Name: One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb (450g) ground beef; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ tsp salt; ½ tsp black pepper; ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); 3 cups beef broth; 2 cups milk (or heavy cream for extra richness); ½ cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp butter; 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or fettuccine); 1 tsp Italian seasoning; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

I have to tell you about this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe that has become one of my absolute go-to meals when I want something comforting, flavorful, and oh-so-easy to make. From the moment I stir that creamy sauce together with the savory ground beef and garlic butter, I know dinner is going to be a hit. It’s a satisfying dish that brings rich flavors and cozy textures all cooked up in a single pot, which means less cleanup and more time to enjoy the meal with loved ones. Every bite feels indulgent yet homey, and it’s perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners when I want something special without the fuss.

Why You'll Love This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

What makes this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe so special to me is the bold yet balanced flavor profile. The garlic butter adds a silky richness that perfectly complements the savory beef, while the Italian seasoning brings in that familiar, comforting taste I crave. The touch of parmesan cheese stirred in at the end is pure magic, giving the sauce a wonderfully creamy finish and just the right amount of tangy depth. Each forkful feels like a little celebration of hearty, rich flavors that hug your taste buds.

I also adore how incredibly simple this recipe is to throw together. Since everything cooks in one pot, it cuts down on a ton of prep and cleanup, which is a total lifesaver after a long day. I can usually have this simmering away within minutes, and then just stir occasionally until the pasta reaches that perfect al dente. For me, that ease combined with great flavor means I come back to this recipe time and again.

Finally, the versatility of this dish makes it perfect for so many occasions. It’s a reliable weeknight dinner that can easily be dressed up with a fresh side salad or crusty garlic bread for casual dinner parties. I even love pulling it out when I have friends over who want something comforting but impressive. It stands out because it’s both rich and hearty while remaining approachable and straightforward to prepare — a real crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows raw ingredients for a meal laid out on a white marbled surface. There is a white bowl filled with red ground meat on the left. To the right, on a wooden cutting board, several uncooked yellow spaghetti strands are tied together with string and placed vertically. Next to the spaghetti are four blocks of pale yellow cheese arranged in a slightly scattered pile. Surrounding the cheese and spaghetti are sprigs of green herbs, including rosemary and parsley. A small clear glass bowl holds mixed peppercorns beside the spaghetti. Above the board, a small wooden bowl contains coarse salt, and three white garlic bulbs, along with a peeled garlic clove, scatter around the scene. The whole setting looks clean with simple, fresh ingredients ready for cooking. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The ingredients for this recipe are wonderfully simple and come together to create layers of flavor, texture, and color that bring the dish to life. Each ingredient plays a key role — from the ground beef for heartiness to the garlic that infuses the entire pot with aroma and warmth, to the parmesan cheese that melts in for that silky finish.

TIP : You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below

Olive oil: This is the base that starts the cooking process and adds a gentle fruity flavor to the beef.
Ground beef: I use 80/20 for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness in the dish.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced to fill the recipe with aromatic warmth and depth.
Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out all the flavors beautifully.
Red pepper flakes: Optional, but when I add them, they give a subtle kick that wakes the dish up.
Beef broth: Adds richness and depth, creating a flavorful liquid base for the pasta to absorb.
Milk or heavy cream: This is what makes the sauce super creamy and luscious; I prefer heavy cream for extra indulgence.
Pasta: I usually go with penne or rotini because they hold the sauce well, but fettuccine works beautifully too.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that lifts the flavor and ties everything together.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated, it melts into the sauce, creating that irresistible, cheesy creaminess.
Butter: Just a couple of tablespoons to enrich the sauce and add that silky texture.
Fresh parsley: Chopped and sprinkled on top at the end to add a pop of color and bright freshness.

Directions

Step 1: Heat the olive oil in a large deep skillet or pot over medium heat. I like to use a wide pan so there’s plenty of room to brown the beef evenly.

Step 2: Add the ground beef. Using a wooden spoon, break it up and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes until it’s nicely browned and cooked through with no pink remaining. The sizzle and aroma at this point always make me hungry.

Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and if you like a little heat, red pepper flakes. Cook everything together for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt — that’s the key.

Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and milk (or heavy cream). Give it a good stir so all the flavor on the bottom of the pot lifts up and the liquids combine smoothly with the beef.

Step 5: Add the pasta and Italian seasoning. Make sure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid — this allows it to cook evenly and soak up all those fantastic flavors.

Step 6: Bring everything to a gentle simmer, then cover the pot. Cook for about 12 to 15 minutes, giving it an occasional stir to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender but still has a slight bite.

Step 7: Lower the heat to low and stir in the parmesan cheese and butter until they melt completely, turning the mixture into a creamy, rich sauce that coats every piece of pasta beautifully.

Step 8: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you find the sauce too thick, just add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Step 9: Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and some extra parmesan cheese for garnish. The green flecks make it look as good as it tastes!

Step 10: Serve it while it’s hot alongside garlic bread or a fresh side salad to complete the meal. Trust me, you will want every last bite.

Servings and Timing

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe makes about 4 satisfying servings — perfect for a family dinner or a small gathering. Prep time is quick, just around 5 minutes to get everything ready, and the cooking takes about 25 minutes, including simmering the pasta to perfection. Overall, you’re looking at a total time of roughly 30 minutes from start to finish, which is ideal for weeknights when you want to get dinner on the table fast without sacrificing flavor or comfort.

How to Serve This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

This dish is a close-up view of wide, flat pasta noodles mixed with small pieces of browned meat, all coated in a creamy, light beige sauce. The pasta has a smooth, slightly glossy texture and is intertwined throughout the bowl. The meat pieces are scattered evenly on top and inside the pasta, giving a textured appearance with some herbs sprinkled in small amounts. The dish is served in a simple black bowl, set on a white marbled surface. The overall look is warm and inviting, showing a hearty and creamy pasta meal photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When I serve this creamy pasta dish, I like to keep things simple but special. A warm loaf of garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls makes the perfect accompaniment. The crispy texture contrasts deliciously with the smooth, creamy pasta, creating a truly satisfying meal experience. I also sometimes toss a bright mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette alongside to cut through the richness with fresh acidity and crunch.

For garnishing, I always sprinkle extra freshly chopped parsley over individual portions right before serving to add a burst of color and fresh herbal notes. A final dusting of parmesan cheese also amps up the visual appeal while adding even more cheesy goodness. Presentation-wise, I love using wide shallow bowls to serve this pasta — it lets the sauce spread beautifully and makes it easy to twirl up generous bites.

As for drinks, I find a medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot pairs incredibly well, balancing the richness of the beef and cheese. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, a sparkling water with a twist of lemon or a lightly sweetened iced tea offers refreshing contrast. This dish is fantastic for cozy dinners at home, casual weekend lunches, or even small parties where you want to impress without overcomplicating the menu. Enjoy it hot straight from the pot for the best creamy texture and fresh flavor.

Variations

I love how this recipe is such a great canvas to make your own. For example, if you want to skip the beef, substituting ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully and keeps it lighter without losing flavor. For a vegetarian twist, you can swap the meat for sautéed mushrooms or lentils, which add earthy heartiness and texture.

If you’re aiming for a gluten-free meal, using gluten-free pasta is a simple fix that keeps everything just as tasty. For dairy-free options, I recommend using a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk and a vegan butter substitute, although the sauce might turn out slightly less rich but still delicious. I’ve even experimented with adding some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to introduce a sweet tangy note that’s a great flavor twist.

Another fun variation is to finish the dish under the broiler with a sprinkle of mozzarella and breadcrumbs on top to create a bubbly, golden crust. Alternatively, cooking the pasta uncovered towards the end intensifies the sauce as it reduces and thickens. I’m always trying small tweaks and find it exciting how versatile this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe can be.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend transferring them into airtight containers once the pasta has cooled to room temperature. This recipe keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to use containers that seal tightly to preserve the flavors and prevent the sauce from drying out. When stored properly, the pasta stays creamy and flavorful, ready to be reheated for a quick second meal.

Freezing

While I usually prefer to enjoy this pasta fresh, it can be frozen if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. To keep the sauce creamy, consider freezing without extra cheese on top, adding it fresh when reheating. The dish should be eaten within 2 months for best quality. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to ensure even warming throughout.

Reheating

The best way I’ve found to reheat this dish is gently on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth as you warm it to restore creaminess and prevent the pasta from drying out. Stir frequently until heated through. Avoid microwaving for long periods as that can cause the sauce to separate and the beef to become tough. With a little care, leftovers rebound nicely and taste almost as good as freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta in this recipe?

Absolutely! I often switch between penne, rotini, and fettuccine depending on what I have on hand. Just make sure to adjust cooking times slightly and ensure the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid to cook evenly within the pot.

Is it possible to make this recipe spicier?

Yes! The red pepper flakes add a subtle bit of heat, but you can increase the amount or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra kick. Fresh chopped chili or hot sauce stirred in at the end also works well for those who love bold spice.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can brown the beef and prep the garlic ahead to save time, but I recommend cooking the pasta just before serving for the best texture. If needed, you can prepare the whole dish and gently reheat it later following my reheating tips.

What if I want a lighter version of this recipe?

Swapping heavy cream for milk and choosing lean ground turkey or chicken reduces fat content without sacrificing flavor. Also, adding more vegetables like spinach or mushrooms can increase volume and nutrition while keeping it light and satisfying.

Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?

Definitely! I have doubled this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe many times. Just be sure to use a larger pot to allow plenty of space for even cooking and stirring. Cooking times may increase slightly, so keep an eye on the pasta doneness.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a tasty, comforting meal that’s easy to make but feels indulgent and special, I can’t recommend this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe enough. It’s one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it hits all the right notes — creamy, savory, aromatic, and satisfying. Give it a try soon, and I’m sure it will become a favorite in your home too. Happy cooking and enjoy every cozy bite!