One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This one-pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is a comforting and hearty meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With tender ground beef, rich cream sauce, and flavorful garlic, it comes together quickly without the need for multiple pots.

Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- Step 2: Add the minced garlic and chopped onion to the beef. Cook for another 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to evenly season the mixture.
- Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Step 5: Add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir well to combine until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Step 6: Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it’s covered by the sauce. If needed, add a little extra water or broth. Cover the pot and cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Step 7: When the pasta is tender and the sauce is creamy, remove the pot from heat.
- Step 8: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Tips & Variations
- For added veggies, stir in some spinach or mushrooms along with the garlic and onion.
- Use turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
- Try swapping Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
- If you prefer a thicker sauce, reduce the broth slightly before adding the cream.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or any pasta that cooks in about 8-10 minutes works well in this recipe.
Is it possible to make this dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter with olive oil, use a dairy-free cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with a vegan cheese or nutritional yeast.
PrintOne-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines ground beef, garlic, onions, and a rich creamy sauce all cooked together with pasta for an easy, satisfying meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe simplifies cleanup while delivering a delicious, hearty dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish
Liquids and Pasta
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti works well)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Sauté Garlic and Onion: Add the minced garlic and finely chopped onion to the pot with the beef. Continue cooking for another 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onions are softened.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to evenly coat the beef mixture.
- Simmer with Broth: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for about 5 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Cook Pasta in Sauce: Add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot, making sure it is submerged in the sauce. If needed, add a little extra water or broth to cover the pasta. Cover the pot and cook according to the pasta package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Finish and Serve: Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has a creamy consistency, remove the pot from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use your preferred pasta shape such as penne, spaghetti, or fusilli based on your texture preference.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but sauce won’t be as thick.
- If the sauce gets too thick during cooking, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
- Fresh parsley adds a nice color and fresh flavor, but you can substitute with dried parsley if needed.
- Make sure to stir the pasta occasionally during cooking to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
Keywords: one-pot pasta, creamy beef pasta, garlic butter pasta, easy dinner, ground beef recipe, creamy pasta

