There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bowl of creamy garlic butter pasta, especially when it comes together in a single pot with minimal cleanup. For anyone juggling a hectic schedule, this one pot pasta offers the perfect balance between convenience and indulgent flavor.

Instead of juggling multiple pans and a sink full of dishes, one-pot cooking simplifies the process without sacrificing depth. The ingredients — garlic, butter, Parmesan cheese, and heavy cream — work harmoniously to create a silky sauce that clings to every bite of pasta. According to Wikipedia’s guide on one-pot meals, the technique not only saves time but also enhances flavor by cooking everything together.

Looking for more easy dinner recipes? Check out our comfort food recipe collection on Pinterest for dishes that bring warmth to the table without extra work.

The result? A creamy, garlicky, satisfying dinner — ready in under 30 minutes.

Key Features of This One Pot Pasta Recipe

This creamy garlic butter pasta is a go-to for anyone craving a quick, satisfying meal without the mess. The beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

What sets it apart:

• One pot means fewer dishes and faster cleanup

• Cooks in under 30 minutes

• Features rich, garlicky flavor with a smooth buttery sauce

• Customizable with your favorite proteins or vegetables

• Built on pantry staples like pasta, garlic, and Parmesan

Learn more about Parmesan cheese and its flavor profile from Wikipedia.

Ingredients Breakdown: What You’ll Need & Why

Crafting the perfect one pot creamy garlic butter pasta starts with the right combination of pantry staples and fresh ingredients. Each element plays a specific role in delivering depth, creaminess, and comfort.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Ground beef (1 lb) – Adds savory richness and protein.

• Olive oil (2 tbsp) – For browning meat and enhancing texture.

• Unsalted butter (4 tbsp) – Creates the velvety buttery garlic sauce.

• Garlic cloves (6, minced) – The star flavor; bold and aromatic. Learn more about its health benefits

– Wikipedia’s garlic guide explains why it’s a powerhouse in both flavor and nutrition.

• Onion (1 small, finely chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth to balance the richness.

• Italian seasoning (1 tsp) – A blend of herbs like oregano and basil that builds classic Italian flavor. See Wikipedia’s article on Italian seasoning to understand its herb composition.

• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.

• Beef broth (3 cups) – Infuses savory depth while cooking the pasta.

• Heavy cream (1 cup) – The key to a creamy, silky texture.

• Pasta (12 oz, penne or your choice) – A sturdy shape like penne holds sauce beautifully. Curious about more pasta types? Explore the list of pasta shapes on Wikipedia.

• Parmesan cheese (1 cup, freshly grated) – Melts into the sauce, delivering umami and richness.

• Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish, color, and a fresh finish.

These ingredients combine to create a luxurious, one-pot pasta dish that’s easy enough for weeknights but impressive enough for guests.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta in One Pot – Step-by-Step

This easy garlic butter pasta recipe comes together in a single pot, delivering full flavor with minimal cleanup. Follow these step-by-step instructions to bring your weeknight dinner to life.

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large pot or deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.

2. Add Butter, Garlic & Onion

Lower the heat slightly and stir in the unsalted butter, minced garlic, and finely chopped onion. Let everything sauté for about 2–3 minutes. The garlic will become fragrant and the onion translucent — a classic start for building savory flavor. This aromatic base mirrors what makes one-pot meals so flavorful: cooking all components in layers.

3. Season the Base

Now, add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. This herb blend, rich in oregano and basil, gives the pasta its signature taste. You can learn more about these blends in this Wikipedia article on Italian seasoning.

4. Pour in Broth and Cream

Next, stir in beef broth and heavy cream. These liquids will create a rich, creamy base for the pasta to simmer in. Using broth instead of plain water boosts flavor significantly. If you’re preparing ahead, this is a great point to pause and refrigerate the mixture until dinner time.

The cream transforms the dish into a silky, indulgent sauce, similar to those found in traditional cream sauces used in European cuisines.

5. Add Uncooked Pasta

Pour in your choice of pasta — penne, rotini, or fusilli work especially well. These shapes hold sauce better, making each bite flavorful. Check out this complete list of pasta types if you’re curious about substitutions. Press the pasta down so it’s submerged in the liquid.

Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

6. Finish with Parmesan

Once the pasta is tender and the sauce has thickened, stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. The cheese adds umami richness and ties the whole dish together.

Let it rest for 5 minutes, then serve warm

One Pot vs. Traditional Pasta Cooking: What’s the Difference?

While traditional pasta recipes involve boiling noodles separately and preparing sauces in another pan, one pot pasta streamlines everything into a single vessel. The result? Less cleanup, fewer steps, and more flavor.

Cooking pasta directly in a mixture of broth and cream, like in this creamy garlic butter pasta, allows the starches to release and naturally thicken the sauce. It also infuses the noodles with flavor, eliminating the need for excess seasoning or emulsifiers. In contrast, traditional methods often require reserved pasta water or cornstarch to bind the sauce.

This approach falls under the larger category of one-pot meals, which are designed for ease and efficiency without compromising taste. For more weeknight dinner ideas, explore our Pinterest board on easy pasta dinners.

The bottom line: one pot means faster prep, bolder flavor, and a more satisfying cooking experience.

Popular Recipe Variations to Try

One of the best things about creamy garlic butter pasta is how easily it adapts to your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, avoiding certain ingredients, or just craving something new, these simple tweaks let you customize the dish without compromising its one-pot simplicity.

Protein Swaps

• Chicken or Turkey: For a lighter flavor, swap out ground beef for ground chicken or turkey.

• Italian Sausage: Adds spice and more depth to the dish.

• Mushrooms or Lentils: Perfect for a hearty vegetarian version. Pair this with vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Add Veggies

• Spinach: Stir in a few handfuls at the end until wilted.

• Peas: Add frozen peas in the last 5 minutes for sweetness and color.

• Sun-dried tomatoes: Introduce tangy contrast that balances the creamy sauce.

For more easy weeknight dinner ideas, check out this Pinterest collection of comfort food recipes.

Boost the Flavor

• Red pepper flakes: Add spice and heat to contrast the richness of the butter and cream.

• Fresh basil or oregano: Use instead of Italian seasoning for a more herbaceous touch.

• Extra cheese: Try adding mozzarella, cream cheese, or even ricotta for ultra-creamy texture.

You can also explore butter’s role in cooking to better understand why it’s so key to dishes like this.

With these variations, your one pot pasta will never feel repetitive — only more delicious each time.

Pro Tips for Creamy, Flavor-Packed Pasta Every Time

Making one pot garlic butter pasta taste restaurant-worthy at home is easier than it sounds — if you follow a few essential tips:

• Use fresh garlic: Pre-minced garlic lacks the punch of freshly chopped cloves.

• Real Parmesan matters: Skip the powdered kind and opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese for maximum melt and depth.

• Stir occasionally: Prevents sticking and ensures even cooking, especially in a one-pot method.

• Al dente pasta is key: Slightly firm noodles hold up better in the creamy sauce and won’t turn mushy.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing it to sit for five minutes thickens the sauce naturally.

If you’re wondering how cream sauces work to bind flavor and texture, explore this Wikipedia article on cream sauces. You’ll see how heat and fat work together to create the silky finish we’re aiming for.

This recipe is designed for success every time — and just like any great comfort food, it’s about layering flavor with smart, simple techniques.

What to Serve with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta

This pasta is rich and satisfying on its own, but the right sides can make it a full, balanced meal. Here are some easy pairing ideas:

• Garlic bread or crusty baguette: Perfect for soaking up the buttery sauce.

• Green salad with vinaigrette: Light, tangy contrast to balance richness.

• Roasted vegetables: Carrots, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts add texture and color.

• White wine: A crisp Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay complements the creamy base.

Looking for more meal ideas to round out your dinner? This Pinterest board on weeknight dinners offers tons of inspiration to build your menu around comfort food favorites.

Serve it family-style or in individual bowls — either way, it’s a dinner worth repeating.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

This dish stores well and reheats beautifully with a few simple tricks:

• Storage: Place leftovers in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

• Reheating: For best results, warm it on the stove over medium heat. Add a splash of milk, cream, or broth to loosen the sauce as it heats.

• Avoid overcooking: Overheating, especially in the microwave, can dry out the sauce or turn pasta mushy.

Want to make it part of your weekly meal prep? Consider portioning into containers for easy, ready-to-go lunches.

You can even freeze it — but for best results, leave out the cream and cheese, then stir them in after thawing and reheating. It’s a small tweak that ensures your one pot pasta tastes just as good the second time around.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Tips

Short on time? This dish is meal prep friendly with just a bit of planning:

• Brown the ground beef ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

• Chop garlic and onion in advance to save prep time on busy nights.

• Pre-measure spices and pasta, and store them together in a container.

If you’re planning to serve it for a gathering or later in the week, follow the full recipe and undercook the pasta by 2 minutes. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or broth to finish.

For more family-friendly comfort meals, check out our collection of easy pasta dinners, perfect for batch cooking and freezing.

FAQ Section – People Also Ask

Can I make this garlic butter pasta vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the ground beef and substitute vegetable broth for the beef broth. Add mushrooms or spinach for a hearty meatless version.

What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?

Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli work best because they hold the sauce well. To see more options, explore this Wikipedia list of pasta shapes.

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but it won’t be as rich. To thicken the sauce, stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or grated Parmesan during the final step.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use your favorite gluten-free pasta, and ensure the broth and Parmesan are gluten-free certified.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, just make sure to use a large pot and adjust cooking time slightly. Stir frequently to prevent sticking at the bottom.

How to Make Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta in One Pot

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• Author: The coozy plate

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Description

This creamy garlic butter pasta is the ultimate one-pot wonder — rich, comforting, and made with pantry staples like Parmesan cheese, garlic, and pasta. Perfect for busy nights, this dish delivers bold, savory flavor in under 30 minutes with just one pan to wash. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is endlessly adaptable with simple swaps and add-ins.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 12 oz pasta (penne or your choice)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1️⃣ In a large pot or deep skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.

2️⃣ Add butter, garlic, and chopped onion. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant.

3️⃣ Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

4️⃣ Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir well to combine.

5️⃣ Add uncooked pasta to the pot. Make sure it’s submerged in the liquid. Bring to a boil.

6️⃣ Reduce heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked and the sauce has thickened.

7️⃣ Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

8️⃣ Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken further. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

 

Notes

• Butter: Use unsalted to control saltiness.

• Garlic: Fresh is best for flavor; don’t skimp.

• Pasta Type: Penne and rotini are top picks for their sauce-hugging shapes.

• Heavy Cream Substitute: Whole milk + cream cheese or half-and-half can work in a pinch.

• Flavor Tip: Toast garlic lightly — don’t burn it — for a richer, nuttier base.

• Storage Tip: Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.