This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comforting dish for when you want something hearty, creamy, and packed with flavor. The beef is perfectly browned, then combined with the richness of garlic butter, and simmered with pasta in a luscious, creamy sauce. It’s a quick and easy recipe that requires only one pot, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or just craving a comforting meal, this dish will quickly become a favorite.

Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 4

Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
  Ground beef adds a savory, rich flavor to the dish. You can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• 3 tbsp butter
  Butter is key to creating a rich, flavorful base for the garlic and beef. It adds to the creaminess of the sauce.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
  Fresh garlic creates a fragrant, aromatic flavor that infuses the entire dish, providing the perfect complement to the beef and cream.
• 2 cups beef broth
  Beef broth helps form the base of the sauce, contributing a savory, hearty flavor. You can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth if preferred.
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  Heavy cream creates the creamy, indulgent texture that makes this dish irresistible. It also helps balance the flavors of the garlic and beef broth.
• 8 oz (225g) pasta
  Penne, fettuccine, or other pasta types work well with this recipe. The pasta soaks up the creamy sauce and flavors, making each bite even more satisfying.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  Italian seasoning adds a blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, enhancing the depth of flavor in the sauce.
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  Red pepper flakes give the dish a slight kick of heat, balancing the richness of the creamy sauce. You can omit this if you prefer a milder flavor.
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty kick and helps thicken the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency.
• Salt & black pepper to taste
  These basic seasonings bring all the flavors together, enhancing the savory richness of the dish.
• Fresh parsley for garnish
  Fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness to the dish, as well as a touch of herbaceous flavor.

Instructions:

1. Sauté the Garlic:
   Start by melting the butter in a large pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté it for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant and lightly golden. This step infuses the butter with garlic flavor, which will form the foundation of your sauce.
2. Cook the Beef:
   Add the ground beef to the pot, breaking it up with a spoon or spatula. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and fully cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
3. Add Liquids and Seasoning:
   Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine with the beef. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning and add the red pepper flakes, if using. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing the flavors to meld together and the sauce to begin thickening.
4. Cook the Pasta:
   Add the uncooked pasta to the pot, making sure it’s submerged in the creamy mixture. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the pasta simmer uncovered for 10-12 minutes, or until it’s tender and has absorbed most of the liquid. The pasta should be coated in a creamy, velvety sauce.
5. Finish the Sauce:
   Once the pasta is cooked to your desired level of tenderness, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. This will melt into the sauce, adding richness and thickness. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little more beef broth or cream to reach your preferred consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed.
6. Serve and Garnish:
   Once everything is well combined, serve the creamy beef and pasta on plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley to add color and a burst of fresh flavor. Serve immediately for the best creamy texture.

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Tips for Success:

• Pasta Shape: While this recipe calls for pasta shells, feel free to swap it out for other types of pasta such as penne, fusilli, or fettuccine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use.
• Customize Your Seasoning: If you love extra heat, you can increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper. For more herbaceous flavor, fresh basil or oregano can also be stirred in toward the end.
• Cheese Variations: You can mix up the cheese in this recipe by adding mozzarella, gouda, or even cheddar for a different flavor profile. Just make sure it’s freshly grated for the best melt.
• Leftovers: This dish stores well for a day or two in the refrigerator. To reheat, add a splash of milk or cream and warm it up gently on the stove, stirring occasionally.

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Why You’ll Love This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta:

• Quick & Easy: With just one pot and simple ingredients, this dish is perfect for busy nights when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours cooking.
• Rich & Flavorful: The combination of garlic, beef, and creamy sauce makes every bite irresistible. The beef adds savory depth, while the garlic butter and cream keep things decadent.
• Minimal Cleanup: Since everything is cooked in one pot, there’s little mess to clean up afterward—a big win for weeknight meals.

This One-Pot Creamy Beef & Garlic Butter Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal, bursting with rich, savory flavors and creamy goodness. Perfect for anyone who loves pasta and beef, it’s sure to become a regular in your meal rotation!