Delicious Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

The Perfect Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

Creamy garlic butter adds an irresistible twist to this classic bowtie pasta dish that promises comfort in every bite.

pasta lovers will adore the rich combination of tender beef and melted cheese.

Savory aromas will fill your kitchen as you prepare this simple yet satisfying meal.

Weeknight dinners just got a delicious upgrade with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Melted cheese creates a luxurious coating that makes each pasta shape shine.

Crispy beef and silky garlic butter form an incredible partnership you won’t be able to resist.

Dive into this recipe and watch everyone ask for seconds.

Special Qualities of Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

  • Unleash Flavor Fast: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering meal packed with rich, cheesy goodness that comes together in just a few simple steps.
  • Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or add extra vegetables to make this dish uniquely yours, perfect for adapting to family preferences.
  • Kid-Friendly Comfort: Creamy, cheesy pasta with tender beef creates a crowd-pleasing meal that both children and adults will absolutely love, making dinnertime a breeze.
  • One-Pan Wonder: Minimal cleanup and maximum taste combine in this skillet recipe, reducing kitchen mess and saving precious cooking time for busy households.

Important Ingredients for Beef Bowtie Pasta

Main Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty meat that provides the main protein for the dish.
Pasta:
  • Bowtie Pasta: A fun and playful pasta shape that catches the creamy sauce perfectly.
Dairy Components:
  • Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Create a rich and luxurious sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
  • Butter: Adds richness and helps to sauté the garlic for deep flavor.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Minced Garlic: Provides a strong, aromatic base for the sauce.
  • Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds depth and complexity to the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a subtle heat and spicy kick to the recipe.
Garnish:
  • Chopped Parsley: A fresh herb that brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.

How to Make Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil Bowtie Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until tender, following the package guidelines.

Drain the pasta completely in a colander, then set aside.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Crumble ground beef into the pan, cooking until it turns a rich brown color and loses its pink appearance. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Infuse with Garlic Butter

Slide the beef to one side of the skillet. Drop butter into the empty space and add minced garlic.

Sauté the garlic until it becomes wonderfully aromatic and releases its incredible flavor.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet.

Sprinkle in:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper
  • Red pepper flakes

Stir the ingredients until they blend into a smooth, fragrant sauce.

Step 5: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Add to the skillet:
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Stir continuously until the cheeses completely melt and create a velvety, luxurious sauce.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Beef

Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet. Gently mix everything together, ensuring each pasta piece gets completely coated with the cheesy beef sauce.

Step 7: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve the dish immediately while it’s hot and bubbling with cheesy deliciousness.

Tips for Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta

  • Select high-quality ground beef for rich, robust flavor and better texture in the dish.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-packaged for superior melting and taste.
  • Control spice levels by adjusting red pepper flakes according to personal heat preference.
  • Drain pasta water completely to prevent watery sauce and ensure creamy consistency.
  • Chop parsley just before serving to maintain fresh, vibrant color and maximum flavor.

Creative Spins on Beef Bowtie Pasta

  • Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bowtie pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add diced green chiles, swap Italian seasoning for taco seasoning, and top with pepper jack cheese.
  • Light Cream Alternative: Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or half-and-half for a lower-calorie dish.

Ideal Complements for Beef Bowtie Pasta

  • Family Pasta Night Magic: Create a festive dinner experience by serving this dish with a colorful side salad and warm garlic bread for a complete meal that brings everyone together.
  • Meal Prep Champion: Portion the pasta into individual containers for easy lunch packing or quick weeknight dinners, ensuring delicious meals are always ready to grab and enjoy.
  • Game Day Comfort Bowl: Transform the recipe into a hearty appetizer by serving smaller portions in cute mini bowls during sports watching parties or casual gatherings with friends.
  • Gourmet Twist Presentation: Plate the pasta in a rustic ceramic dish, sprinkle extra fresh parsley on top, and add a small side of crushed red pepper flakes for guests who love extra heat.

FAQs

  • Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes red pepper flakes, which add a mild heat. You can reduce or omit them for a milder flavor, or add more for extra kick.

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Bowtie pasta works great, but you can substitute with other short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells that hold sauce well.

  • What kind of ground beef should I use?

Choose lean ground beef (80/20 or 85/15) for the best balance of flavor and less grease. You can also use ground turkey for a lighter option.

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

Use less expensive cheese like a blend of store-brand cheddar and Parmesan, and buy ground beef when it’s on sale to reduce overall cost.

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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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4.9 from 39 reviews

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

Description

Classic cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter delivers comfort on a plate with rich, bold flavors. Hearty ingredients combine in a simple skillet meal perfect for weeknight dinners you’ll savor.


Ingredients

Scale

Proteins:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup (15 grams) chopped parsley (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare bowtie pasta al dente according to package directions, reserving some pasta water; drain thoroughly and set aside.
  2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
  3. Create a clearing in the skillet and melt butter, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and golden, approximately 30-45 seconds.
  4. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Gradually fold cheddar and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
  6. Incorporate cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, gently tossing to ensure each bowtie is evenly coated; if sauce seems thick, add reserved pasta water to achieve desired texture.
  7. Transfer to serving dish, sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality bowtie pasta with ridges to help sauce cling better and create more flavor absorption.
  • Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein alternative without compromising taste.
  • Experiment with different cheese combinations like mozzarella or Gruyère to customize the dish’s richness and depth.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat tolerance, gradually adding for desired warmth without overwhelming the creamy sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 696 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 435 mg
  • Fat: 45 g
  • Saturated Fat: 23 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 37 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 140 mg
John Conley

John Conley

Founder & Culinary Storyteller

Expertise

Recipe Development, Culinary Writing, Home Cooking Techniques, Seasonal Ingredient Utilization​

Education

Lane Community College, Eugene, OR
​Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on foundational cooking techniques, kitchen safety, and menu planning.

​Gotham Writers Workshop, New York, NY
Course in Food Writing
Explored the art of crafting engaging culinary narratives and recipe development.


John grew up where food meant connection: big bowls, warm kitchens, and meals that told a story. After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Lane Community College and diving deep into food writing at Gotham Writers Workshop, he found his calling: turning everyday recipes into something worth savoring.
At The Liffey, John’s focus is all about crafting dishes that feel easy, honest, and full of heart.

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