Description
If you’re craving a rich and creamy pasta dish that’s packed with flavor but doesn’t require a ton of cleanup, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect recipe for you. Tender ground beef is combined with garlic butter sauce and creamy pasta to create a comforting, hearty meal. And the best part? It all cooks in one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re feeding the family or just need something easy for a weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to become a go-to favorite.
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Ingredients
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For the Beef:
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1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken if preferred)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp salt
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½ tsp black pepper
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1 tsp dried Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
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4 tbsp unsalted butter
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5 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried thyme (optional for added flavor)
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1 tsp dried basil (optional for an aromatic touch)
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2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
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1 cup heavy cream
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8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or any other short pasta)
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
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Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
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Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium-high heat.
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Add the ground beef and season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning (if using).
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Break the beef into small pieces as it cooks. Cook for 5-7 minutes until fully browned and no longer pink.
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Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
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In the same skillet, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat.
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Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden, being careful not to burn the garlic.
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Stir in the thyme and basil (if using), and cook for another 30 seconds to release the flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
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Add 2 cups of beef broth to the skillet and bring it to a boil.
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Stir in the pasta, making sure it’s fully submerged in the liquid.
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Lower the heat to medium and cover the skillet. Let it simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Step 4: Add the Cream and Cheese
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Once the pasta is cooked, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and stir well to combine.
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Stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Step 5: Return the Beef & Finish
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Add the cooked ground beef back into the skillet, stirring it in to combine with the creamy sauce and pasta.
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Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together and the beef to heat through.
Step 6: Garnish & Serve
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Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
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Serve immediately, and enjoy your creamy, savory pasta!
Notes
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Keep an eye on the pasta while it’s simmering. Overcooking it can result in mushy pasta, so aim for al dente texture.
Use Fresh Garlic – Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor in the garlic butter sauce.
Add More Vegetables – If you like, you can add veggies such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition and flavor.
Adjust the Creaminess – For a thicker sauce, add a bit more Parmesan cheese or let the sauce simmer longer. For a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of cream or use milk instead.
Use Ground Turkey or Chicken – If you want a lighter version, swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You can even use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian option.