One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta (Air Fryer Style)
This air fryer version of creamy beef and garlic butter pasta is the ultimate comfort food — rich, cheesy, garlicky, and satisfying, all in one dish. It’s a one-pot wonder adapted for the air fryer using a deep baking dish or oven-safe bowl. Perfect for quick dinners without sacrificing flavor!
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 25–30 minutes
Total: 35–40 minutes
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Dish:
200g (7 oz) penne or rigatoni pasta (uncooked)
250g (9 oz) ground beef
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp unsalted butter
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
2 cups beef broth or water + bouillon
½ cup heavy cream
¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp olive oil
Optional Garnish:
Fresh parsley or basil
Extra Parmesan
Equipment:
Deep oven-safe dish that fits your air fryer
Foil (optional for covering)
Instructions:
Preheat Air Fryer
Temp: 360°F (182°C)
Time: 3 minutes
Brown the Beef & Garlic
In a pan or directly in the air fryer-safe dish (if stovetop-safe), heat 1 tbsp olive oil.
Add ground beef and cook for 5–6 minutes until browned.
Add minced garlic, butter, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes until garlic is fragrant.
Tip: If using a separate pan, transfer mixture to your air fryer-safe dish after browning.
Add Pasta & Liquids
To the dish, add uncooked pasta, beef broth, and heavy cream.
Stir everything well to combine.
Cook in Air Fryer (Part 1)
Cover dish tightly with foil to trap moisture.
Air fry at 360°F (182°C) for 15 minutes.
Stir & Check Pasta
Remove foil, stir the mixture. Check pasta tenderness.
If still a bit underdone, add a splash more broth or water (2–3 tbsp), stir.
Add Cheese & Cook (Part 2)
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan evenly over the top.
Return dish (uncovered) to air fryer.
Cook at 360°F (182°C) for 8–10 more minutes, until cheese is bubbly and slightly golden.
Rest & Serve
Let rest 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan if desired.
Tips:
Don’t skip the foil step in Part 1 — it helps the pasta cook evenly.
Adjust liquid slightly based on your pasta shape or brand.
For a spicy kick, sprinkle chili flakes or add a touch of cayenne.
Flavor Profile:
Creamy, garlicky, savory, and ultra-comforting — with gooey cheese and rich beef flavor in every bite.