Description
This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is a deliciously rich and comforting meal made with ground beef, savory garlic butter, and a creamy Parmesan-infused sauce. With minimal cleanup and a quick cooking time of just 30 minutes, this hearty pasta dish combines tender pasta with the robust flavors of Italian seasoning and a hint of red pepper flakes for a slight kick. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s a satisfying and flavorful one-pot meal garnished with fresh parsley.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese (plus extra for serving)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Pantry
- 3 cups beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter taste)
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or shells)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt & black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large pot over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Make sure the beef is cooked through and then drain any excess fat from the pot to prevent greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the butter to the browned beef in the pot. Once melted, add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Add the pasta, making sure it is fully submerged in the liquid. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if using.
- Simmer: Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let the pasta simmer for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and to ensure even cooking, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish with Cheese: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese into the pasta and sauce mixture until it melts and creates a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish the creamy beef pasta with freshly chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half and use chicken broth instead of beef broth.
- Red pepper flakes can be omitted or adjusted to control the spice level.
- Any short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells work well for this recipe.
- If the sauce thickens too much while simmering, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor results.
- Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
