One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta: Comfort in a Skillet

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There’s something magical about a one-pot wonder that combines all your favorite flavors into a single, satisfying dish. This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is exactly that—a rich, indulgent meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes and leaves you with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy Sundays, this recipe is a game-changer.

One hectic evening, with work deadlines looming and hungry kids waiting, I needed a quick, satisfying meal. Using just a few pantry staples and some ground beef, I tossed everything into one pot and hoped for the best. The result? A creamy, cheesy masterpiece that had everyone coming back for seconds (and even thirds). Since then, it’s become a beloved family favorite, and I’m so excited to share it with you today. If you enjoy rich, buttery dishes, you’ll love this Creamy Texas Roadhouse Butter Chicken Skillet—a comforting, flavor-packed meal. And for a simple, satisfying dinner, try this Creamy Ricotta Chicken and Orzo Skillet—a one-pan wonder perfect for busy nights!

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort dish, combining tender beef, rich garlic butter, and a luscious creamy sauce, all cooked in a single pot for easy cleanup. This hearty meal is perfect for busy nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. For an extra burst of flavor, try pairing it with a homemade garlic bread recipe (make your own garlic bread) or explore different pasta shapes (learn about pasta varieties) to find the best one for this creamy dish.

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Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to create this dreamy pasta dish:

• 1 lb ground beef 🥩 (leaner cuts like 90/10 work well to avoid excess grease )
• 2 tablespoons butter 🧈 (unsalted works best so you can control the seasoning )
• 4 cloves garlic, minced 🧄 (fresh garlic makes all the difference here )
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped 🧅 (adds sweetness and depth of flavor )
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning 🌿 (a blend of herbs for Mediterranean flair )
• ½ teaspoon salt 🧂 (adjust to taste based on the beef broth’s sodium level )
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper (a pinch of warmth to balance the creaminess )
• ½ cup beef broth 🍲 (low-sodium if possible, to prevent oversalting )
• 1 cup heavy cream 🍶 (the star ingredient for that velvety sauce )
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese 🧀 (freshly grated melts better than pre-shredded )
• 8 ounces pasta (penne or spaghetti) 🍝 (penne holds the sauce beautifully, but any shape works )
• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish 🌱 (a pop of color and freshness )

Pro Tip: Personalize Your Pasta

Want to switch things up? Here are some fun variations:

• Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
• Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and flavor.
• Use gluten-free pasta if you’re catering to dietary restrictions.

Interactive Ingredient Checklist: [ ] Ground beef [ ] Butter [ ] Garlic [ ] Onion [ ] Italian seasoning [ ] Salt [ ] Black pepper [ ] Beef broth [ ] Heavy cream [ ] Parmesan cheese [ ] Pasta [ ] Parsley

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Timing

Let’s break down how quick and easy this recipe is:

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: ~30 minutes

This recipe is perfect for those nights when you’re short on time but still want something hearty and comforting. Plus, fewer dishes mean less stress at the end of the meal!

Time-Saving Hack: Chop the onion and mince the garlic ahead of time—store them in the fridge for up to 3 days so they’re ready to go when you need them.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Beef

In a large skillet or pot, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Break it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once done, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Kitchen Hack: If you’re using lean ground beef, there may be little to no fat to drain, saving you an extra step.

Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until fragrant and softened, about 2–3 minutes. Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to infuse the butter with flavor.

Why Butter? Butter adds richness and helps carry the garlic and herb flavors throughout the dish.

Add the Liquids

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer—it should thicken slightly as it heats.

Pro Tip: Avoid boiling the cream once it’s added, as high heat can cause it to curdle. Keep the heat at a gentle simmer.

Cook the Pasta

Add the pasta to the skillet, ensuring it’s submerged in the liquid. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente (about 10–12 minutes). If the liquid reduces too quickly, add a splash of water or more broth to keep the pasta cooking evenly.

Serving Suggestion: Stir frequently to prevent the pasta from sticking to the bottom of the pan.

Mix in the Cheese and Beef

Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cooked beef. Continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta evenly. The residual heat will melt the cheese and bring everything together.

Why Parmesan? Parmesan adds a nutty, salty flavor that complements the creaminess of the sauce perfectly.

Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy this delicious one-pot meal!

Kitchen Hack: Sprinkle extra Parmesan on top before serving for an extra cheesy touch.

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Nutritional Information

Per Serving	Calories	Protein	Carbs	Fat	Fiber
1 Serving	550	28g	35g	32g	2g

This dish is packed with protein from the beef and Parmesan, making it a filling and satisfying meal. While it’s indulgent, you can lighten it up with swaps like using half-and-half instead of heavy cream or opting for whole wheat pasta.

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Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

If you’re looking to lighten things up, here are some swaps:

• Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
• Use whole wheat or chickpea pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
• Cut back on the butter by using olive oil instead—it still adds richness without the saturated fat.

I once made this dish with zucchini noodles (“zoodles”) instead of traditional pasta—it was lighter but still creamy and delicious. Give it a try if you’re feeling adventurous!

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Serving Suggestions

Serve this pasta in shallow bowls for a cozy presentation. Pair it with a simple side salad or steamed broccoli for added greens. A slice of crusty bread or garlic knots on the side is perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce.

Creative Idea: Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes on top for a spicy kick, or drizzle a bit of truffle oil for a gourmet twist.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the Pasta: Pasta continues to cook slightly even after removing it from heat, so aim for al dente during the cooking process.
2. Adding Cheese Too Early: Adding Parmesan too soon can cause it to clump instead of melting smoothly. Stir it in at the end for the best results.
3. Not Stirring Enough: Stirring prevents the pasta from sticking and ensures the sauce thickens evenly. Don’t skip this step!

True Story: One time, I forgot to stir the pasta while it cooked, and it turned into a giant clump at the bottom of the pan. Lesson learned: stay vigilant!

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Storing Tips for the Recipe

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

Pro Storage Tip: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

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Pro Chef’s Tips

For an ultra-smooth sauce, whisk the heavy cream and Parmesan together in a separate bowl before adding them to the skillet. Another trick: toast the dried Italian seasoning in the butter for a minute before adding the garlic—it enhances the flavor significantly.

Bonus Tool Recommendation

A deep-sided skillet or Dutch oven is perfect for one-pot meals like this. It provides plenty of room for stirring and prevents spills.

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Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With its creamy sauce, tender beef, and aromatic garlic-butter goodness, it’s a dish that satisfies both your cravings and your schedule.

Now it’s your turn! Share your creations in the comments below or post photos on social media using #onepotpastadream. And don’t forget to subscribe for more delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox. Happy cooking—and happy eating! 🍝✨

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FAQs

Q: Can I use chicken instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground chicken or turkey works beautifully and pairs well with the creamy sauce.

Q: What can I substitute for heavy cream?
A: Try half-and-half, full-fat coconut milk, or cashew cream for a lighter or dairy-free alternative.

Q: How do I keep the sauce from being too thick?
A: Add a splash of water, broth, or milk if the sauce reduces too much while cooking the pasta.

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