Family Recipes

    One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta*

    * not tested /

    Prep Time, Cook Time & Serving Yield

    • Prep Time: 10 minutes
    • Cook Time: 25 minutes
    • Total Time: 35 minutes
    • Servings: 4–6
    • Calories: Approximately 620 per serving

    Ingredients

    For the Pasta:

    Creamy pasta recipes

    Comfort food dishes

    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • 1 pound (450g) ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
    • Salt and black pepper, to taste
    • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for warmth)
    • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
    • 4 garlic cloves, minced
    • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
    • 3 cups beef broth (low sodium if possible)
    • 1 ½ cups heavy creamOne-pot creamy beef pastaCreamy garlic butter pasta
    • 12 oz (340g) pasta (penne, rotini, or shells work well)
    • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
    • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    • Extra Parmesan for serving

    Instructions

    Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions

    1. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
    2. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika.Easy pasta recipes
    3. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the beef is browned.
    4. Add chopped onions and continue cooking until the onions are soft and translucent (about 3 minutes).

    Step 2: Infuse the Garlic Butter

    1. Add minced garlic and the butter to the pot with the beef mixture.
    2. Stir well until the butter melts and the garlic becomes fragrant — about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

    Step 3: Add Liquids and Pasta

    1. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream.
    2. Stir well, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan for flavor.
    3. Add your dry pasta directly into the pot. Stir to coat and ensure pasta is submerged.

    Step 4: Simmer and Cook Pasta

    1. Bring everything to a gentle boil.
    2. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover with a lid, and let the pasta simmer for about 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
    3. Once the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, remove the lid.

    Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish

    1. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese.
    2. Let the pasta sit uncovered for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken naturally.
    3. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

    Step 6: Garnish and Serve

    1. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes if using, and chopped parsley.
    2. Serve hot, topped with extra Parmesan and cracked black pepper.

    Pro Tips & Variations

    Pasta Tips:

    • Short pasta like penne, fusilli, shells, or rigatoni holds sauce better than spaghetti.
    • If using gluten-free pasta, reduce the cook time by 2–3 minutes and monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

    Flavor Boosters:

    • Add a splash of white wine (about ¼ cup) after browning the meat for extra depth.
    • A tablespoon of tomato paste added with the garlic gives a richer umami kick.

    Cheese Substitutes:

    • Replace Parmesan with Pecorino Romano for a saltier, sharper flavor.
    • Add a bit of mozzarella at the end for a stretchier, cheesier texture.

    Meat Options:

    • Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
    • Try thinly sliced steak or leftover roast beef for an upgrade.

    Add-Ins:

    • Add baby spinach, kale, or mushrooms during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
    • Stir in peas or corn for a pop of color and sweetness.

    Serving Suggestions

    This dish is comforting on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:

    • Garlic Bread or Breadsticks – Perfect for dipping into the  creamy sauce.
    • Simple Green Salad – A crisp, lightly dressed arugula or romaine salad balances the richness.
    • Roasted Veggies – Try asparagus, broccoli, or roasted carrots.

    Make it a meal:
    Serve with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon slices for a complete dining experience.

    Storage & Reheating

    Storage:

    • Let the  pasta cool completely.
    • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

    Reheating:

    • Warm in a pot on low heat with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
    • Microwave in 60-second intervals, stirring between, until hot.

    Freezing Tip:
    This dish can be frozen, but the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

    Nutritional Information (Approximate per Serving)

    ComponentAmount
    Calories620
    Protein26g
    Carbohydrates48g
    Fat36g
    Saturated Fat18g
    Fiber3g
    Sugar4g
    Sodium670mg
    Calcium190mg
    Iron3mg
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