Weeknight dinners often come with the challenge of balancing simplicity and flavor. However, this Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is a dish that checks both boxes effortlessly. This recipe brings together savory ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a rich butter sauce that envelops the pasta perfectly. It’s the ideal dish for anyone looking for an easy-to-make, deliciously satisfying meal that requires minimal cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or just want to treat yourself to something indulgent, this recipe will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen.

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients:

1 lb ground beef (substitute with ground chicken or turkey if preferred)
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced (or adjust based on garlic preference)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (you can substitute with a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme)
½ cup beef broth (chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you prefer)
½ cup heavy cream or milk (optional for creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)

Preparation:

Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually 8-10 minutes for al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about 1 cup of pasta cooking water for later use.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Season the beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning while it’s cooking.
Sauté the Garlic:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add the Broth and Pasta:
- Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it with the beef and broth mixture. If the mixture feels too dry, add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up.
Finish with Cream and Parmesan:
- Stir in the heavy cream (if using) and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer for another 2 minutes until everything is well combined and the sauce is creamy.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a pop of color and added freshness.
- Serve immediately with a side of crusty bread for dipping, if desired.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Boil the Pasta:
- Begin by boiling the pasta in salted water. This will form the base of your dish, so be sure not to overcook it. Al dente pasta (slightly firm to the bite) holds up better in sauces, making it perfect for this dish.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- In a skillet, cook the ground beef with butter, breaking it up as it cooks. The beef should be well-browned before moving on to the next step. Drain any excess fat to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
Add Garlic and Seasonings:
- Once the beef is cooked, stir in the minced garlic and Italian seasoning. Allow the garlic to cook for a minute or two. This releases its flavor and aroma, which infuses the beef and sauce.
Simmer with Beef Broth:
- Pour in the beef broth, allowing the mixture to simmer and thicken slightly. This broth provides the base of your sauce, adding richness and flavor.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, stirring to coat the pasta with the beef and broth mixture. This step ensures that each piece of pasta is covered in the delicious sauce.
Add Cream and Parmesan:
- For a creamy finish, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. The cream will smooth out the sauce, while the Parmesan adds a sharp, savory flavor.
Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the pasta immediately, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for an extra burst of flavor. You can also sprinkle a little more Parmesan on top for extra cheesy goodness.

Beginner Tips and Notes

Substitutions: If you prefer not to use beef, ground chicken or turkey is an excellent substitute. These options make the dish a bit lighter while still maintaining the rich, savory flavors.
Broth Alternatives: If you don’t have beef broth on hand, chicken broth, vegetable broth, or even water can be used, though the flavor will be slightly less rich.
No Heavy Cream? If you prefer a lighter version of the sauce, you can substitute the heavy cream with milk or even Greek yogurt. Just be sure to stir constantly to prevent curdling.
Pasta Tips: Any type of pasta will work well in this dish, so feel free to use what you have on hand. Penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta all make great options.
Make it Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dish when sautéing the garlic. This will give the pasta a subtle kick without overwhelming the other flavors.
Don’t Overcook the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so be sure to sauté it for just 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. If you overcook it, the garlic may turn bitter.
Make it a One-Pot Meal: This recipe is already quite convenient, but you can make it even simpler by using one pot for both the pasta and the beef. After cooking the beef, add the broth and let it simmer with the pasta in the same pot. This reduces the number of dishes to wash afterward!

Serving Suggestions

This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is delicious on its own, but there are many ways to make it a complete meal:

Side Salad: Serve with a simple side salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a balsamic vinaigrette to balance the richness of the pasta.
Garlic Bread: Pair with a slice of garlic bread or crusty baguette for dipping into the creamy sauce.
Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or bell peppers complement the pasta perfectly, adding color and nutrition to the meal.
Wine Pairing: If you’re serving this dish for a dinner party, pair it with a light red wine, such as Pinot Noir, which complements the richness of the beef and garlic butter sauce.

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta: A Comforting One-Pot Meal

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Craving comfort? This Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta delivers big flavor in one easy pot! 🍝🧄 Tender ground beef, rich garlic butter, and a luscious cream sauce come together for the ultimate cozy dinner. 🥩💛 It’s hearty, satisfying, and ready in a snap—perfect for busy nights or when you just need a warm, comforting bowl of goodness. One bite and you’ll be hooked on the silky sauce and savory beef magic! ✨🍽️

Author: Ina
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (you can substitute this with ground chicken or turkey)
2 tablespoons butter (use olive oil if you prefer)
4 cloves garlic, minced (adjust based on your garlic preference)
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (substitute with a mix of oregano, basil, and thyme if desired)
½ cup beef broth (chicken or vegetable broth are great alternatives)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but highly recommended)
8 oz pasta (penne, spaghetti, or any pasta shape you prefer)
½ cup heavy cream or milk (for added creaminess)
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley or basil (optional, for garnish)

Red pepper flakes (optional, if you want to add a bit of spice)

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Instructions

Boil the Pasta:
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add your pasta and cook it according to the package instructions, typically around 8–10 minutes for al dente pasta. Drain the pasta, but remember to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water for later. This reserved water will help to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.
Cook the Ground Beef:
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat and melt the butter.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Cook the beef for about 5–7 minutes or until it is browned and fully cooked.
- Drain any excess fat from the beef to ensure the dish doesn’t become too greasy.
Sauté Garlic and Seasonings:
- Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir well and sauté for 1–2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
- Stir in the dried Italian seasoning (or your mix of oregano, basil, and thyme). This will add an herby depth of flavor to the beef.
Simmer with Broth:
- Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the beef and garlic mixture. Stir well and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 2–3 minutes so that the flavors meld together.
Combine Pasta and Beef Mixture:
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss the pasta thoroughly to coat it with the sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Finish the Dish with Cream and Cheese:
- Stir in the heavy cream (if using) to make the sauce creamy and rich. Add the grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
- Let the pasta simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and the flavors to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
Serve and Garnish:
- Serve the pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. For an even cheesier dish, feel free to sprinkle extra Parmesan on top.

Notes

Substitutions:
- If you don’t have ground beef or prefer a lighter option, you can easily swap it out with ground chicken, turkey, or even vegetarian alternatives like plant-based ground “beef.”
- Use any pasta you like! Penne, spaghetti, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta are all great options. The shape doesn’t affect the flavor, so feel free to use whatever you have available.
How to Avoid Overcooking the Garlic:
- Garlic cooks quickly, so make sure to sauté it for just 1–2 minutes. If you overcook it, garlic can become bitter. Keep an eye on it while it’s cooking to avoid this.
Beef Broth Alternatives:
- If you don’t have beef broth, chicken or vegetable broth will work just as well. You could even use water in a pinch, but broth adds a much richer flavor to the dish.
For a Lighter Sauce:
- If you want to make this dish lighter, you can substitute heavy cream with milk or Greek yogurt. Keep in mind that Greek yogurt will give it a tangier flavor, so adjust the seasoning accordingly.
Make It Spicy:
- If you enjoy a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the dish when you sauté the garlic. It adds just the right amount of kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Pasta Water Tip:
- Always reserve a bit of pasta water before draining your pasta. The starchy water helps thicken the sauce and can help adjust the consistency of the dish.

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This creamy garlic butter beef pasta is an easy recipe that’s perfect for beginners but can easily be customized to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or enjoying a solo dinner, this dish is sure to satisfy.

Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta: A Comforting One-Pot Meal