Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

A Comforting, Cheesy Pasta Dish for Any Night of the Week

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the kind of meal that brings cozy comfort straight to your plate. This dish blends tender ground beef with al dente bowtie pasta, all coated in a rich garlic butter sauce and topped with melted cheese. It’s hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is the ideal combination of convenience and indulgence. It comes together in under 45 minutes and uses pantry staples, making it a go-to option for busy families or anyone needing a fast but satisfying meal. The garlic butter elevates the flavor while the cheese adds richness, and the bowtie pasta captures the sauce beautifully. It’s also versatile—add vegetables or swap the protein to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef:
   In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Add Garlic and Butter:
   Once the beef is fully cooked, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add the butter and let it melt, coating the beef evenly.
4. Add Broth and Simmer:
   Pour in the beef broth. Stir and let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes to thicken slightly and allow flavors to meld.
5. Combine with Pasta:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the beef and garlic butter sauce.
6. Add the Cheese:
   Sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheese melts and the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy sauce.
7. Garnish and Serve:
   Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

Variations

• Add Veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for added nutrients.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
• Make It Creamier: Add ½ cup of heavy cream along with the broth for an extra-rich sauce.
• Use Different Pasta: Penne, rotini, or shells work just as well if you don’t have bowties on hand.
• Change the Protein: Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for a lighter version.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 to 6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

Storage and Reheating

Storage:
Let leftovers cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave in a covered container in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between, until heated through.

FAQs

What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Mozzarella and Parmesan are classic choices for meltability and flavor, but feel free to try cheddar, provolone, or a blend for a twist.

Can I use pre-cooked pasta?

Yes, you can use pre-cooked pasta to save time—just be sure it’s not overcooked so it holds up when mixed with the sauce.

Is this dish freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze it. Store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat thoroughly before serving.

What can I substitute for beef broth?

Chicken broth or vegetable broth can be used, though beef broth offers the richest flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Prepare everything, store in the fridge, and reheat just before serving. Add a little liquid while reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes! Its cheesy, mild flavors make it a hit with kids. You can leave out garlic or add more cheese to suit their taste.

How do I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure the broth and seasonings are certified gluten-free.

What’s the best pasta shape for catching sauce?

Bowtie pasta is great for this, but penne and shells also do an excellent job of holding onto the sauce.

Can I add more garlic?

Definitely. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to double the amount for an extra punch.

What side dishes pair well with this?

A simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed broccoli make excellent side options to balance the richness.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a delicious, family-friendly dinner that’s as comforting as it is convenient. With just a handful of ingredients and less than an hour from start to finish, this dish delivers big on flavor and satisfaction. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or explore variations, it’s bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Print

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

---

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a quick, comforting dinner made with ground beef, garlic butter, and melty cheese. Ready in 35 minutes, it’s a hearty, family-friendly weeknight meal.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 pound ground beef

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

4 cloves garlic, minced

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 cup beef broth

1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

---

Instructions

• Cook the Pasta:
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

• Brown the Beef:
  In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

• Add Garlic and Butter:
  Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Add butter and let it melt, coating the beef mixture.

• Simmer with Broth:
  Pour in beef broth, stir, and simmer for about 5 minutes to slightly thicken and develop flavor.

• Combine with Pasta:
  Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with beef and garlic butter sauce.

• Add the Cheese:
  Sprinkle in mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and pasta is coated.

• Garnish and Serve:
  Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

Storage: Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth or in the microwave in intervals, stirring in between.
Freezer-Friendly: Freeze for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw overnight before reheating.

Variations:

Add sautéed vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or peppers.

Swap beef for turkey or chicken.

Add a splash of cream for a richer sauce.

Try penne or shells if you’re out of bowties.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Cheesy beef pasta Bowtie pasta recipe Garlic butter pasta Easy ground beef dinner 30-minute pasta meals