Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my favorite weeknight dinner: one pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta! This dish is not just simple; it’s downright delicious, and it brings all the cozy vibes to the dinner table. I mean, who doesn’t love a meal that combines tender pasta with savory ground beef, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce? It’s like a warm hug in a bowl!

The beauty of this recipe lies in its ease. Everything cooks in one pot, which means less mess and more time to enjoy your food. And trust me, the aroma of garlic butter wafting through your kitchen while this beauty simmers is absolutely irresistible. You’ll find yourself making this again and again, and your family will be begging for seconds!

Ingredients List

8 oz pasta (any shape you love, I usually go for penne or fusilli for that perfect sauce cling!)
1 lb ground beef (choose lean for a healthier option, but I say go with what you love!)
4 cloves garlic, minced (because garlic is life, right? Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover like me!)
1 cup beef broth (homemade is great, but store-bought works just fine for a quick meal)
1 cup heavy cream (this makes it super creamy and dreamy!)
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (the more, the merrier, I always say!)
2 tbsp butter (for that rich, buttery goodness)
Salt to taste (always taste as you go, you’ll thank me later!)
Pepper to taste (freshly cracked is best for that extra kick!)

How to Prepare One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

First things first, grab a large pot and melt the butter over medium heat. You want it to be nice and bubbly, creating that delicious base for our flavor party!
Next, add the ground beef and cook it until it’s beautifully browned. This should take about 5–7 minutes. Make sure to break it up with a spatula as it cooks so you get those lovely little crumbles.
Once the beef is browned, it’s time to invite the garlic to the party! Stir in those minced cloves and let them cook for about 1 minute. The smell will be heavenly, trust me!
Now, let’s bring in the star of the show: add the pasta, beef broth, and heavy cream all at once. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Oh, it’s going to be so creamy!
Bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed some of that delicious liquid. This should take about 10–12 minutes, depending on your pasta shape.
When the pasta is cooked to perfection, it’s time to stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until it melts and you have a gloriously creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t forget to give it one last taste test – you want that perfect balance of flavors!
Serve warm, and enjoy the smiles as you dig into this creamy, comforting dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: You can whip this up in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Simple Ingredients: With just a handful of pantry staples, you can create a satisfying meal that feels fancy without the fuss.
Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, beef, and creamy Parmesan creates a flavor explosion that will have everyone asking for the recipe!
One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup means more time to relax after dinner – just one pot to wash, yay!
Comfort Food: It’s the ultimate cozy dish, perfect for curling up on the couch with a big bowl of creamy pasta.
Customizable: You can easily tweak it to fit your taste or what you have on hand – the possibilities are endless!

Tips for Success

Don’t Rush the Browning: Take your time when browning the beef. A good sear adds tons of flavor, and you want those tasty bits stuck to the bottom of the pot!
Adjust the Garlic: If you’re a garlic fanatic like me, feel free to throw in an extra clove or two! It adds a lovely depth to the dish. Just remember, garlic can be potent, so adjust to your taste.
Pick Your Pasta Wisely: Different pasta shapes cook at different rates. If you choose a thicker pasta, be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. You want it al dente, not mushy!
Experiment with Broth: For an extra flavor boost, try using homemade beef broth if you have it. But honestly, store-bought works just as well for a quick meal!
Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, save a cup of the cooking water. It’s a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency if it gets too thick!
Taste as You Go: This is key! Adjust your seasonings throughout the cooking process. You want to make sure you have that perfect balance of flavors before serving.
Let It Rest: After cooking, let the pasta sit for a couple of minutes before serving. This helps the sauce thicken up and cling beautifully to each bite!

Variations of One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

One of the best parts about this one pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is how flexible it is! You can easily switch things up based on what you have or what you’re in the mood for. Here are some of my favorite variations that keep this dish exciting:

Ditch the Beef: Try swapping out the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option. You can even use cooked sausage for a spicy kick!
Veggie Power: Toss in some veggies to make it heartier! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers blend beautifully with the creamy sauce. Just add them in with the garlic so they soften nicely.
Different Pasta Shapes: Don’t feel locked into just one pasta type! Fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti all work wonderfully here. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!
Herb Infusion: For a fresh burst of flavor, sprinkle in some Italian herbs like basil, oregano, or thyme while it cooks. You can also finish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor!
Cheesy Goodness: Experiment with different cheeses! Try adding mozzarella for a stringy texture, or a sprinkle of feta for a tangy twist.
Spice It Up: If you like heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to give it some zing. It takes the flavor to a whole new level!
Make It Vegetarian: Simply skip the meat and add extra veggies, or even some plant-based protein options like lentils or chickpeas for a filling dish.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create your own version of this creamy pasta dish. Trust me, the possibilities are endless, and each variation brings its own unique flair to the table!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Once you’ve enjoyed this delicious one pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta, you might find yourself with some leftovers (if you can resist eating it all in one sitting!). Storing it properly is key to keeping that creamy goodness intact!

First up, let it cool down a bit before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s sealed well so it doesn’t absorb any weird fridge odors – nobody wants that!

Now, when it comes to reheating, I’ve got a couple of options for you to keep that creamy sauce luscious:

Stovetop: This is my go-to method! Just pop the pasta into a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to help loosen up the sauce as it warms. Stir occasionally until it’s heated through, and voilà!
Microwave: If you’re in a hurry, you can definitely use the microwave. Just place your pasta in a microwave-safe bowl, cover it loosely with a lid or microwave-safe wrap, and heat in short bursts (about 30 seconds at a time). Stir in between to ensure it heats evenly. You might want to add a splash of cream or broth to keep it from drying out!

And remember, while reheating is convenient, the dish is best enjoyed fresh, so try to only store what you think you’ll eat within a few days. Happy cooking and happy eating!

Nutritional Information

When it comes to enjoying delicious meals like my one pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta, it’s always nice to know what you’re putting into your body! Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for one serving of this creamy delight, based on typical ingredient values:

Calories: 600
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 35g

Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use. Whether you’re counting macros or just looking to enjoy a hearty meal, this pasta dish is a satisfying option that won’t let you down!

FAQ Section

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can use any pasta shape you enjoy, like fusilli, penne, or even spaghetti! Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may require adjustments. The key is to cook until it’s al dente!

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prepare the components in advance. Cook the beef and garlic, and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just combine everything in one pot and warm it up!

What if I want to make it healthier?

Great question! You can swap out the ground beef for lean turkey or even add in more veggies to bulk it up. Using whole wheat pasta is also a fantastic way to add some fiber without sacrificing flavor.

Can I freeze leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze this dish! Just let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight container. It should last in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop!

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

No problem! Simply skip the beef and add in your favorite vegetables or some plant-based protein like lentils or chickpeas. You can still enjoy that creamy garlic butter goodness while keeping it meat-free!

For more delicious pasta recipes, check out this creamy avocado pasta recipe or this one pot tomato basil pasta for a different twist on comfort food!

One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta: Pure Comfort

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and delicious one pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta dish.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz pasta
1 lb ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
Salt to taste
Pepper to taste

Instructions

In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat.
Add ground beef and cook until browned.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
Add pasta, beef broth, and heavy cream.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is cooked.
Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm.

Notes

Use any pasta shape you prefer.
Adjust garlic according to taste.
For added flavor, consider adding herbs.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 100mg

Keywords: one pot creamy beef and garlic butter pasta

Spread the love