Description

This One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights. Ground beef is browned and combined with garlic, onions, and Italian seasoning, then simmered with pasta in a creamy beef broth and milk sauce. Finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it delivers rich flavors and a creamy texture with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Dairy

1 lb Ground Beef (Can be substituted with ground chicken or turkey)
2 tbsp Butter (Enhances garlic flavor)
1 cup Milk (For a richer sauce use heavy cream)
1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Nutritional yeast can make it dairy-free)

Vegetables and Herbs

4 cloves Garlic (Fresh garlic preferred)
1 medium Onion (Shallots can be used for a milder flavor)
2 tbsp Fresh Parsley (Fresh basil can be a substitute)

Spices and Seasonings

1 tbsp Italian Seasoning (Fresh herbs can be substitutes)
1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (Adjust based on spice preference)
1 tsp Salt
1 tsp Black Pepper

Other Ingredients

2 cups Beef Broth (Vegetable broth can be used for a vegetarian version)
8 oz Uncooked Pasta (Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well)

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Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, for about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess grease if needed to avoid a greasy sauce.
Sauté Garlic & Onion: Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add butter to the empty side, melting it down. Sauté the garlic and onion until fragrant and softened, around 2 minutes. Then, stir in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes for added flavor.
Add Liquid & Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir in the uncooked pasta, ensuring it’s well-submerged in the liquid. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is cooked through and has absorbed the flavors.
Stir in Cheese & Seasonings: Once the pasta is tender, reduce the heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese along with salt and black pepper. Mix well until the sauce is creamy and evenly coats the pasta.
Serve & Enjoy: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for garnish. Serve hot with your favorite garlic bread or a refreshing salad on the side for a complete meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground chicken or turkey for a leaner protein option.
Vegetable broth and nutritional yeast can make this recipe vegetarian and dairy-free.
Adjust red pepper flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
Use heavy cream instead of milk for a richer, creamier sauce.
Cook uncovered if you prefer a thicker sauce—just keep an eye on the pasta to avoid drying out.