If you’re searching for a quick and satisfying dinner that doesn’t leave your kitchen in chaos, this Easy One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is your answer. Rich, flavorful, and incredibly creamy, this dish combines ground beef, pasta, and a buttery garlic sauce in one pot. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you crave something hearty and delicious with minimal cleanup!
Ingredients
To make this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, you’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that blend perfectly for an ultra-creamy, savory result.
Main Ingredients:
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon unsalted butter
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4–5 garlic cloves, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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500g (1 lb) ground beef
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
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3 cups beef broth
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2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
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300g (10 oz) penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup cream cheese or heavy cream
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Required Kitchen Tools
To prepare this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, you’ll need just a few basic tools:
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Large, deep nonstick skillet or Dutch oven with lid
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Wooden spoon or spatula
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Garlic press or grater (optional)
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Measuring cups and spoons
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Chef’s knife and cutting board
Step-by-Step Preparation Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your creamy pasta come together seamlessly in one pot:
Step 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes if using.
Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil.
Step 4: Simmer to Cook Pasta
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese (or heavy cream). Mix well until fully melted and incorporated, resulting in a rich, creamy texture. Add more milk or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Helpful Tips for Making or Serving
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Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best because they hold onto the creamy sauce well.
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Stir frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
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Make it Spicier: Add more chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.
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Protein Swaps: You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat for a different flavor or dietary preference.
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Extra Veggies: For added nutrition, toss in spinach, mushrooms, or peas during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Nutritional Value (Approximate per Serving)
This recipe makes about 4 servings. Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:
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Calories: 650
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 50g
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Fat: 35g
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Saturated Fat: 16g
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Fiber: 3g
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Sodium: 800mg
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Sugar: 6g
(Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific ingredients used.)
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is more than just a quick dinner idea — it’s comfort food at its finest. With bold garlic butter flavors, tender pasta, and rich beef in every bite, this recipe will become a favorite in your weeknight rotation. It’s satisfying, simple to make, and only uses one pot — what more could you ask for?
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or just craving something indulgent without a mountain of dishes, this dish delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
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Easy One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 people 1x
Ingredients
To make this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, you’ll need simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that blend perfectly for an ultra-creamy, savory result.
Main Ingredients:
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
-
4–5 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 small onion, finely chopped
-
500g (1 lb) ground beef
-
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
-
½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
-
½ teaspoon red chili flakes (optional)
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3 cups beef broth
-
2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
-
300g (10 oz) penne or rotini pasta (uncooked)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ cup cream cheese or heavy cream
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make your creamy pasta come together seamlessly in one pot:
Heat the olive oil and butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat. Once melted and bubbling, add the chopped onions and sauté until soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.
Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red chili flakes if using.
Pour in the beef broth and milk. Stir to combine, then add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring to a gentle boil.
Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally. Keep an eye to make sure the pasta doesn’t stick to the bottom. Cook until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
Once the pasta is cooked, reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and cream cheese (or heavy cream). Mix well until fully melted and incorporated, resulting in a rich, creamy texture. Add more milk or broth if needed to adjust the consistency.
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the pasta for a burst of freshness. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
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Make it Lighter: Use low-fat milk and reduce the amount of cheese or butter for a lighter version.
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Vegetarian Option: Replace ground beef with plant-based ground meat or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
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Add Greens: Stir in spinach, kale, or arugula during the last few minutes of cooking for added nutrients.
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Cheese Variations: Swap Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Gruyère for a different flavor profile.
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Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
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Freezing Tip: This pasta freezes well, but the cream sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. Stir well when reheating.
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Double the Batch: Easily double the ingredients to feed a larger crowd — perfect for potlucks or meal prepping.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pot Cooking, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1 ½ to 2 cups per person
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
Keywords: One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta
