There’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of creamy pasta to soothe the soul, and this Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter is exactly that kind of comfort food. Rich, savory, and full of garlicky goodness, it brings together the indulgent flavors of tender ground beef, silky cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta—all in one pan. Whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner or a cozy meal on a cold evening, this dish delivers every time.

What makes this pasta extra special is the garlic butter. It creates a luscious, flavorful base that seeps into every bite, perfectly complementing the beef and creaminess of the sauce. It’s the kind of meal that gets requested over and over again because it checks every box: easy, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter
- It’s a true one-pot wonder—less cleanup, more flavor.
- Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Incredibly creamy and garlicky without being too heavy.
- Family-friendly and picky-eater approved.
- Comforting, filling, and deeply satisfying.
What Kind of Pasta Works Best for This Creamy Beef Dish?
Fettuccine or tagliatelle are excellent choices for this recipe because their wide, flat shape holds onto the creamy beef sauce well. However, penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni can be swapped in depending on what you have on hand. The key is to use pasta that has enough surface area to soak up the rich garlic butter and beef flavor.
Ingredients for the Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter
Each ingredient in this dish serves a flavorful purpose, making the final result greater than the sum of its parts:
- Ground Beef – Brings savory richness and meaty depth to the sauce.
- Garlic (minced) – Adds a fragrant, punchy base that defines the dish.
- Butter – The heart of the garlic butter sauce, bringing richness and silkiness.
- Pasta (fettuccine or preferred type) – The main carb, ideal for absorbing the creamy beef sauce.
- Beef Broth – Adds depth and helps cook the pasta in the same pot.
- Heavy Cream – Creates the signature creaminess of the sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds salty, nutty flavor that blends beautifully into the cream.
- Salt and Pepper – Simple seasonings that enhance all the other flavors.
- Chopped Parsley (optional) – For a fresh, colorful garnish.
How To Make the Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 2: Build the Garlic Butter Base
Add the butter and minced garlic to the cooked beef. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic is golden and fragrant.
Step 3: Add Pasta and Broth
Pour in the beef broth and add the pasta. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer uncovered. Stir frequently to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Stir in the Cream
Once the pasta is almost al dente and most of the broth has been absorbed, stir in the heavy cream. Simmer until the sauce thickens and the pasta is perfectly cooked.
Step 5: Add Cheese and Finish
Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan until melted and combined. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Garnish with parsley if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta
This creamy beef pasta is best served hot, straight from the pot. The dish comfortably feeds 4 to 5 people, making it perfect for a family dinner or a meal-prep option with leftovers.
For storing, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm over low heat.
What to Serve With Creamy Beef Pasta?
Garlic Bread
Golden and crispy, perfect for scooping up the last bits of sauce.
Simple Caesar Salad
A crunchy, refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
Adds a slightly charred, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully.
Balsamic Glazed Carrots
Brings a sweet-tangy brightness to the plate.
Sautéed Green Beans
Quick to make and adds a crisp texture to the meal.
Crusty Baguette
Another bread option that’s perfect for dipping.
Tomato Basil Soup
Pairs wonderfully if you want to stretch the meal into a two-course dinner.
Sparkling Water with Lemon
Keeps the meal light and refreshing without overpowering flavors.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If this Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta hit the spot, you’ll definitely want to try some of these other hearty meals:
- Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta for a fun twist on weeknight beef pasta.
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce brings Philly flavor in a cozy pasta bowl.
- Creamy Beef and Shells is ultra kid-friendly and just as satisfying.
- Garlic Butter Meatballs with Parmesan Penne if you’re craving bold flavors with a cheesy punch.
- One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for when you want something just as easy but with a smoky twist.
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you use parmesan or go full cheddar? Did you sneak in some mushrooms or add chili flakes?
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Creamy One-Pot Beef Pasta with Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Warm, hearty, and irresistibly creamy, this one-pot beef pasta with garlic butter is the ultimate comfort food. Featuring tender ground beef, rich cream, and savory garlic butter, this dish comes together quickly in a single pot—making cleanup a breeze. It’s ideal for quick weeknight dinners, satisfying weekend indulgence, or when you just need a comforting bowl of something delicious. A must-try for anyone looking for easy dinner ideas, family meals, and cozy food that brings everyone to the table. This is your go-to easy recipe for when flavor and speed are non-negotiable.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp butter
8 oz fettuccine pasta
3 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add butter and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
3. Pour in beef broth and add pasta. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer. Stir often.
4. Once pasta is nearly cooked and liquid is mostly absorbed, stir in heavy cream.
5. Let simmer until pasta is tender and sauce is thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother, meltier finish.
Stir the pasta frequently while cooking to prevent it from sticking to the pan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: One-Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 39g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, garlic butter pasta, one pot pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal
