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
- Prepare bowtie pasta al dente according to package directions, reserving some pasta water; drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-8 minutes, carefully draining any accumulated fat.
- Create a clearing in the skillet and melt butter, introducing minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and golden, approximately 30-45 seconds.
- Stream heavy cream into the skillet, incorporating Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes; simmer gently for 2-3 minutes.
- Gradually fold cheddar and Parmesan cheeses into the sauce, stirring continuously until completely melted and creating a smooth, creamy consistency.
- 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.
- 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