Name: Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Comfort / American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 12 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or favorite short pasta); 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cups beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream or half‑and‑half; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); Salt and black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

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Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter is the kind of meal I turn to when I want big flavor and minimal cleanup. Tender ground beef, rich garlic butter, and a creamy sauce come together with pasta in one pot for a dish that’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy nights when I need something delicious without the fuss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines everything I want in a comforting dinner: juicy beef, a velvety sauce, and pasta cooked to perfection—all in one pot. The garlic butter gives it a rich, savory base that makes the whole dish taste like something from a cozy restaurant. It’s easy to adapt, quick to prepare, and always gets rave reviews at the table. Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef
Pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite short pasta)
Butter
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Beef broth
Heavy cream or half-and-half
Parmesan cheese, grated
Olive oil
Italian seasoning
Paprika (optional)
Salt and black pepper
Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions

I start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. I add the chopped onion and sauté until soft, then stir in the minced garlic until fragrant.
I add the ground beef, season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika, and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
Once the beef is cooked, I stir in the butter and let it melt, coating the beef in garlicky richness.
I add the uncooked pasta directly into the pot, then pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer.
I cook everything uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid is mostly absorbed—about 12–15 minutes.
I reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. I let it cook a couple more minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta beautifully.
I garnish with chopped parsley and serve it hot, straight from the pot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people and takes about 30 minutes total from start to finish. It’s the perfect weeknight meal when I want something cozy and satisfying in a hurry.

Variations

I sometimes swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
To make it spicier, I add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
I toss in spinach or mushrooms during the last few minutes for an easy veggie boost.
When I want it extra cheesy, I stir in some shredded mozzarella or cheddar along with the Parmesan.
I use gluten-free pasta when needed, just adjusting the cook time slightly based on the package instructions.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, I add a splash of broth, milk, or cream to loosen the sauce and reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave. The pasta soaks up the flavor even more overnight, making the leftovers just as delicious.

FAQs

Can I use pre-cooked pasta for this recipe?

I don’t recommend it, since the pasta cooks in the sauce and absorbs all that flavor. Using uncooked pasta also helps keep it truly one-pot.

What kind of pasta works best?

I usually go with short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. They hold the sauce well and cook evenly in the pot.

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, I’ve made it with whole milk or half-and-half, and it still turns out creamy. I just simmer a little longer to thicken the sauce.

Does this freeze well?

It freezes okay, but the texture of the pasta may soften a bit. I prefer to eat it fresh or store it in the fridge for a few days.

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pot?

I make sure to stir occasionally while it’s simmering and keep the heat at medium to medium-low once the broth is added.

Conclusion

Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter is one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s rich, savory, and so easy to make—perfect for when I need a satisfying dinner without the cleanup. With simple ingredients and tons of flavor, it’s a dish that always earns a spot in my weekly rotation.