Introduction
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is the kind of recipe that feels both indulgent and practical at the same time. It brings together tender beef, aromatic garlic, and a rich, creamy sauce, all cooked in a single pot for maximum flavor and minimal cleanup. I often rely on this dish when I want something hearty and satisfying without spending the entire evening in the kitchen. The beauty of a one-pot meal is how the ingredients build on each other, creating depth as they cook together.
I tested this recipe with different pasta shapes, and short pasta like penne or fusilli worked especially well because it holds the creamy sauce beautifully. The garlic butter base gives the dish a luxurious feel, while the beef adds substance and comfort. Whether you are cooking for family or simply want leftovers that reheat well, this pasta recipe is dependable, filling, and deeply flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is made in one pot, saving time and effort. It delivers a rich, creamy texture without complicated techniques and uses everyday ingredients. The balance of beef, garlic, and cream makes it a crowd-pleasing meal suitable for both weeknights and casual entertaining.
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One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta That Delivers Comfort in Every Bite
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a rich and comforting meal made with tender beef, pasta, garlic butter, and a creamy sauce, all cooked together in one pot for easy cleanup.
Ingredients
- 400 g beef strips
- 250 g pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add beef strips, season with salt, pepper, and paprika, and cook until browned. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pot, add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add pasta and beef broth, stirring to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until pasta is tender.
- Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese.
- Return the beef to the pot and mix well.
- Cook for 2–3 more minutes until creamy and well combined.
- Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor.
- Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce gets too thick.
- Mushrooms or spinach can be added for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Beef provides the hearty foundation of the dish. Ground beef works particularly well, as it cooks quickly and distributes evenly throughout the pasta.
Butter forms the base of the sauce, adding richness and a smooth mouthfeel that carries the garlic flavor.
Garlic is essential for aroma and depth. Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor and blends seamlessly into the creamy sauce.
Olive oil helps brown the beef evenly and prevents the butter from burning during cooking.
Pasta serves as the backbone of the recipe. Short pasta shapes absorb the sauce well and cook evenly in one pot.
Heavy cream creates the luxurious, creamy texture that defines this dish. It thickens naturally as it simmers with the pasta.
Beef broth adds savory depth and allows the pasta to cook while absorbing flavor.
Salt enhances all the ingredients and ensures the sauce tastes balanced.
Black pepper adds mild heat and complexity without overpowering the dish.
Parmesan cheese contributes a salty, nutty finish that deepens the overall flavor.
Fresh parsley adds brightness and a fresh contrast to the rich sauce.
Directions
Begin by heating olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Season lightly with salt and black pepper, then remove any excess fat if necessary.
Lower the heat slightly and add butter to the pot. Once melted, stir in the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Add the pasta, ensuring it is mostly submerged in the liquid. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened. This usually takes about 12 to 15 minutes.
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Finish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot.
Equipment needed
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
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.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results
Servings and timing
This recipe serves four people. Preparation time is approximately 10 minutes, and cooking time is about 20 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy evenings.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently to maintain a smooth texture.
Variations and Customizations
This one-pot pasta recipe is highly adaptable. For added vegetables, stir in spinach, peas, or mushrooms during the final minutes of cooking. They cook quickly and complement the creamy sauce well.
If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. For extra flavor, a small amount of Dijon mustard or smoked paprika can be added to the sauce.
You can also change the protein by using ground turkey or chicken, adjusting seasoning as needed. For a spicier variation, add crushed red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. Each customization allows you to tailor the dish while preserving its comforting character.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 560 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Carbs | 52 g |
| Fat | 28 g |
| Saturated Fat | 13 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 4 g |
| Sodium | 680 mg |
Expert Tips & Customizations
Choose the Right Pasta
Short pasta shapes cook evenly and hold sauce better in one-pot recipes.
Stir Occasionally
Gentle stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking.
Control the Heat
Keep the simmer gentle to avoid reducing the sauce too quickly.
Finish with Cheese
Adding cheese at the end preserves its flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any short pasta works well, but cooking time may vary slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it stores and reheats well when handled gently.
Can I make it without cream?
You can substitute milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
How do I prevent the pasta from sticking?
Stir occasionally and ensure there is enough liquid throughout cooking.
Can I freeze this dish?
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A simple green salad or steamed vegetables pair very well.
Conclusion
One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a comforting, reliable recipe that combines convenience with rich flavor. Its creamy texture, savory beef, and garlic butter base make it a dish worth repeating. Once you try it, it is likely to become a staple in your dinner rotation.
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