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Creamy beef and garlic butter pasta in a rustic bowl

Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

This creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is rich, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Made in one pan with ground beef, sautéed garlic, real butter, and heavy cream, it’s the perfect weeknight comfort meal. Easy to customize and family-approved—scroll down for the full recipe!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Sauce
  • 8 oz penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 3–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • 1/4 cup reserved pasta water
Optional Add-ins
  • 1/2 cup fresh spinach
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
  • 1 tbsp chopped parsley (for garnish)

Equipment

  • 1 Large skillet
  • 1 Saucepan for boiling pasta
  • 1 Spatula or wooden spoon
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons

Method
 

  1. Boil the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare Garlic Butter Base
    In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until golden and fragrant (30–45 seconds). Do not let it brown.
  3. Cook the Ground Beef
    Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and slightly crispy on the edges.
  4. Make It Creamy
    Reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce begins to thicken (about 3–5 minutes). Optional: stir in sun-dried tomatoes or spinach at this stage.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
    Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Pour in reserved pasta water a little at a time and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy garlic butter sauce.
  6. Serve and Garnish
    Top with Parmesan cheese, parsley, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for heat. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use half-and-half or Greek yogurt as a lower-fat alternative to heavy cream.
  • For extra spice, drizzle chili garlic oil before serving.
  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
  • Reheat gently on stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth.