlic before adding the broth.
What kind of pasta should I use?
This recipe works well with any type of pasta, but shorter pasta like penne, rotini, or shells tends to absorb the sauce best. Long pasta like spaghetti can be used as well; just be sure to adjust the cooking time.
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—quick, creamy, and packed with flavor. With minimal ingredients and easy cleanup, it’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat. The tender pasta coated in a rich, garlic butter sauce with savory beef is a meal that’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Enjoy it with your favorite veggies or serve it on its own for a complete, comforting meal!
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Description
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich and indulgent dish that combines tender ground beef, garlic butter, and creamy pasta in one easy-to-make pot. Perfect for weeknight dinners, this comforting recipe is quick, flavorful, and hassle-free with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef (or turkey)
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
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2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
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1 cup heavy cream (or milk for a lighter version)
-
8 oz pasta (such as penne, rotini, or spaghetti)
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
-
Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Brown the Beef:
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In a large pot or skillet, heat the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes).
-
Drain any excess grease if necessary, then add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
-
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Add Broth and Seasonings:
-
Stir in the Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors combine.
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Cook the Pasta:
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Add the pasta to the pot, ensuring the pasta is covered by the liquid. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 12-15 minutes (or according to the pasta’s package instructions), stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
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Make It Creamy:
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Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce becomes creamy and everything is well combined. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
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Serve:
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Once the pasta is cooked and the sauce is creamy, remove from heat and let it sit for a few minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired.
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Enjoy:
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Serve the creamy beef and garlic butter pasta hot and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal!
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Notes
Add Veggies: For extra nutrition, add spinach, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers. Sauté them with the garlic for added flavor.Use Different Meat: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, for a different flavor.Make It Spicy: Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to turn up the heat.Use Different Pasta: Penne, rotini, bowties, or spaghetti work great for this recipe.
