Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is the kind of meal that turns an ordinary weeknight into something special. It’s rich, garlicky, and buttery in all the right ways. Best of all, it cooks in one pot, so cleanup is almost as easy as eating it. Around here, that’s the dream.
I still remember the night I first made it. Work had run late, the kids were restless, and dinner needed to happen fast. I opened the fridge to find some ground beef, garlic, and a block of Parmesan. Simple ingredients became something magical in thirty minutes flat. The smell of garlic sizzling in butter pulled everyone into the kitchen before I even set the table.
If you’re a fan of hearty, family-style dinners, you’ll also enjoy this cozy skillet idea that’s become a reader favorite on my site. Or, for another creamy option that’s just as easy, check out one of my go-to pasta nights.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- One pot makes cleanup simple
- Creamy garlic butter sauce coats every bite
- Rich beef flavor that satisfies
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses pantry staples you already have
Table of Contents
Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
Equipment
- large skillet
- wooden spoon
- measuring cups and spoons
- knife and cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Kosher salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and brown until cooked through. Drain fat if needed.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
- Add chicken broth, cream, and uncooked pasta. Stir to submerge pasta. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once pasta is tender and most liquid has absorbed, stir in Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Serve warm, garnished with parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
- For a deeper flavor, use beef broth instead of chicken broth.
- To lighten the dish, use milk mixed with a teaspoon of cornstarch in place of heavy cream.
- Add a handful of baby spinach or mushrooms near the end for extra veggies.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of broth or milk to loosen it.
- For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter just before serving.
- This pasta reheats well. Add a little cream or milk while warming to bring back the creamy texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 610 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 45 g |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Saturated Fat | 18 g |
| Cholesterol | 120 mg |
| Sodium | 720 mg |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Calcium | 260 mg |
| Iron | 3.5 mg |
Ingredients Breakdown and Smart Swaps for the Perfect Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
Every great bowl of Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta starts with simple ingredients that work together to create big flavor. You don’t need anything fancy or expensive, just a few kitchen staples and a little time at the stove. Each ingredient has a purpose, and knowing why it’s there helps you make it your own.
Essential ingredients that bring the flavor
- Butter adds that rich, silky base that makes the sauce shine.
- Ground beef gives the dish heartiness. Lean beef works best so it doesn’t get greasy.
- Fresh garlic adds depth while garlic powder enhances it. The two together create layers of flavor.
- Onion powder and Italian seasoning give balance and a mild herbal touch.
- Chicken broth keeps the sauce light and savory, while heavy cream adds the creamy texture that makes this dish so comforting.
- Parmesan cheese finishes the sauce with a salty, nutty flavor that ties everything together.
- Linguine or fettuccine soak up the sauce beautifully, but any pasta works in a pinch.
- Fresh parsley brightens up the dish before serving.
If you love creamy pasta dinners that are rich but still simple, you might also enjoy this beefy tomato-free favorite that has the same comforting feel.
Smart swaps for any kitchen
You can make this recipe fit your pantry, diet, or budget without losing that creamy, garlicky goodness.
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use milk mixed with cornstarch instead of heavy cream for a less rich but still smooth sauce.
- Try gluten-free pasta if needed.
- Substitute beef broth for chicken broth for deeper flavor.
- Add a handful of spinach or mushrooms to sneak in extra veggies.
And if you like creative comfort food, you’ll probably love this cheesy twist on a family classic that uses the same hearty flavors in a different way.
Step-by-Step Cooking Guide for Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
Cooking Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is easier than it looks. You don’t need a bunch of pots or complicated steps. Everything happens in one pan, and the result is creamy, flavorful, and satisfying. Follow these simple steps to bring it together.
Browning and flavor-building
The secret to this pasta’s deep flavor starts at the very first step.
- Melt butter in a large pot or skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and season with salt and black pepper. Cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add fresh minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
- Sprinkle in onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Stir well to coat the beef in all that flavor.
If you enjoy recipes that start with simple, familiar ingredients and end with something rich and comforting, you might want to try this hearty ground beef dinner idea next time you crave something quick.
Simmering, pasta cooking, and finishing touches
This step brings everything together and fills your kitchen with that amazing garlic butter aroma.
- Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, and uncooked pasta. Stir to make sure the pasta is fully covered.
- Bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook on low heat for about 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of broth or water to keep it saucy.
- Once the pasta is tender, stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
- Finish with fresh parsley for color and freshness.
For another comforting one-pan dinner, check out this cheesy ground beef and dumpling dish that’s just as cozy and perfect for family nights.
Serving, Storage, and FAQs for Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
Once your Creamy One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is ready, you’ll want to dig in right away. The sauce is thick, creamy, and full of buttery garlic flavor that coats every bite. But if you’ve got leftovers, this dish reheats beautifully, making it great for lunch the next day or an easy meal prep favorite.
Serving suggestions and leftovers
This pasta goes perfectly with simple sides and stores well for later.
- Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted veggies to balance the richness.
- Sprinkle extra Parmesan or chopped parsley on top right before serving.
- Warm, buttery garlic bread is always a good idea on the side.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days.
- Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of broth or milk to bring the creaminess back.
- You can also freeze it for up to two months — just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
If you love creamy, family-style meals that are big on flavor and low on cleanup, you’ll probably enjoy this cheesy ground beef taco soup that’s perfect for cozy nights in. And if baked pasta dinners are more your style, take a look at this golden beef pasta bake with mozzarella for another easy weeknight favorite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the secret to a rich garlic butter sauce?
Use real butter and fresh garlic. Let them cook together slowly before adding the liquid ingredients. That builds flavor instead of just coating it on top.
What kind of cream is best for pasta?
Heavy cream gives you the richest texture, but you can use half-and-half or milk mixed with a touch of cornstarch for a lighter option.
What beef works best for this dish?
Lean ground beef (around 90%) keeps the sauce creamy without too much grease. Avoid extra-lean since it can dry out.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes. Replace butter with plant-based butter, cream with unsweetened oat or almond milk, and use dairy-free Parmesan. It still turns out smooth and flavorful.
What are common mistakes to avoid?
Turning up the heat too high can break the cream sauce. Keep it low and gentle. Also, don’t forget to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.