One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta: The Ultimate Comfort Meal

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s creamy, comforting, and ready in no time, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the perfect solution. It combines savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, rich butter, and a luscious creamy sauce—all cooked together in a single pot for minimal cleanup and maximum flavor. I tried this recipe one evening when I wanted something hearty but didn’t feel like doing dishes afterward. The results? A silky, garlicky, beefy pasta that tasted like it had simmered for hours. The sauce clings to every bite, and the buttery undertone makes it incredibly satisfying. It’s a cozy, weeknight staple that feels gourmet without the fuss—perfect for busy evenings or when you simply crave something indulgent and homey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish has everything you want in a comforting pasta—flavorful ground beef, creamy sauce, and the richness of butter and garlic. The best part? It’s truly one-pot—no separate pasta boiling required. Everything cooks together, allowing the noodles to absorb all the delicious flavors. It’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and customizable to your taste. You can even sneak in vegetables or swap the cream for a lighter alternative without losing that luscious texture.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating that silky, savory perfection. Here’s what makes it so good:

Ground beef – Use lean ground beef for a balanced flavor without too much grease. It gives the dish hearty richness and a meaty base that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Pasta – Short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works best, as they soak up the sauce and hold the beef perfectly. I once tried this with bow-tie pasta, and it worked wonderfully too.

Butter – The heart of the dish. It adds richness and enhances the garlic flavor, making the sauce irresistibly smooth.

Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is key. It infuses the butter and cream with a fragrant aroma that forms the backbone of this dish.

Heavy cream – Creates the luxurious, velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta. You can substitute with half-and-half for a lighter version.

Beef broth – Infuses the pasta with deep, savory flavor as it cooks directly in the liquid. It replaces the need for plain water and makes the sauce more flavorful.

Parmesan cheese – Adds saltiness and umami, thickening the sauce naturally. I like to grate fresh Parmesan for the best texture and flavor.

Cream cheese – Helps bind the sauce and gives it extra creaminess. It’s the secret to a perfectly silky consistency.

Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings that bring out the full flavor of the beef and garlic.

Parsley – Adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the richness of the dish.

Directions

In a large pot or deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

Add ground beef, season with salt and black pepper, and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the pasta directly into the pot, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Allow the pasta to cook in the broth for about 10–12 minutes, or until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese. Mix until smooth and creamy.

Add the grated Parmesan and stir until melted, forming a rich, velvety sauce that clings to the pasta. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving for a fresh finish. Serve warm and enjoy the ultimate creamy, garlicky goodness in every bite.

Equipment needed :

Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling

Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:

Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.

Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.

large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.

Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.

Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.

Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.

9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.

knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–5 people generously.
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Storage/reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Variations and Customizations

Spicy Beef Pasta
Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of chili paste for a subtle kick that complements the creamy sauce.

Mushroom and Spinach Version
Toss in sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach for an earthy, nutrient-packed twist.

Lighter Version
Swap the heavy cream for evaporated milk or half-and-half for a slightly leaner option.

Cheesy Upgrade
Add shredded mozzarella or provolone for an even richer, stretchier sauce.

Herb Lovers’ Pasta
Incorporate Italian seasoning or fresh basil for a fragrant, herby flavor.

Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
Replace the beef with diced chicken breast or thighs for a white-meat variation that’s equally comforting.

Low-Carb Option
Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta for a lighter take.

Bacon Lover’s Mix
Add crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty layer of flavor that takes this dish to another level.

FAQs

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly for a lighter version while keeping the same creamy texture.

2. Do I have to cook the pasta separately?

No, the beauty of this recipe is that the pasta cooks directly in the broth—one pot only!

3. Can I use milk instead of cream?

You can, but the sauce will be thinner. Heavy cream gives it the best texture.

4. How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?

Stir occasionally while simmering, especially during the first few minutes of cooking.

5. What kind of pasta works best?

Penne, rotini, or shells—they hold the sauce beautifully and cook evenly in one pot.

6. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth before serving.

7. What cheese can I substitute for Parmesan?

Asiago or Pecorino Romano are great alternatives with a similar salty kick.

8. Can I freeze this dish?

It’s best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to a month. Reheat slowly to maintain creaminess.

9. How can I make it extra garlicky?

Add roasted garlic or garlic powder in addition to the fresh garlic for deeper flavor.

10. What side dishes go well with this pasta?

A crisp green salad or garlic bread makes the perfect companion.

Conclusion

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the definition of cozy comfort food. With its rich sauce, savory beef, and heavenly garlic aroma, it’s a recipe that delivers satisfaction in every bite. Easy to make, family-friendly, and endlessly adaptable, it’s bound to become a staple in your weeknight rotation. Whether you keep it classic or customize it with your favorite add-ins, this dish proves that sometimes, the simplest meals bring the most joy.

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