🔁 Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
- Pasta: Swap with gluten-free or whole wheat pasta. Shells, fusilli, or elbows all work.
- Beef: Try ground turkey, sausage, or even lentils for a vegetarian twist.
- Cream: Sub with half-and-half or cream cheese for a different texture.
- Cheese: Gouda or fontina could be great alternatives!
- Add-ins: Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes would be amazing stirred in at the end.
👩🍳 How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta – Step by Step
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess grease if needed.
Step 2: Build the Flavor
Add butter, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant—your kitchen will smell incredible.
Step 3: Simmer the Pasta
Pour in beef broth and uncooked pasta. Stir well. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and most liquid is absorbed.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella. Mix until everything is melted and velvety.
Step 5: Let It Rest
Remove from heat and let sit for 3–5 minutes to thicken. Sprinkle with parsley and serve warm.
🍽 What to Serve with It
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Garlic bread (double down on the garlic, right?)
- Roasted green beans or broccoli
- A glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon
💡 Tips for the Creamiest, Dreamiest Pasta
- Don’t skip the rest time—it helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Adjust spice to taste—leave out red pepper flakes for a milder dish.
- Stir often while simmering to avoid sticking.
🧊 Storage Instructions
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet with a splash of cream or broth.
Freezing: This dish can freeze, but the texture may change slightly. If freezing, undercook pasta by 1–2 minutes.
ℹ️ General Info
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: ~640 kcal per serving
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this without cream?
Yes! Use half-and-half or even Greek yogurt (add off heat to avoid curdling).
Is this spicy?
Only mildly. Omit red pepper flakes for a totally mild version.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just use a larger pot and extend simmer time slightly if needed.
What’s the best pasta to use?
Short, sturdy shapes like penne or rotini work best.
🏁 Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Creamy Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is everything I love in a recipe: hearty, comforting, and made with ingredients you probably already have. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table—and no one leaves hungry.
I promised you versatile, and here’s proof! I hope it becomes a weeknight favorite in your home the way it has in mine.
🍑 Want More Cozy Recipes Like This?
Check out these warm, comforting meals perfect for cooler months:
- Creamy Tuscan Chicken Pasta
- Garlic Butter Shrimp and Orzo
- Cheesy Baked Rigatoni with Beef
📌 Let’s Stay Connected!
Tried this recipe?
Leave a review below or tag me in your photos on Pinterest—I LOVE seeing your delicious results!
🥣 Nutrition (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 640 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
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