35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dinner that comes together quickly and with minimal fuss, you’re going to love this 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish melds rich, savory beef and a luscious creamy sauce with perfectly cooked pasta—all in one pot! It’s the kind of recipe that feels indulgent but is surprisingly simple to pull off, even on a busy weeknight. Plus, cleanup is a breeze, so you can spend more time enjoying your meal and less scrubbing pans.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient plays an important role in building layers of flavor without overwhelming the simple cooking process. I’ve picked lean beef to keep things from getting greasy, and the combination of crushed tomatoes, beef broth, and cream creates that perfect silky sauce that clings to every bite of pasta.

• Olive oil or avocado oil: A good-quality oil helps sauté the aromatics without overpowering the dish.
• Onion: Adds sweetness and depth—don’t skip it, trust me!
• Garlic: Gives that cozy, savory punch that beef and tomatoes love.
• Ground beef (90% lean): Lean but still flavorful, it keeps the sauce from becoming greasy.
• Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings an herby warmth without extra effort.
• Salt & black pepper: Seasoning basics that make all the flavors pop.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a little heat, add a pinch or leave it out for a kid-friendly version.
• Beef broth: Adds richness and helps cook the pasta in the sauce for extra flavor.
• Crushed tomatoes: San Marzano if you can find them—they make a difference in tang and sweetness.
• Pasta (fusilli, rotini, or similar): Twisty pasta shapes hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
• Heavy cream: Turns the dish from a tomato-beef stew into a dreamy, velvety pasta.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds savory sharpness and a luscious finish.

Variations

I love how adaptable this 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe is—you can easily switch things up depending on what you have in the pantry or how you’re feeling that day. Don’t be shy about making it your own.

• Swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken: I’ve tried turkey for a lighter take, and it works well—just watch the cooking time so it doesn’t dry out.
• Make it vegetarian: Use plant-based crumbles or add mushrooms along with some extra veggies for a meat-free version my friends swear by.
• Change up the pasta shape: Fusilli or rotini are great because they trap sauce, but penne or rigatoni work beautifully too.
• Add veggies: Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini stirred in near the end add freshness and color.
• Spice it up: Amp up the red pepper flakes or add a dash of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor twist.

How to Make 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the olive oil in your largest Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally until everything is softened and fragrant, about 4 to 6 minutes. This step gently sweetens the onions and infuses the oil with garlic’s wonderful aroma—don’t rush it or you risk burning the garlic, which turns bitter.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef straight to the pot with the softened onions and garlic. Season it with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and if you like a bit of fire, some red pepper flakes. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef as it cooks, stirring often to get an even, golden-brown color without overcooking. This step builds the meaty base of the sauce and locks in flavor.

Step 3: Simmer the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes, then give everything a good stir to combine those gorgeous flavors. Turn up the heat to bring the mixture to a simmer—that’s the moment when your kitchen starts to smell irresistible. Simmering lets the beef broth and tomatoes meld perfectly, setting the stage for the pasta to cook right in the sauce.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta in the Sauce

After your sauce is simmering, add the pasta directly into the pot. Reduce the heat to medium, cover, and cook for 9 to 12 minutes. Don’t forget to stir occasionally to keep the pasta from sticking and ensure even cooking. You’re watching for al dente—pasta with a slight bite—which works best here since it’ll continue to soak up sauce after cooking.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Parmesan

Once the pasta is tender, remove your pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream along with half of the Parmesan cheese for that silky texture and cheesy depth. If the sauce feels too thick, add more beef broth, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches just the right consistency. If it’s too runny, just pop it back on the heat briefly to thicken. Serve it up immediately, sprinkled with the remaining Parmesan while it’s hot and melty.

How to Serve 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Whenever I serve this creamy beef pasta, I sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil on top—it adds a bright color and fresh flavor that balances the richness beautifully. A little extra Parmesan on the side is always a hit too. Sometimes I’ll even drizzle a tiny bit of good quality extra virgin olive oil at the end for that silky finish.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I like to serve it with a crisp green salad with vinaigrette or some roasted veggies like asparagus or broccoli. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect if you want something to mop up all that creamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this pasta in small ramekins topped with extra cheese and broiled for a couple of minutes to get a golden crust—everyone was impressed! You can also set it out family-style in the pot itself for casual dinners, which makes serving and cleanup a snap.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, which makes the next-day reheating even better. Just keep in mind the pasta might continue to absorb sauce, so it can get a bit thicker.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a few times with decent results—just cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the sauce might separate slightly but stirring it over low heat fixes that quickly. It’s a great make-ahead option if you want to prep meals in batches.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low-medium heat, stirring often and adding a splash of broth or cream as needed to revive the saucy goodness. The microwave works in a pinch too—just heat in short intervals to avoid drying out the pasta.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe holds a special place in my weeknight dinner rotation because it’s quick, satisfying, and brings out the comfort-food vibes we all crave after a long day. I’ve found that sharing this meal with friends and family always sparks smiles, easy conversation, and a full plate. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough—you’ll be amazed at how something this simple can taste so rich, creamy, and downright delicious!

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