There is something so comforting about a creamy pasta dinner that comes together in one pan, especially after a long, busy day. The rich garlic butter sauce, tender ground beef, and silky noodles create the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
This One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food fix. It’s quick, cozy, and packed with restaurant-style flavor, yet it uses simple ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen.
If you love easy dinners with minimal cleanup and maximum creamy goodness, this is the recipe you’ll want on repeat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Made in just one pan for easy cleanup
- Rich, creamy garlic butter flavor in every bite
- Perfect for busy weeknights when time is short
- Uses simple pantry-friendly ingredients
- Family-friendly comfort food everyone loves
- Easy to customize with veggies or spice
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
First, melt the butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook while breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s fully browned and no pink remains.
If there’s excess grease, carefully drain it off so the sauce stays creamy, not oily.
Step 2: Add Fresh Garlic
Next, stir in the freshly minced garlic.
Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, just until fragrant. Be careful here — garlic burns quickly and can turn bitter.
Step 3: Bloom the Seasonings
Then, sprinkle in the onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning.
Stir everything together and let the spices cook for about 1 minute. This quick step helps wake up the flavors and makes the dish taste extra savory.
Step 4: Add Broth, Cream, and Pasta
Now pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine.
Add the broken pasta directly into the skillet, making sure most of it is submerged in the liquid.
Bring everything to a gentle simmer. This is where the pasta starts soaking up all that creamy garlic butter flavor.
Step 5: Simmer Until Tender
Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low.
Let the pasta cook for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally so the noodles don’t stick together.
As the pasta cooks, it will absorb the broth and cream, creating a thick, silky sauce.
If the liquid reduces too quickly before the pasta is tender, simply add a small splash of broth or water.
Step 6: Stir in Parmesan for Creaminess
Once the pasta is cooked through, remove the skillet from the heat.
Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted, creamy, and smooth.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper if needed.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finally, serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and creamy.
Top with fresh chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan for the perfect finishing touch.
This dish is best enjoyed straight from the pan while the sauce is at its creamiest.
Tips for Best Results
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce
- Break long pasta in half so it cooks evenly in one pan
- Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking
- Add spinach or peas at the end for a veggie boost
- Reheat leftovers gently with a splash of broth or milk
FAQs
Can I make One-Pan Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, but it’s creamiest fresh. Store leftovers and reheat gently with extra broth.
What pasta works best for this recipe?
Linguine and fettuccine are great, but penne or rotini also work well.
Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version with the same creamy flavor.
How do I keep the sauce from drying out?
Reheat slowly and add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this creamy beef pasta?
Yes! Spinach, peas, or mushrooms are perfect additions for extra nutrition.
