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
- Prepare bowtie pasta in salted water according to package directions at a rolling boil, cooking until al dente. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high temperature, browning ground beef until no pink remains. Carefully drain accumulated fat.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium-low, adding butter and garlic. Sauté aromatics for 1-2 minutes, releasing fragrant notes without burning.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a velvety base. Gradually incorporate cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously.
- 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.
- Introduce cooked pasta to the skillet, gently folding to ensure each bowtie is lavishly coated with the rich, garlicky cheese sauce.
- 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