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