Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works beautifully. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different shapes may cook a bit faster or slower.

Can I make it dairy-free?

Definitely. Swap the butter for a non-dairy alternative (like vegan butter or olive oil), and either skip the parmesan or use a plant-based hard cheese. The flavor will still shine!

What if I don't have chicken broth?

Vegetable broth or even beef broth make good substitutes. You can also use water and bump up the seasonings for more flavor.

Will this work with ground turkey?

Yes! Ground turkey is a fantastic alternative, and the seasonings and garlic butter sauce keep it far from bland. You might even find you like it just as much as the beef version.

One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe

Name: One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef; 8 ounces cavatappi pasta; 3 cups (24 ounces) chicken broth; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder; 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 cup (50g) parmesan cheese, grated; Fresh parsley, chopped

Description

This One Pot Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta is a quick, comforting main-course meal made with ground beef, tender cavatappi pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. With everything cooked in a single pan, cleanup is minimal while flavors shine! Finished with parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, it’s an easy weeknight dinner in just 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef
8 ounces cavatappi pasta
3 cups (24 ounces) chicken broth

Butter & Aromatics

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons garlic, minced

Seasonings

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Garnish

1/2 cup (50g) parmesan cheese, grated
Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Break it up as it browns, cooking for 6-8 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess grease and transfer the cooked beef to a plate. Set aside.
Prepare Garlic Butter Base: In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring frequently to prevent burning.
Combine Beef and Seasonings: Return the cooked beef to the skillet. Sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well to evenly coat the beef with the seasonings.
Add Broth and Pasta: Pour in the chicken broth, then add the cavatappi pasta, making sure the pasta is fully submerged in the liquid. Bring everything to a gentle simmer.
Cook the Pasta: Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
Serve and Garnish: Spoon the beef and garlic butter pasta onto plates. Top with grated parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy warm.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef if desired.
For extra richness, stir additional butter or a splash of cream into the finished pasta.
Use any short pasta shape if cavatappi is unavailable.
Pasta cooking time may vary by brand and shape; check for doneness and add a splash of broth or water if needed.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
Calories: 580
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 1100 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 13 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 1 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 103 mg