Name: 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil or avocado oil; 1 onion (diced); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 pound ground beef (90% lean); 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); 3 cups beef broth; 1 28-ounce can crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended); 16 ounces pasta (fusilli, rotini, or similar); ½ cup heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Jump to Recipe

Looking for a cozy, hearty meal that feels like a culinary hug but won’t keep you tied up in the kitchen all evening? This 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is the answer! Imagine fork-tender pasta ribbons swirled with an ultra-savory, tomato-rich cream sauce, meaty morsels of beef, and a blanket of melty Parmesan—all created effortlessly in a single pot. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a weeknight or just craving a dreamy bowl of comfort, this dish proves you really can have flavor, speed, and minimal cleanup all in one.

35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this dish is how it transforms a handful of everyday ingredients into something totally irresistible. Each component brings something special to the table—depth of flavor, creamy texture, or a pop of color. Here’s what you’ll need (and why you don’t want to skip a single one).

Olive oil or avocado oil: Either oil offers a flavorful base for sautéing and adds just the right richness to carry the dish.
Onion (diced): The aromatic backbone, providing sweetness and savory undertones for the sauce.
Garlic cloves (minced): A must for depth—garlic boosts the meaty, cozy vibe of every spoonful.
Ground beef (90% lean): Responsible for making this one-pot meal deeply satisfying and hearty without extra grease.
Italian seasoning: An herb medley that infuses the entire pasta with classic, crowd-pleasing flavor.
Salt: Enhances the natural flavors of every ingredient, so don’t hold back!
Black pepper: Just enough to give a whisper of warmth and balance the creamy sauce.
Red pepper flakes (optional): Add a gentle kick if you like a little heat; totally adjustable to your taste.
Beef broth: Lends complexity and a meaty undertone that’s essential for a flavorful sauce.
Crushed tomatoes (San Marzano recommended): For a lush, rich base—the quality of your tomatoes really shines through here.
Pasta (fusilli, rotini, or similar): Twisty shapes hold onto all that creamy sauce for the ultimate bite.
Heavy cream: Responsible for transforming the tomato sauce into velvety luxury, every time.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Salty, nutty, and perfect for finishing with a gooey, golden touch.

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

Step 1: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Start with a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot with a lid; this is a true one-pot situation! Pour in your olive or avocado oil and let it shimmer over medium-high heat. Toss in the diced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are soft and fragrant—this first step unlocks all that aromatic magic that will infuse the entire 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Season

Add the ground beef straight into your aromatic onion-garlic mix. Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and the optional red pepper flakes for a little spark. Use a wooden spoon to break up the beef and cook until it’s no longer pink, ensuring even browning for the most flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Pour in Broth and Tomatoes

Time to turn this savory base into a saucy dream—pour in the beef broth and the can of crushed tomatoes (San Marzano, if you can find them). Stir everything together thoroughly and crank up the heat. Bring the mixture to a bubbling simmer; your kitchen will start to smell downright irresistible at this point.

Step 4: Add Pasta and Cover

Toss in your pasta of choice—fusilli and rotini are great at grabbing sauce, but any short shape works. Reduce the heat to medium, put the lid on, and let the pasta cook for 9–12 minutes. Give the pot a gentle stir every few minutes to prevent sticking and ensure the pasta cooks evenly, drinking up all those rich flavors.

Step 5: Stir in Cream and Cheese

Once the pasta is perfectly al dente, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and half of the Parmesan cheese, watching the sauce transform into a luscious, creamy blanket. If it looks too thick, splash in a little extra broth—a tablespoon at a time—until you reach the ultimate saucy consistency. If it’s a bit thin, simmer for another few minutes to thicken.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Dish up immediately, generously topping with the rest of your Parmesan. The sauce thickens as it cools, so dig in while it’s gloriously creamy! Your 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta is ready for the spotlight.

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

Garnishes

Finish your bowls with a flourish: more grated Parmesan, a sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley, and a dash of extra black pepper. If you love heat, another pinch of red pepper flakes is a perfect touch. Each garnish gives a little pop of freshness, color, and flavor to the creamy beef pasta.

Side Dishes

Pair your 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette, or serve with crusty bread that’s perfect for soaking up every bit of that silky sauce. Sautéed greens or roasted veggies on the side make the meal feel balanced and wholesome.

Creative Ways to Present

Ladle the pasta into a big, family-style bowl for a cozy, shareable vibe, or plate it individually with a twirl and a Parmesan shower. For a rustic touch, serve it straight from the Dutch oven at the table—this keeps the pasta warm and invites everyone to grab seconds. Add a drizzle of good olive oil or a scatter of shaved Parmesan for a restaurant-inspired finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta cool before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to three days, making it perfect for grab-and-go lunches or a speedy dinner reprise.

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. It keeps beautifully for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture—just note that the sauce may thicken further after freezing, so a splash of cream or broth on reheat works wonders.

Reheating

Rewarm individual servings in the microwave or larger portions on the stovetop over gentle heat. Add a bit of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce as needed, and stir to restore that original creaminess. Top with extra Parmesan for a just-made finish!

FAQs

Can I use a different kind of meat instead of ground beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles will work beautifully in this recipe. Each protein brings its own unique flair, so don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite.

Which pasta shape is best for creamy beef pasta?

Fusilli, rotini, or any short, twisty pasta is ideal here, as the spirals capture the sauce beautifully. Penne or shells are great backup options if you need to substitute.

Can I make this with gluten-free pasta?

Yes! Gluten-free pastas absorb liquid more quickly, so keep an eye on the cook time and add a splash of extra broth if needed. The rest of the recipe stays exactly the same.

Is this 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta spicy?

Not unless you want it to be! The red pepper flakes are totally optional. You can omit them for a family-friendly version or bump up the amount for a little heat.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

Definitely—just use a larger pot to accommodate the extra volume. You might need a touch more time for the pasta to cook, but everything else stays simple and stress-free.

Final Thoughts

There’s something downright magical about how fast and satisfying this 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta comes together. It’s the dish you’ll want to make on busy nights, cozy weekends, or anytime comfort calls. Don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to—we can’t wait for you to try it and share it with your favorite people!

35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 26 reviews

Author: Sophie
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with this easy 35-Minute One-Pot Creamy Beef Pasta recipe. Tender ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and creamy sauce come together with pasta for a satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Sauté Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cook until softened.
Cook Ground Beef: Add ground beef, season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook until browned.
Add Broth and Tomatoes: Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a simmer.
Cook Pasta: Add pasta, cover, and cook until al dente, stirring occasionally.
Finish with Cream: Remove from heat, stir in cream and half of Parmesan. Adjust sauce consistency if needed.
Serve: Top with remaining Parmesan and enjoy!