A Comforting and Flavorful Pasta Dish
Nothing beats a warm, cheesy, and hearty pasta dish for a satisfying meal. This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is packed with rich flavors, combining tender ground beef, al dente bowtie pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce. Perfect for weeknights or family gatherings, this dish is easy to make and guaranteed to please even the pickiest eaters.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Comforting and Satisfying: The combination of cheese, butter, and beef creates a deliciously indulgent dish.
- Customizable: Easily adaptable with different cheeses, proteins, or vegetables.
- One-Pan Option: Can be made in a single skillet for easier cleanup.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Push the beef to one side of the pan and add butter to the empty space. Once melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Combine Ingredients
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Add the Cheese
Gradually mix in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water or broth.
6. Incorporate the Pasta
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat it evenly in the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
7. Finish and Serve
Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and mix well. If using, add cherry tomatoes for a pop of freshness. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Variations
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage instead of beef.
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition.
- Spicier Version: Increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
- Different Cheese Blend: Experiment with Gouda, Monterey Jack, or provolone for unique flavors.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this dish lighter?
Substitute ground turkey for beef, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the amount of cheese for a lighter version.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or rigatoni work well if you don’t have bowtie pasta.
What can I serve with this pasta?
A side of garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or roasted vegetables complement this dish perfectly.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.
What’s the best cheese for this recipe?
Cheddar and mozzarella provide a great balance of sharpness and stretchiness, but you can mix in Gruyère or Fontina for extra richness.
How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged shredded cheese, and melt it over low heat to prevent clumping.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes! Substitute it with evaporated milk, whole milk, or a mixture of milk and cream cheese.
How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?
Toss the cooked pasta with a small amount of olive oil before mixing it into the sauce.
Can I make this a one-pot meal?
Yes! Cook the beef first, then add uncooked pasta with broth and cream, allowing it to simmer until the pasta is tender before adding the cheese.
What’s a good wine pairing for this dish?
A light red wine like Pinot Noir or a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc pairs well with the creamy, cheesy flavors.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the perfect go-to comfort meal. It’s creamy, rich, and full of flavor, making it a hit with the whole family. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you’ll have a delicious homemade pasta dish ready in no time. Try it out today and enjoy a warm, hearty meal that’s sure to become a favorite!
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Description
A rich and comforting Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter featuring tender ground beef, al dente bowtie pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce. This easy, one-pan pasta dish is packed with flavor, perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Try this quick and delicious pasta recipe today!
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Push the beef to one side of the pan and melt butter. Add garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for 1 minute.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, simmering for 3–4 minutes.
- Add the Cheese: Mix in cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth.
- Incorporate the Pasta: Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Cook for 2 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in Parmesan cheese and cherry tomatoes (if using). Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of milk or broth, or microwave in short intervals.
- Customization: Swap ground beef for turkey or sausage, add vegetables, or use different cheeses.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Keywords: Cheesy beef pasta, garlic butter pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, easy pasta dish, creamy beef pasta
