There’s something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of creamy pasta—especially when it’s made all in one pot. This recipe for One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is one of those dishes that instantly makes a kitchen feel like home. It’s the kind of meal you whip up on a chilly evening when everyone’s craving something hearty, cheesy, and soul-warming.

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I first came across a version of this recipe at a family gathering, where everyone kept sneaking back to the stovetop for “just one more bite.” It reminded me of weeknight dinners growing up—when life was busy, but there was always something warm bubbling on the stove that brought us together. This dish, with its garlicky aroma and luscious creamy texture, is one of those weeknight saviors. It’s simple enough for a quick dinner, but satisfying enough that it feels like a treat.

The magic? Everything cooks in one pot. That means fewer dishes, more flavor, and a whole lot less fuss. The beef adds richness, the garlic butter brings depth, and the pasta soaks up all that creamy goodness like a sponge. This isn’t just a recipe—it’s comfort in a bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

One pot, zero hassle: Everything cooks together, which means fewer dishes to clean up.
Rich and creamy: The sauce clings to every bite of pasta and beef for a deliciously satisfying meal.
Garlicky goodness: Garlic butter takes this dish to the next level.
Weeknight-friendly: Quick enough for busy evenings, but cozy enough to feel special.
Crowd-pleaser: Kids love it, adults go back for seconds—this one’s a keeper.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

1 lb ground beef
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon minced garlic
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
4 cups beef broth
2 cups heavy cream
12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)

HOW TO MAKE ONE POT CREAMY BEEF AND GARLIC BUTTER PASTA:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat. Once it’s sizzling and fragrant, stir in the minced garlic and chopped onion. Let them cook for about 2–3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. This is where the aroma starts filling the kitchen—garlic and butter are such a heavenly combo.

Step 2: Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it up and cook it until it’s no longer pink—about 5–6 minutes. As it browns, it’ll soak up all that garlicky butter goodness. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine everything into one dreamy, creamy base. Now add your uncooked pasta directly into the pot. Give it a good stir to ensure everything’s well combined.

Step 4: Simmer and Cook the Pasta
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and simmer for 12–15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and the liquid has mostly absorbed. Make sure to stir occasionally so nothing sticks to the bottom of the pot.

Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once the pasta is cooked through and the sauce has thickened, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This is the part where everything becomes irresistibly creamy and cheesy. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is velvety smooth.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish
Give it a taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Then, spoon it into bowls, sprinkle with chopped parsley for a touch of freshness, and serve hot. It’s the kind of dish that’s even better with a slice of crusty bread on the side to mop up the sauce.

HELPFUL TIPS:

Use the right pasta: Short shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni work best for holding onto all that creamy sauce.
Stir frequently: This helps the pasta cook evenly and prevents it from sticking to the pot.
Don’t overcook: Keep an eye on the pasta during the simmering stage—it should be al dente and not mushy.
Adjust consistency: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up.

DETAILS:

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings
Category: Dinner
Method: One Pot
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Diet: Beef, Pasta-based

NOTES:

This dish reheats beautifully—perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.
You can swap the beef with ground turkey or lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.
Want to sneak in some greens? Toss in a handful of spinach during the last few minutes of cooking.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION: (Approximate per serving)

Calories: 580
Protein: 26g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 110mg
Sodium: 640mg
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 3g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Just make sure it’s a pasta that cooks in about the same time. Fusilli, ziti, or even macaroni would all work well.

Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes! This reheats well. Add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to bring back the creaminess.

Is it spicy?
Not at all. But if you want to add a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes would do the trick.

Can I make it dairy-free?
You can try using plant-based cream and cheese substitutes, but the texture and flavor will vary.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove with a bit of broth or cream.
Reheating: Warm in a skillet over medium heat, stirring often. Add a little liquid to restore the creaminess.

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CONCLUSION

This One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of recipe that finds its way into your regular rotation—not just because it’s easy, but because it’s irresistibly good. It checks all the boxes: comforting, creamy, filling, and full of flavor. Whether you’re cooking for the family or just yourself, this dish brings all the cozy vibes of a home-cooked meal without the pile of dishes afterward.