Delicious Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

Scrumptious Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe

Whipping up a cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter can turn an ordinary evening into a delightful culinary adventure.

Creamy textures and rich flavors dance together in this simple yet spectacular dish.

pasta lovers will adore the combination of tender beef and perfectly cooked bowties.

Each bite promises a burst of garlicky goodness that melts seamlessly with savory meat and cheese.

Weeknight dinners become something special when you bring these ingredients together with minimal effort.

Comfort food reaches new heights through this uncomplicated yet impressive recipe.

Prepare to savor every single forkful of this mouthwatering meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

  • Savor Quick Comfort: This cheesy beef and bowtie pasta delivers a satisfying meal that comes together faster than traditional elaborate dishes, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
  • Customize Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike will love the creamy, cheesy goodness with mild heat from red pepper flakes, allowing easy personalization for different taste preferences.
  • Master One-Skillet Magic: Minimal dishes and simple cooking technique mean less cleanup and stress, making this recipe a go-to for home cooks seeking delicious meals without complex preparation.
  • Indulge Gourmet Simplicity: Despite using basic ingredients, the combination of garlic butter, multiple cheeses, and Italian seasoning creates a restaurant-quality dinner that feels luxurious yet approachable.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Bowtie Pasta: A fun, bow-shaped pasta that holds sauce well and adds a playful texture to the dish.
  • Ground Beef: A protein-rich meat that provides hearty flavor and substance to the recipe.
  • Cheddar Cheese: A sharp and creamy cheese that melts smoothly and adds rich, tangy flavor to the sauce.
  • Parmesan Cheese: A hard, aged cheese that brings a nutty and salty dimension to the pasta dish.
Dairy and Cream Components:
  • Butter, Heavy Cream: Ingredients that create a rich, velvety sauce base with luxurious mouthfeel.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Pepper, Parsley: Herbs and spices that add depth, warmth, and aromatic complexity to the cheesy beef pasta.

Step-by-Step Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil Bowtie Pasta

Cook bowtie pasta in a pot of salted water following package directions. Once tender, drain completely and set aside.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Sizzle ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it into small crumbles. Cook until no pink remains and drain any excess fat.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Base

Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until garlic becomes aromatic and golden, releasing its rich flavor.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle seasonings:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Simmer the mixture for 2 minutes, allowing flavors to blend and sauce to slightly thicken.

Step 5: Melt Cheese Blend

Introduce cheese varieties into the sauce:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until both cheeses melt completely, creating a smooth and velvety sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Fold cooked bowtie pasta into the cheesy sauce, ensuring each pasta piece gets fully coated with the creamy mixture.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.

Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the rich, comforting flavors.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Use high-quality ground beef for richer flavor and better texture in the dish.
  • Pat the beef dry before cooking to ensure proper browning and prevent excess moisture.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help create a smoother, silkier sauce if needed.
  • Choose freshly grated Parmesan cheese for more intense, authentic taste compared to pre-packaged options.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice preference, adding gradually to control heat level.

Flavor Twists for Beef and Bowtie Pasta

  • Chicken Swap: Replace ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken for a lighter protein option.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free alternative.
  • Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free bowtie pasta and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Mexican Remix: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with fresh cilantro for a zesty flavor profile.

What Goes Well with Beef Bowtie Pasta

  • Comfort Family Feast: Perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner where everyone gathers around the table, enjoying hearty spoonfuls of cheesy goodness that warm both heart and stomach.
  • Meal Prep Marvel: Portion this dish into containers for quick lunches during the week, reheating easily and maintaining its creamy, rich flavors without losing texture.
  • Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve in a large casserole dish with extra cheese sprinkled on top, making it an irresistible option for sports gatherings or potluck events where hungry friends appreciate bold, satisfying meals.
  • Gourmet Pasta Bar: Set up a build-your-own station with the pasta as a base, offering additional toppings like crispy bacon bits, sliced green onions, or extra red pepper flakes for personalized flavor adventures.

Best Storage for Beef Bowtie Pasta

  • Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Store the pasta dish in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavors intact and ready for quick reheating.
  • Cool the pasta completely before storing to prevent condensation and soggy texture.
  • Use shallow containers to help the dish cool faster and promote even storage.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.

  • Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can reduce or omit them for a milder flavor.

  • Can I make this recipe with ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this dish.

  • How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use less expensive cheese like regular cheddar and skip Parmesan, or reduce the amount of meat to cut costs.

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Delicious Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

Delicious Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe


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4.7 from 21 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter brings classic comfort to dinner tables with minimal effort. Hearty pasta combines with seasoned ground beef and rich garlic butter, creating a satisfying meal you can enjoy in under 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) ground beef

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 12 ounces (12 oz) bowtie pasta
  • 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare bowtie pasta according to package directions at a rolling boil, ensuring al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and set aside.
  2. Brown ground beef in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until completely cooked through, carefully eliminating excess fat.
  3. Reduce heat and introduce butter and finely chopped garlic, sautéing until aromatic and golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
  4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, blending with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, kosher salt, and black pepper. Allow mixture to gently simmer for 2 minutes, developing rich flavors.
  5. Gradually incorporate cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, continuously stirring until completely melted and creating a velvety smooth sauce.
  6. Fold cooked pasta into the creamy cheese mixture, ensuring each bowtie is luxuriously coated with the savory sauce.
  7. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley across the top for vibrant color and added herbal notes. Serve immediately while piping hot for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

  • Choose shorter pasta shapes like penne or rotini if bowtie pasta is unavailable, ensuring the sauce clings perfectly to each piece.
  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce overall fat content without compromising flavor intensity.
  • Consider using lactose-free cheese and cream alternatives for dairy-sensitive individuals, maintaining the recipe’s creamy texture.
  • Enhance protein variety by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, more versatile meal option.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 691 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 410 mg
  • Fat: 44 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Jack Monroe

Jack Monroe

Founder & Recipe Innovator

Expertise

Pacific Northwest cuisine, Single-serving recipe development, Sustainable sourcing and cooking, Modern comfort food​

Education

Brightwater
Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Arts
Focus: Sustainable cooking, seasonal ingredients, and food systems education


Jack grew up with a fishing rod in one hand and a cast-iron skillet in the other. After graduating from Brightwater: A Center for the Study of Food, he set out to prove that cooking for one could still taste like a feast.
Jack believes that food should feel real: fresh, fearless, and a little wild, just like the rivers he grew up around. For Jack, every single dish is a small adventure, and the best ones are the ones you can cook with heart, not hassle.

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