This Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is a rich, creamy one-pan dinner loaded with savory ground beef, tender pasta, plenty of garlic, and Parmesan cheese. Everything cooks together in the same skillet, giving the sauce an extra creamy texture while keeping cleanup incredibly simple.
Recipe Information
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4–5
- Course: Dinner, Main Course
- Cuisine: American-Italian Inspired
- Difficulty: Easy
- Cooking Method: One-Pan / Stovetop
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz linguine or fettuccine
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
- Extra Parmesan cheese, optional for serving
Equipment
- Large deep skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cheese grater
- Tongs
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Brown the Beef
Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the ground beef and season lightly with salt and black pepper. Cook while breaking the meat into small pieces until browned and completely cooked through.
Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 2 – Add the Garlic
Add the minced garlic to the browned beef.
Cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant.
Step 3 – Season
Stir in:
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Italian seasoning
Cook for another 20–30 seconds to release the flavors of the seasonings.
Step 4 – Add the Pasta & Liquids
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream.
Add the uncooked linguine or fettuccine and stir gently so the pasta is mostly submerged in the liquid.
Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Step 5 – Cook Until Creamy
Reduce the heat to low and cover the skillet.
Cook for approximately 10–12 minutes, stirring every few minutes so the pasta doesn’t stick together.
If the liquid disappears before the pasta becomes tender, add a small splash of chicken broth or water.
Step 6 – Add Parmesan
Once the pasta is al dente and the sauce has thickened, stir in the freshly grated Parmesan.
Continue stirring until the cheese melts into the sauce and everything becomes creamy.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
Step 7 – Serve
Remove from the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
Serve immediately with additional Parmesan cheese if desired.
Optional Add-Ins
You can easily customize this pasta with:
- Sautéed mushrooms
- Baby spinach
- Red pepper flakes
- Caramelized onions
- Broccoli
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Extra garlic
- Mozzarella cheese
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
When reheating, add a splash of milk, cream, or chicken broth to loosen the sauce. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until thoroughly hot.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Beef Pasta
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts much more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
- Keep the heat low once the cream is added to prevent the sauce from separating.
- Stir the pasta periodically while it cooks because one-pan pasta can stick easily.
- Don’t let the sauce become completely dry—it will continue to thicken as it cools.
- For an extra garlic-butter flavor, stir in another tablespoon of butter immediately before serving.
Nutrition – Approximate Per Serving
Based on 5 servings:
- Calories: 610
- Protein: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fat: 37g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta?
Yes. Spaghetti, penne, bowtie, rotini, or another favorite pasta will work. Cooking time and the amount of broth needed may vary.
Can I substitute the heavy cream?
Half-and-half can be used for a lighter sauce, although it won’t be quite as rich.
Why did my pasta absorb all the sauce?
Pasta continues absorbing liquid as it sits. Stir in a splash of warm broth or cream until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Can I make it spicy?
Yes. Add ¼–½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes along with the Italian seasoning.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Beef Pasta is perfect when you need something hearty, creamy, and comforting without spending all evening in the kitchen. The buttery garlic sauce, savory beef, tender pasta, and Parmesan all come together in one skillet for an easy family dinner that’s especially good served straight from the pan.
