Irresistible Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe

Comfort meets culinary delight with this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta that promises to become your new favorite weeknight meal.

Pasta lovers will adore the rich, creamy combination of tender beef and perfectly cooked bowties.

Garlic butter adds a luxurious depth that makes every bite irresistible.

Each forkful delivers a symphony of flavors that dance across your palate.

Simple ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a dish that feels both sophisticated and homey.

Cheese melts into a golden blanket, embracing the meat and pasta in pure deliciousness.

You won’t be able to resist seconds of this satisfying, mouthwatering creation.

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta – Best Storage Tips

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and absorbing other food odors.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons of water or extra cream to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to prevent drying. Stir gently and consistently until heated through and creamy.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or any short pasta that holds sauce well.

• Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them based on your spice preference.

• What if I want a leaner version?

Use ground turkey instead of beef and choose low-fat cheese options to reduce calories.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the sauce and pasta separately, then combine just before serving to maintain the best texture and flavor.

Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta – Ultimate Comfort Experience

• Crowd-Pleasing Family Favorite: Kids and adults will love the rich, creamy texture and bold garlic-cheese combination that transforms simple ingredients into a satisfying meal.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by adding more or less red pepper flakes, swap ground beef for ground turkey, or include extra vegetables to personalize this versatile dish.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup and straightforward cooking technique mean you'll spend less time washing dishes and more time enjoying a delicious homemade dinner.

All Ingredients Needed For Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

• Bowtie Pasta: Classic pasta shape that provides a fun texture and catches sauce beautifully.
• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese that melts smoothly and provides a classic cheesy taste.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty and salty dimension to enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Butter: Creates a rich, smooth base for the sauce and adds depth of flavor.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious and creamy texture to the sauce.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Combine to create a balanced and complex flavor profile.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright garnish that adds a fresh pop of color and subtle herbal note.

Bowtie Pasta Steps For Cheesy Garlic Goodness

Step 1: Boil Bowtie Pasta

Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions.

Once done, drain the pasta but keep aside a half cup of pasta water for later use.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until it turns completely brown.

Drain any excess fat from the meat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Base

Add butter and minced garlic to the same skillet.

Sauté until the garlic becomes aromatic and releases its delicious fragrance.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

Pour heavy cream into the skillet and stir to combine with the beef and garlic.

• Salt
• Black pepper
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes

Step 5: Melt Cheese Blend

Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese into the sauce.

Stir continuously until the cheeses melt completely and create a smooth, creamy texture.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the cheesy beef mixture.

Add reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the perfect sauce consistency.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top of the dish.

Serve the pasta warm and enjoy the rich, cheesy flavors.

Tricks For Cheesy, Buttery Bowtie Pasta Flavor

• Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to your bowtie pasta.
• Thoroughly drain excess beef fat to prevent a greasy dish and ensure a cleaner, more appetizing flavor profile.
• Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to achieve a smooth, lump-free sauce that coats every pasta bite.
• Adjust red pepper flakes and Italian seasoning to match your personal heat and flavor preferences.
• Sprinkle extra fresh parsley just before serving to add a bright, fresh finish and enhance the dish's visual appeal.

Creative Takes On Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, creamy flavors.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Use gluten-free bowtie pasta and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Spicy Mediterranean Remix: Swap Italian seasoning with za'atar, add crumbled feta cheese, and incorporate chopped kalamata olives for a Mediterranean-inspired profile.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Alternative: Substitute bowtie pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that's equally satisfying.

Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Served For Any Gathering

• Perfect Party Plate: Serve this decadent pasta alongside a crisp green salad for a balanced meal that adds freshness to the rich, cheesy dish.
• Comfort Food Companion: Pair with garlic bread or warm dinner rolls to soak up the delicious creamy sauce and complete the hearty dining experience.
• Wine and Dine Suggestion: Complement the beef and cheese flavors with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot for an elevated dinner moment.
• Fresh Finish Flair: Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or grated Parmesan on top just before serving to enhance visual appeal and add a bright, herbal touch.

Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.6 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Sumptuous cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter brings comfort directly to dinner tables with Italian-inspired flair. Creamy cheese, tender beef, and buttery pasta create an irresistible meal that satisfies hunger and delights senses in one perfect bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta and Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie pasta

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1.5 cups (180 grams) shredded cheddar cheese
• 0.5 cups (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) pasta water (reserved)

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Instructions

1. Boil bowtie pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then strain while preserving 1/2 cup of starchy liquid.
2. Brown ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes, carefully draining excess fat.
3. Reduce heat and melt butter, adding minced garlic and sautéing until aromatic and golden, approximately 1-2 minutes.
4. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich base and stirring to integrate with beef and garlic.
5. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, and red pepper flakes, whisking to distribute flavors evenly.
6. Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring continuously until completely melted and sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
7. Fold cooked pasta into the cheese sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust thickness and ensure even coating.
8. Simmer the mixture for an additional 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and sauce to thicken slightly.
9. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and fresh herbaceous note.
10. Serve immediately while hot, ensuring each portion receives a generous amount of cheesy sauce.

Notes

• Reserve the starchy pasta water to create a silky, smooth sauce that helps cheese melt evenly and prevents clumping.
• Experiment with different cheese varieties like mozzarella or gruyère for unique flavor profiles and creamier textures.
• Use ground turkey or chicken as a healthier alternative to beef, maintaining the dish’s rich, satisfying taste.
• Swap regular bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or legume flour to accommodate dietary restrictions.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 480 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg