One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Rich, creamy, and packed with savory beef and garlic flavors, this one-pot pasta is the perfect quick and easy dinner.

???? Recipe Description

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting pasta dish that doesn’t take much time to prepare, One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the answer. This recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, velvety sauce made from butter, garlic, and cream, all enhanced by savory ground beef. With minimal cleanup (because it’s made in just one pot!), it’s a winning meal that everyone in your family will enjoy.

The key to this recipe is the one-pot method—everything cooks together in one pan, from the beef to the pasta, soaking up all the delicious flavors. The garlic butter sauce, made with butter and heavy cream, turns into a silky coating over the pasta, making each bite indulgent and comforting. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish feels fancy but comes together in under 30 minutes.

????️ Ingredients (Measured in grams for accuracy)

For the Pasta:

Penne pasta (or your favorite pasta) – 200g
Ground beef – 300g
Onion (finely chopped) – 100g
Garlic (minced) – 10g
Olive oil – 15g
Chicken broth – 240g
Heavy cream – 200g
Parmesan cheese (grated) – 50g
Salt – 5g (to taste)
Black pepper – 1g (to taste)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – 10g

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

Unsalted butter – 60g
Minced garlic – 15g
Italian seasoning – 5g
Red pepper flakes (optional) – 1g (for a little heat)

????‍???? Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet or pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking for 2–3 minutes, until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Pasta and Broth

Add the pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine with the beef and onions.
Pour in the chicken broth, ensuring the pasta is mostly covered (add a little more broth if necessary).
Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Bring to a simmer and cover. Cook for 10–12 minutes, or until the pasta is cooked al dente, stirring occasionally.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the pasta is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Stir in the heavy cream and butter.
Let the butter melt and the cream thicken slightly, stirring constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce.
Add in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until the sauce becomes thick and silky.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately!

???? Nutrition Information (Per serving, based on 4 servings)

Calories: 550 kcal
Protein: 30g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Sugars: 4g
Fat: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 550mg

???? Tips & Tricks

Lean Meat: For a lighter version, you can use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Veggies: Add some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish for extra nutrition and flavor.
Cheese: Experiment with different cheeses like mozzarella or a sharp cheddar for varied flavor profiles.
Make It Spicy: For a spicy kick, stir in some crushed red pepper flakes or fresh chili.
One-Pot Success: Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure it cooks evenly in the broth. The starch from the pasta will help thicken the sauce naturally.

???? From the Chef – A Personal Touch

One of my favorite things about this dish is how simple yet decadent it feels. The garlic butter sauce, with its richness from butter and cream, is an absolute treat that turns a regular pasta night into something special. It’s also highly customizable—if you love mushrooms, throw some in with the beef, or add a handful of spinach for a pop of color and extra greens.

I recommend doubling the batch if you’re serving a crowd or want leftovers, as this pasta reheats beautifully. It’s the kind of dish that gets better with time, especially when the flavors have had a chance to meld together.