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One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta in a bowl

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

A quick and comforting one-pot pasta dish made with ground beef, garlic, and creamy sauces, perfect for family dinners.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Meat and seasonings
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef Lean ground beef works best.
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika Adds a rich flavor.
  • 1 tsp garlic powder For additional garlic flavor.
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp Cajun seasoning Optional for added spice.
  • to taste Salt & black pepper Adjust according to preference.
Pasta and dairy
  • 12 oz pasta (rotini, rigatoni, or penne) Rotini holds sauce nicely.
  • 3 tbsp butter Use unsalted for better control.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic gives better flavor.
  • 3 cups chicken broth Can use low-sodium for less salt.
  • 1 cup heavy cream To make the sauce creamier.
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese For rich cheesiness.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes Optional for a gentle kick.
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.

Method
 

Cooking the beef
  1. Heat a large deep skillet or pot over medium-high heat. Melt 1 tbsp butter.
  2. Add the ground beef and season with smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Cook until no pink remains and break it into bite-sized pieces. Drain excess fat if it looks greasy.
Adding ingredients
  1. Push the beef to one side of the pan. Add the remaining butter and the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Add the uncooked pasta right to the beef and garlic. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
  3. Bring everything gently to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Stir every few minutes until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed, about 10–12 minutes.
Finishing touches
  1. Stir in the shredded cheddar and grated Parmesan until the sauce is silky and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper, and add red pepper flakes if desired.
  2. Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra dusting of Parmesan.

Notes

Using pre-minced garlic can save time. If the sauce separates, stir in a small splash of cream and cheese off the heat to bring it back together. For a flavor twist, add frozen peas or roasted mushrooms.