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The Ultimate Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe with Savory Beef

This Garlic Butter Pasta with Savory Beef is the ultimate one-pot dinner. Tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce come together in a dish that’s as indulgent as it is easy. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleasing recipe that turns pantry staples into a flavor-packed meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 12 oz uncooked pasta (penne or rotini work well)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot or deep skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

Add diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for another minute until fragrant.

Pour in beef broth and bring to a boil. Stir in uncooked pasta and reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and butter. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and everything is well combined.

Remove from heat and let sit for a couple of minutes to thicken. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Make it ahead: Ideal for meal prep—store in single portions for easy weekday lunches.

  • Double it up: Feeds a crowd with minimal effort. Just scale up the ingredients proportionally.

  • Customize it: Add veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition.

  • Pasta tip: Stir occasionally while simmering to prevent sticking but don’t overmix.