One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Introduction

One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a delicious and comforting meal that can be made in just one pot. This dish is perfect for busy weeknights or whenever you need a quick and satisfying dinner. It combines tender pasta, flavorful beef, and a creamy sauce that will leave everyone at the table asking for more.

Why Make This Recipe

This recipe is a fantastic choice for several reasons. First, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal prep and clean-up. Second, the one-pot method means less time washing dishes, making cooking stress-free. Last but not least, the combination of beef, garlic, and cream creates a rich flavor that is sure to please both kids and adults alike.

How to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Ingredients:

8 ounces rigatoni (or your preferred pasta)
1 lb ground beef
2 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt (adjust for flavor)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 1/2 cups beef broth
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh chopped parsley (optional for garnish)

Directions:

In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and cook while breaking it up with a spoon until browned and fully cooked.
Add the garlic and onion to the beef and cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and the onion softens.
Stir in the dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
Add the rigatoni to the pot, making sure it’s mostly submerged in the liquid.
Let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and the liquid thickens slightly (about 15-20 minutes). If needed, add extra broth to ensure the pasta is fully cooked.
Once the pasta is done, stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for another 1-2 minutes until the sauce is creamy and well combined.
Serve with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for garnish and enjoy!

How to Serve One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

This dish is best served hot and fresh from the pot. You can serve it as a main course accompanied by a side salad or some garlic bread for a complete meal. Garnishing with fresh parsley adds a nice touch of color and flavor.

How to Store One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool to room temperature, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, simply reheat it on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through.

Tips to Make One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste.
You can also add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the pot for extra nutrition.
For a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes when cooking the beef.

Variation

You can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or even vegetarian ground meat for a lighter version. Additionally, using different types of pasta can change the texture and look of the dish, so feel free to experiment with your favorites!

FAQs

Q: Can I use another type of pasta?
A: Yes! You can use any pasta you like, such as penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time if needed.

Q: Is there a way to make this recipe lighter?
A: You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lighter milk option, but the sauce may not be as creamy.

Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare it in advance. Just reheat it on the stove with a little added broth or cream to keep the sauce creamy.