Creamy One Pot Beef Pasta With Garlic Butter

You know those nights when you’re exhausted but still crave something comforting and delicious? That’s when my creamy one pot beef pasta with garlic butter saves the day. I’ve been making versions of this dish for years—ever since my college days when I needed quick meals between classes. There’s just something magical about tossing everything into a single pot and ending up with a rich, satisfying dinner.

What makes this recipe special? First, the garlic butter sauce coats every bite of pasta with ridiculous flavor. Second, you’ll only dirty one pot—no extra pans or colanders to wash! After testing countless variations (some better than others, trust me), I’ve perfected this version that balances creamy richness with savory beefiness.

Whether you’re feeding hungry kids after soccer practice or just need an easy weeknight win, this dish delivers. Let me show you how to make it perfect every time!

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Creamy One Pot Beef Pasta

This recipe has become my go-to for so many reasons – let me count the ways you’ll adore it too:

• One pot wonder: No piles of dishes to wash afterwards! Everything cooks together in a single pot – the pasta absorbs all that amazing broth while cooking right in the sauce.
• Ready in 25 minutes flat: From browning the beef to serving, this is faster than waiting for delivery on a busy weeknight.
• That garlic butter magic: The combination of browned butter, caramelized onions and minced garlic creates a flavor base that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.
• Pasta perfection: The noodles cook directly in the broth, soaking up all that beefy, garlicky goodness for maximum flavor in every forkful.
• Creamy without fuss: Just a splash of heavy cream and Parmesan transforms it into luscious, silky comfort food.

Ingredients for Creamy One Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this dreamy pasta dish – I promise it’s all simple stuff you might already have in your kitchen:

• 1 lb lean ground beef – The star protein that makes this dish hearty and satisfying
• 8 oz short pasta like penne (about 2 ½ cups) – The perfect shape to hold all that creamy sauce
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth – Gives the pasta incredible depth of flavor as it cooks
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – For that luscious, velvety texture we all crave
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter – The foundation of our garlic butter sauce
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Because more garlic is always better in my book
• 1 small yellow onion, finely diced – Adds sweetness and balances the richness
• 1 tsp kosher salt – Adjust to taste, but this is my perfect starting point
• 1/2 tsp black pepper – Just enough to give it a little kick
• 1 tsp dried thyme – My secret herb that makes it taste fancy
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Please don’t use the pre-shredded stuff here!
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) – That pop of color and freshness at the end

See? Nothing too crazy – just good ingredients that work together beautifully. Now let’s get cooking!

Print

Essential Equipment for Your Creamy One Pot Beef Pasta

You won’t need much gear for this recipe – just a few trusty kitchen staples:

• A large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven (at least 5 quarts) – This is non-negotiable! The wide surface area helps everything cook evenly and prevents sticking.
• Wooden spoon – My favorite for stirring without scratching the pot.
• Measuring cups – For getting those liquid ratios just right.

That’s seriously it! See why I love one-pot meals? Less equipment means less cleanup – and more time enjoying that creamy pasta goodness. For a delicious twist on creamy pasta, try our One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Penne that’s perfect for weeknight dinners.

How to Make Creamy One Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter

Okay, let’s dive into the magic! This recipe comes together in simple steps, but I’ll walk you through each one so your pasta turns out perfect. Trust me – once you smell that garlic butter hitting the pan, you’ll know you’re in for something special.

Browning the Beef

First things first – grab your big pot and set it over medium heat. No oil needed yet! When the pot feels warm when you hold your hand above it (about 1 minute), toss in that ground beef. Use your wooden spoon to break it up into small crumbles as it cooks.

Here’s my trick: don’t stir too much at first! Let the beef get some nice browned bits on one side before breaking it up completely. Cook until there’s absolutely no pink left – about 5-6 minutes total. Now tilt the pot and spoon out most of the excess grease (leave about 1 tablespoon for flavor). Too much fat will make our sauce greasy instead of creamy.

Building the Garlic Butter Base

This is where the flavor really starts! Add your butter right to the beef in the pot. Once it melts, toss in those diced onions and minced garlic. Oh man, the smell at this point is incredible!

Cook them together for about 2-3 minutes, stirring often. You want the onions to soften and turn translucent, and the garlic to become fragrant – but don’t let it brown! Burnt garlic tastes bitter, and we want sweet, aromatic goodness. If things start cooking too fast, just lower the heat a smidge.

Cooking the Pasta to Perfection

Time for the liquid! Pour in your beef broth and crank the heat up to bring it to a lively simmer – you’ll see little bubbles all around the edges. Now add your dry pasta, salt, pepper, and thyme. Give everything a good stir to make sure the pasta gets coated and submerged.

Here’s the key: cover the pot and let it cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring every 3-4 minutes. This prevents sticking and ensures even cooking. The pasta will drink up that flavorful broth as it cooks! Test a piece at 10 minutes – it should be al dente with just a tiny bite left.

Creating the Creamy Sauce

Almost there! Turn the heat down to low before adding the heavy cream and Parmesan. This prevents curdling and gives you the smoothest sauce. Stir gently but thoroughly until the cheese melts completely into the sauce – about 1-2 minutes.

The sauce will thicken beautifully as it sits for a minute off heat. If it seems too thick? Add a splash of broth or water. Too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for another minute. Taste and adjust salt if needed – sometimes I add an extra pinch at this stage.

Finish with that fresh parsley for color, and boom – creamy, dreamy pasta perfection ready to devour!

Expert Tips for the Best Creamy One Pot Beef Pasta

Want to take your pasta to the next level? These pro tips are game-changers:

• Use a wide pot: This isn’t just me being picky – a wide pot lets the liquid evaporate evenly, so your pasta cooks perfectly without turning mushy. Plus, it gives you more room to stir everything without making a mess.
• Always taste before serving: I like to add a final pinch of salt or pepper right at the end. Pasta can soak up seasoning as it cooks, so a quick taste test ensures it’s just right.
• Fresh Parmesan is key: Trust me, the pre-shredded stuff just doesn’t melt the same. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce beautifully, giving you that silky, creamy texture we’re after.

Follow these, and you’ll have a dish that’s restaurant-quality every time! Find more one-pot pasta inspiration on Pinterest for fast and flavorful meals.

Common Questions About Creamy One Pot Beef Pasta

I get asked about this recipe all the time – here are answers to the most common questions I hear:

Serving Your Creamy One Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but I love rounding it out with a few simple sides. A crisp green salad cuts through the richness perfectly – try baby spinach with lemon vinaigrette. Garlic bread is my guilty pleasure for soaking up every last bit of that creamy sauce. For something lighter, steamed broccoli or green beans add freshness without extra work. Honestly though? Sometimes I just grab a fork and dig straight into the pot – no judgment here!

Storing and Reheating Your Creamy One Pot Pasta

Leftovers? Lucky you! Store any extra pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The pasta will soak up more liquid as it sits – no worries! Just add a splash of broth or water when reheating on the stove over medium heat. Stir gently until warmed through, and it’ll be just as creamy as the first night.

Nutritional Information for Creamy One Pot Beef Pasta

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 bowl) of this delicious pasta dish:

• Calories: 520
• Fat: 28g (15g saturated)
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Protein: 26g

Keep in mind these are estimates – your exact numbers might vary slightly depending on the specific brands of ingredients you use. I always recommend checking labels if you’re tracking closely. But honestly? Sometimes you just gotta enjoy the creamy goodness without counting!

Share Your Creamy One Pot Creation

Did you love this recipe as much as I do? I’d be thrilled if you left a rating below! Better yet – snap a pic of your creamy masterpiece and share it with me. Nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen wins!