Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Have you ever wondered why some pasta dishes leave you craving more while others are quickly forgotten? The secret often lies not in complicated techniques but in the perfect marriage of simple, quality ingredients. Our Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter exemplifies this philosophy, combining tender farfalle pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich garlic butter sauce that coats every bite with indulgent flavor.

This crowd pleasing dish strikes the perfect balance between weeknight convenience and weekend worthy decadence, making it an essential addition to your recipe collection.

Ingredients List

For the Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter (serves 4-6):

1 pound (16 oz) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 pound lean ground beef (85-90% lean)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 1/2 cups shredded cheese blend (mozzarella, parmesan, and provolone)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 1 tablespoon of salt.
Add the bowtie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente (typically 10-12 minutes).
Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. This starchy water will help thicken your sauce later.
Drain the pasta and toss with a small drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Cooking the Beef

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat.
Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes.
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef to a paper towel lined plate to drain excess fat.

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Creating the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add the butter. Allow it to melt completely.
Add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Stir in the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using).
Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and incorporate any browned bits.
Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Gradually add 1 cup of the shredded cheese blend, stirring constantly until melted and smooth.

Bringing It All Together

Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the sauce and stir to combine.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss gently until every piece is coated with the garlic butter sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
Top with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese and cover with a lid for 1-2 minutes until melted.
Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (based on 6 servings):

Calories: 570
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 53g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 420mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 3g

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

The Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter can be modified to fit various dietary needs:

Reduce Calories: Use whole wheat bowtie pasta for additional fiber and nutrition. Substitute half the ground beef with finely chopped mushrooms.
Lower Fat Option: Use extra-lean ground beef (93-96% lean) or substitute with ground turkey or chicken. Replace heavy cream with evaporated skim milk and reduce butter to 2 tablespoons.
Gluten-Free Version: Use gluten-free bowtie pasta (rice or corn-based varieties work well).
More Vegetables: Add diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini when cooking the onions for additional nutrients and color.
Dairy-Free Alternative: Use plant-based butter, nutritional yeast, and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter with these complementary sides:

A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the dish
Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread for sopping up extra sauce
Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes
A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot
Sprinkle additional fresh herbs just before serving (basil or oregano work beautifully)

For an elegant presentation, serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl with a sprinkle of additional cheese and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil on top.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter, watch out for these pitfalls:

Overcooking the pasta: Always cook pasta al dente as it will continue cooking slightly when combined with the hot sauce.
Burning the garlic: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Add it after the onions have softened and monitor closely.
Not draining the beef: Excess fat from the beef can make the sauce greasy. Drain properly for the best texture.
Adding all the cheese at once: This can cause clumping. Add cheese gradually while stirring continuously.
Skipping the pasta water: The starchy water helps bind the sauce to the pasta and creates a silky texture.
Rushing the sauce reduction: Allow proper time for the sauce to simmer and thicken for maximum flavor development.
Not seasoning throughout: Season at multiple stages (beef, sauce) rather than just at the end.

Storing Tips for Recipe

Proper storage ensures your Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter stays delicious for days:

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to revive the sauce. Heat gently on the stovetop or microwave at 50% power, stirring occasionally.
Freezing: While possible to freeze, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly. If freezing, portion into individual servings and store in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.
Meal Prep: You can prepare components separately (cook pasta, prepare meat and sauce) and store them separately for up to 2 days before combining for a quicker assembly.
Freshening Up: When serving leftovers, add a sprinkle of fresh cheese and herbs to rejuvenate the flavors.

Conclusion

The Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is more than just a meal it’s a versatile, comforting dish that brings people together around the table. What makes this recipe special is its perfect balance of convenience and indulgence, allowing even busy home cooks to create restaurant quality pasta with minimal effort.

By understanding the simple techniques behind this dish properly cooking the pasta, developing flavor in the beef, and creating a silky garlic butter sauce you’ve gained skills that extend far beyond this single recipe. Whether you’re cooking for family on a weeknight or entertaining friends on the weekend, this Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta promises satisfaction with every forkful.

FAQs

Can I use a different pasta shape for this Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta recipe? Yes! While bowties (farfalle) hold the sauce beautifully, you can substitute with penne, rotini, or cavatappi, which also have nooks to capture the delicious garlic butter sauce.

What’s the best cheese blend to use in this pasta dish? A combination of mozzarella for stretch, parmesan for sharpness, and provolone for flavor works best, but you can customize based on preference. Fontina or Gruyère also make excellent additions.

Can I make this Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta ahead of time for a party? Yes, though it’s best prepared up to the final cheese topping step. Refrigerate, then reheat gently with a splash of broth before adding the final cheese layer and garnishing with fresh herbs.

How can I add more vegetables to this dish? Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or peas work wonderfully. Add hearty vegetables with the onions and quick-cooking vegetables like spinach just before combining everything.

Is there a way to make this dish spicier? Absolutely! Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, add a diced jalapeño with the onions, or stir in a tablespoon of your favorite hot sauce to the completed dish.

Can I substitute the heavy cream to make this lighter? Yes, you can use half-and-half, whole milk with a tablespoon of flour (to thicken), or even Greek yogurt thinned with a little milk for a tangier, protein-rich alternative.