Looking for a quick, crowd-pleasing dinner option that doesn’t leave your kitchen in chaos? Enter the One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta. This creamy, cheesy, and flavor-packed dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgence and simplicity. Tender rotini pasta coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, savory ground beef, and a melted cheese topping make this meal unforgettable.

Plus, it’s a one-pot wonder, meaning fewer dishes for you. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, hosting friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe is an absolute game-changer.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish. Here’s why it’s worth adding to your rotation:

Minimal Cleanup: It’s all cooked in one pan. Say goodbye to mountains of dishes.
Big Flavors: The combination of rich garlic butter, creamy sauce, and melted cheese is pure comfort.
Quick and Easy: From start to finish, it takes just 30 minutes.
Customizable: Easily tweak the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To whip up this irresistible pasta, you probably already have many of these ingredients in your kitchen:

12 oz rotini pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Pro Tip:

Feel free to swap the ground beef for ground turkey or a plant-based alternative for a different spin! You can also use whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Follow these six simple steps, and you’ll have your new favorite dinner in no time.

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or deep pan over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. If needed, drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Infuse with Garlic Butter

Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of paprika, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Stir everything together and sauté for 1–2 minutes until aromatic.

Step 3: Create the Sauce Base

Pour in 2 cups of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well, and bring the mixture to a light boil.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

Add 12 oz of uncooked rotini pasta to the skillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and allow the pasta to simmer for 12–15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook until the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Make it Cheesy

Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, reduce the heat to low and stir in 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella. Combine gently until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top the pasta with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve it warm, straight from the skillet!

Why Garlic Butter + Beef = Perfection

Garlic butter is a universal flavor enhancer, offering richness and depth to any dish. Pair that with the umami of ground beef, and magic happens. Together, they create the ultimate comforting base for your pasta, elevated by the creaminess of heavy cream and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

This One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is excellent on its own, but you can pair it with these sides to make it a full meal:

A Crisp Green Salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness.
Freshly Baked Garlic Bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up the sauce.
Roasted Vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to balance the creaminess.

Storage and Reheating

Have leftovers? Lucky you! Follow these tips to reheat and enjoy your pasta the next day:

To Store:

Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

To Reheat:

Microwave individual portions on medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Alternatively, reheat on the stovetop over low heat. Add a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even simple recipes can go wrong if you’re not careful. Avoid these pitfalls:

Overcooking Pasta: Make sure to stir and check the pasta frequently to keep it al dente.
Skipping Seasoning: Garlic, Italian seasoning, and paprika add layers of flavor. Don’t skimp!
Burning the Garlic: Keep the heat under control when sautéing garlic to avoid bitterness.
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded cheese melts smoother and blends better into the sauce.

FAQs About One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta you choose. Penne, fusilli, or farfalle all work well.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes! Substitute heavy cream with your favorite plant-based cream (like coconut cream or almond milk) and use dairy-free cheese.

How do I make this spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce during Step 2 for a spicy kick.

Can this recipe be made gluten-free?

It can! Just use gluten-free pasta and ensure your beef broth is gluten-free too.

Perfect for Busy Weeknights

The One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is a lifesaver for those hectic evenings when you need something quick, satisfying, and impressive. Its creamy sauce, tender pasta, and bold flavors are guaranteed to make it a family favorite.

Want more one-pot recipes like this? Share your feedback or tag us on social media with #OnePotComfort. Better yet, get in your kitchen and give this crowd-pleasing dinner a try tonight!

One-Pot Garlic Butter Beef Pasta Recipe