If you’ve ever wished dinnertime could be simpler without sacrificing flavor, this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is the perfect answer. It’s a mouthwatering balance of rich, buttery garlic, savory ground beef, and tender cavatappi pasta all cooked together in one pan. The magic here is how effortlessly all the ingredients combine to create a comforting, homestyle meal that feels indulgent yet comes together quickly. Whether you’re feeding a family or just craving a hearty, satisfying dish, this recipe delivers both taste and convenience with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward and accessible, each chosen to build layers of flavor and texture without overwhelming your kitchen. From the creamy butter to the fragrant garlic and perfectly seasoned ground beef, everything plays a crucial role in making this dish a standout.
- 1 pound ground beef: The protein base that adds heartiness and a rich, meaty flavor.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Gives the dish a luscious, creamy texture and helps meld the garlic flavor throughout.
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that aromatic punch and depth.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: A subtle boost of garlic flavor that complements the fresh minced garlic.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth without needing fresh onions.
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder: A secret ingredient that lifts the overall flavor with just a hint of tanginess.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Adds a touch of heat and complexity.
- 3 cups (24 ounces) chicken broth: The flavorful cooking liquid that softens the pasta and infuses the whole dish.
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta: Its corkscrew shape holds sauce beautifully and cooks up perfectly tender.
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated: Adds a nutty, salty finish as a garnish to complement the dish.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a mild herbaceous note.
How to Make One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking your ground beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. This step is where the rich, savory foundation of your pasta starts to build. Once cooked, drain any excess grease to keep the dish from becoming greasy and set the beef aside. This ensures the beef stays tender and flavorful when combined later.
Step 2: Sauté the Garlic in Butter
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter, then add the freshly minced garlic. Let it cook gently for about a minute until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This buttery garlic mixture will infuse the entire dish, giving you that indulgent, comfort-food feel right from the start.
Step 3: Mix in the Beef and Seasonings
Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and sprinkle in your seasonings: garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well so the beef is evenly coated with these layers of flavor. This simple seasoning blend plays a huge role in making this pasta taste anything but ordinary.
Step 4: Add Broth and Pasta, Then Simmer
Pour in the chicken broth and immediately add your cavatappi pasta. Give it a quick stir to distribute everything, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook directly in the broth for about 10 to 12 minutes, or until tender. Cooking the pasta right in the broth means it absorbs all those meaty, buttery, garlicky flavors, making each bite irresistibly tasty.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, sprinkle the top with freshly grated parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. The parmesan melts slightly, adding a salty richness, while the parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Now your One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is ready to enjoy!
How to Serve One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly grated parmesan is a no-brainer garnish that elevates this dish to restaurant-quality at home. Adding chopped parsley not only brightens up the flavors but also gives a beautiful green contrast to the creamy pasta, making the meal even more inviting on the plate.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or roasted vegetables. A crunchy breadstick or garlic bread also works wonders for mopping up any buttery sauce left on the plate, turning every last bit into a delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this pasta in individual bowls topped with a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of truffle oil for an upscale touch. You can also add a fried egg on top or mix in sautéed mushrooms and spinach for extra layers of flavor and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping it chilled promptly helps maintain the fresh flavors and prevents the pasta from over-soaking in the sauce.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, package the pasta tightly in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator to preserve texture and flavors.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving without adding liquid, as the pasta can dry out or become tough.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While cavatappi works wonderfully due to its shape and texture, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just keep an eye on the cooking time as smaller pasta may cook faster.
Is ground beef the only protein option?
You can switch ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian twist. Adjust seasonings slightly to complement your choice.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, by using gluten-free pasta and ensuring your chicken broth is gluten-free, you can enjoy this dish without gluten. The flavors stay just as delicious!
What can I use if I don’t have chicken broth?
Beef or vegetable broth are excellent substitutes and will add their own unique depth of flavor. Just make sure whatever broth you use is low sodium to better control seasoning.
Is it possible to add vegetables to this pasta?
Definitely! Adding spinach, peas, mushrooms, or diced bell peppers either during the simmering stage or sautéed separately adds color, nutrition, and extra flavor to this already fantastic dish.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about creating a full, flavorful meal in just one pot, and this One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe does just that with ease and style. It’s perfect for busy weeknights yet impressive enough to share with friends and family. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover how simple, comforting, and downright delicious dinner can be!
Print
One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and easy one pot beef and garlic butter pasta recipe that combines savory ground beef with aromatic garlic butter sauce, tender pasta, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a comforting and flavorful meal in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ½ cup (50 g) parmesan cheese, grated for garnish
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Liquids and Pasta
- 3 cups (24 ounces) chicken broth
- 8 ounces cavatappi pasta
Garnishes
- fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is no longer pink. Once cooked, drain any excess grease from the skillet and set the beef aside.
- Sauté the garlic in butter: Melt the unsalted butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently, until fragrant but not browned.
- Add seasonings and beef: Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet with the garlic butter. Add garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef evenly with the seasonings.
- Cook the pasta in broth: Pour in the chicken broth and add the cavatappi pasta. Stir to combine, then bring the mixture to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid, about 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Garnish and serve: Once the pasta is cooked through, remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- If chicken broth is unavailable, beef broth or vegetable broth can be used instead.
- Make sure to stir occasionally while the pasta cooks to prevent it from sticking to the skillet.
- For extra garlic flavor, add an additional half teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and texture.
- This recipe can be easily doubled for larger groups.
