Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

The Dreamiest Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe

Tucking into a comforting cheesy beef and bowtie pasta can transport you to a world of delightful flavors and warm memories.

Comfort food doesn’t get much better than this hearty combination.

pasta lovers will adore the rich, creamy texture that melts in your mouth with each bite.

garlic butter adds a luxurious depth that makes this dish truly irresistible.

Simple ingredients come together to create something extraordinary on your dinner plate.

Quick to prepare and guaranteed to satisfy even the pickiest eaters, this recipe promises a delicious meal that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab a fork and get ready to experience pure culinary magic!

FAQs

  • Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild kick, but you can easily adjust or omit them to control the heat level.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you prefer.

  • What makes this sauce creamy?

The combination of heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan cheese creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats the pasta perfectly.

  • Do I need any special cooking skills to make this recipe?

No, this dish is beginner-friendly and requires basic cooking techniques like browning meat and making a simple sauce.

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with a Buttery Twist

  • Whip Up Quick Comfort: Dive into a hassle-free meal that comes together faster than you can say delicious, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Packed with rich cheddar and Parmesan, this dish delivers a creamy, indulgent experience that will make cheese enthusiasts swoon with delight.
  • Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults alike will devour this crowd-pleasing pasta, with its mild spice and hearty beef making it a guaranteed win at the dinner table.
  • Customize with Ease: Adjust the red pepper flakes to dial up or down the heat, making this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences and spice tolerances.

Ingredients for Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A savory and hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein to the dish.
Pasta:
  • Bowtie Pasta: A fun, bow-shaped pasta that holds sauce beautifully and adds visual appeal to the recipe.
Dairy Components:
  • Butter, Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy ingredients that create a luxurious, rich sauce with deep cheesy flavor.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices and herbs that enhance the overall taste profile with warmth, depth, and subtle heat.
Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a light, clean finish to the dish.

Cooking This Beefy Pasta Made Simple

Step 1: Boil Bowtie Pasta

Place pasta in a pot of salted boiling water.

Cook until al dente according to package directions.

Drain completely and set aside in a separate bowl.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat.

Crumble ground beef into the pan and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small pieces.

Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Base

Add butter to the skillet with ground beef.

Sprinkle in minced garlic and cook until the kitchen fills with a fragrant aroma, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 4: Develop Creamy Cheese Sauce

Combine the following ingredients in the skillet:
  • Heavy cream
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce reaches a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Pour the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the cheesy garlic sauce.

Gently toss until every pasta piece is evenly coated with the rich, flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Finish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the pasta.

Transfer to serving dishes and enjoy the warm, comforting meal immediately while it’s hot and creamy.

Pasta Tips to Make This Dish Shine

  • Rinse pasta with cold water after draining to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  • Toast Italian seasoning in the skillet before adding cream for richer, more intense taste.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding pasta water if it becomes too thick or simmering longer to reduce.
  • Dial up or down red pepper flakes to match your personal heat preference.
  • Swap ground beef for lean ground turkey or plant-based meat alternative for a lighter version.

Try These Extras in Your Bowtie Pasta

  • Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Option: Swap bowtie pasta with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake.
  • Spicy Southwestern Spin: Add diced green chilies, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with jalapeños for a zesty kick.
  • Dairy-Free Comfort: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, nutritional yeast in place of cheese, and olive oil instead of butter for allergen-friendly preparation.

Dishes to Serve with Beefy Bowtie Pasta

  • Family Dinner Champion: Pair this hearty pasta with a crisp green salad to balance the rich, creamy flavors and add some fresh vegetables to the meal.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Sidekick: Serve alongside garlic bread or toasted French bread slices to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce and provide extra texture.
  • Weekend Comfort Combo: Top with additional grated Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes for diners who love extra zesty and cheesy notes, making each bite more personalized and exciting.
  • Leftover Magic: Store cooled pasta in airtight containers for quick lunch reheat, which tastes just as amazing the next day and saves time for busy households.

Best Way to Save Leftovers of This Pasta

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to ensure even warming.
  • Warm gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore creamy texture and prevent drying out. Stir continuously to maintain sauce consistency.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve flavor and prevent sauce separation.
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Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe


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4.6 from 37 reviews

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

Description

Succulent cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter delights palates with rich, comforting flavors. Mediterranean-inspired ingredients blend perfectly for a hearty meal you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie pasta
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare bowtie pasta in salted water according to package directions at a rolling boil, cooking until al dente. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, browning ground beef until no pink remains. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
  3. Reduce skillet heat to medium-low, adding butter and garlic. Sauté aromatics for 1-2 minutes, releasing fragrant notes without burning.
  4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a velvety base. Gradually incorporate cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously.
  5. Season the developing sauce with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until cheeses melt completely and sauce reaches a smooth, silky consistency.
  6. Introduce cooked pasta to the skillet, gently folding to ensure each bowtie is lavishly coated with the rich, garlicky cheese sauce.
  7. Transfer to serving dishes, generously garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and creamy.

Notes

  • Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, healthier alternative that maintains rich flavor.
  • Reduce cream and cheese quantities for a less caloric version without compromising taste, using Greek yogurt as a partial substitute.
  • Enhance gluten-free adaptability by using chickpea or gluten-free bowtie pasta, ensuring the same delightful texture and appearance.
  • Elevate meal prep by preparing sauce and pasta ahead of time, storing separately, and combining just before serving to maintain optimal consistency and freshness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 681 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 42 g
  • Saturated Fat: 22 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 36 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg
Amanda Bennett

Amanda Bennett

Recipe Curator & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Baking and Pastry Arts, Recipe Testing and Development, Culinary Instruction, Food Styling and Photography

Education

​Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, Asheville, NC
​Diploma in Culinary Arts
Emphasized practical cooking skills, nutrition, and kitchen management.​

Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, Cambridge, MA
Certificate in Professional Pastry Arts
Specialized in baking techniques, dessert presentation, and flavor profiling


Amanda’s roots run deep in the Southern hills, where every meal started fresh from the garden and every dessert came with a story. She trained at Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College and sharpened her pastry skills at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts, blending classic technique with everyday charm.
At The Liffey, Amanda’s passion is making baking and home cooking feel natural and joyful. She’s all about single recipes that are simple enough for a busy afternoon, but special enough to make someone’s day a little sweeter.

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