Name: Creamy Beef Garlic Butter Pasta in OnePot Delicious
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb. ground beef; 8 oz. penne pasta; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp. unsalted butter; 1 tsp. Italian seasoning; Salt and black pepper to taste; Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Introduction

In a world where one-pot meals are often synonymous with bland, uninspired dishes, have you ever wondered if it’s truly possible to create a delectable, restaurant-quality pasta dish in a single pot? The answer may surprise you. Our One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta proves that you can, in fact, enjoy a rich, flavorful pasta experience with minimal cleanup. Dive in as we explore the secrets to crafting this mouthwatering meal that’s poised to become a new family favorite.

Ingredients List

1 lb. ground beef
8 oz. penne pasta
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp. unsalted butter
1 tsp. Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the beef if desired. For a creamier texture, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Adjust the amount of Parmesan cheese to your personal preference.

Timing

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, which is 25% faster than the average pasta dish. The hands-on prep time is just 10 minutes, making it a quick and easy weeknight meal that can be on the table in no time.

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, until it’s no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 2: Add the Pasta and Broth

Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the browned beef, then add the uncooked penne pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.

Step 3: Stir in the Creamy Goodness

Once the pasta is cooked to your desired texture, remove the lid and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened to your liking.

Step 4: Finish with Butter

Finally, remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the unsalted butter until it’s melted and fully incorporated. This step adds a luxurious, silky texture to the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Serve the One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Pair it with a crisp salad or garlic bread for a complete and satisfying meal.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 540 per serving
Total Fat: 32g
Saturated Fat: 17g
Cholesterol: 115mg
Sodium: 640mg
Total Carbohydrates: 35g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Total Sugars: 2g
Protein: 28g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

To make this dish even more nutritious, consider the following modifications:

Swap the Ground Beef: Use ground turkey or Italian chicken sausage to reduce the overall fat and calorie content.
Use Whole Wheat Pasta: Opt for whole wheat penne or fusilli to boost the fiber and complex carbohydrates.
Reduce the Cream: Replace some of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or plain Greek yogurt to cut down on saturated fat.
Add More Vegetables: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to increase the nutrient density.
Adjust the Cheese: Use a lighter, reduced-fat Parmesan or try a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes. Serve it alongside a fresh green salad, roasted asparagus, or garlicky bread for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. For a heartier option, consider pairing it with sautéed kale or a simple steamed broccoli. And don’t forget the importance of garnishes – a sprinkle of chopped parsley or a grating of lemon zest can elevate the dish and make it even more visually appealing.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To ensure your One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta turns out perfectly every time, be mindful of these common pitfalls:

Overcooking the Pasta: Keep a close eye on the pasta and stop cooking it when it’s al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Invest in high-quality beef, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream for the best flavor and texture.
Forgetting to Drain the Beef: Failing to drain the excess fat from the browned beef can result in a greasy, unappetizing dish.
Letting the Sauce Simmer for Too Long: Overcooking the sauce can cause it to separate or become too thick and gloppy.
Skimping on the Butter: The final addition of butter is what gives the sauce its luxurious, silky mouthfeel, so don’t skimp on this ingredient.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

Leftovers of this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, you may need to add a splash of milk or broth to thin out the sauce and restore its creamy consistency.

For longer-term storage, the dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Conclusion

The One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a game-changer in the world of one-pan meals. With its rich, flavor-packed sauce, tender pasta, and simple preparation, this dish proves that you can enjoy restaurant-quality flavors in the comfort of your own home. Give it a try and let us know what you think in the comments below. Don’t forget to share your photos and tag us on social media! And be sure to subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipe ideas and cooking tips.

FAQs

Q: Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

A: Absolutely! While penne is the classic choice, you can use other short, tubular pasta shapes like rigatoni, ziti, or even elbow macaroni. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure the pasta reaches the desired texture.

Q: Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

A: Yes, this One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container. When ready to enjoy, thaw the pasta in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Q: Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

A: To make this dish vegetarian, you can substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground “meat” alternative. For a vegan version, use a non-dairy milk or plant-based cream instead of the heavy cream, and substitute the Parmesan cheese with a vegan alternative.

Q: How can I make this recipe spicier?

A: To add a spicy kick to the One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta, try stirring in a tablespoon or two of your favorite hot sauce, such as Sriracha or crushed red pepper flakes, along with the other sauce ingredients.

Q: Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

A: Yes, you can prepare the recipe in advance up to the point of adding the cream and butter. Simply brown the beef, cook the pasta, and store the components separately in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, reheat the beef and pasta, then stir in the cream and butter to finish the dish.