Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

The Creamiest Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe

Creamy, comforting cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter promises a delightful dinner that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Tender pasta twirls perfectly capture rich, savory beef in every single bite.

Melted cheese blankets the dish with irresistible warmth and depth of flavor.

Garlic butter adds a luxurious touch that elevates this simple meal from ordinary to extraordinary.

Each forkful brings together hearty protein and silky noodles in a harmonious blend.

Quick to prepare and even faster to disappear from plates, this recipe turns weeknight dinners into a celebration of deliciousness.

Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta Highlights

  • Quick and Simple Preparation: Whip up this delightful dish with minimal cooking skills, perfect for beginners or busy home cooks looking for a satisfying meal.
  • Flavor-Packed Comfort Food: Combines savory ground beef, cheesy goodness, and zesty garlic butter sauce that creates an irresistible combination everyone will love.
  • Versatile Meal Solution: Adaptable recipe works great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or feeding hungry family members with its hearty and filling ingredients.
  • One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal cleanup with everything cooked in a single pan, making this recipe a time-saving and convenient option for home chefs seeking hassle-free cooking.

Bowtie Pasta Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients:
  • Bowtie Pasta: A fun, bow-shaped pasta that catches and holds the delicious garlic butter sauce perfectly.
  • Ground Beef: Provides rich, hearty protein and adds substantial flavor to the dish.
  • Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Creamy cheeses that create a melty, tangy topping for the pasta.
Seasoning and Flavor Enhancers:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Aromatic spices that bring depth and a subtle kick to the recipe.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall taste.
Liquid and Binding Ingredients:
  • Butter, Beef Broth: Create a rich, flavorful base for the garlic butter sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
  • Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note to the finished dish.

Bowtie Pasta with Beef Instructions

Step 1: Boil Bowtie Pasta

Cook bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted water according to package directions.

Once perfectly al dente, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, keeping it ready for the next stage of deliciousness.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles.

Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and flavorful.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Infusion

Lower the skillet heat and add:
  • Butter
  • Minced garlic

Sauté these ingredients together until the garlic becomes wonderfully aromatic and golden, releasing its incredible flavor.

Step 4: Build Flavor Foundation

Pour into the skillet:
  • Beef broth
  • Italian seasoning
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Stir all ingredients together, creating a rich and zesty sauce that will coat every inch of the pasta.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet.

Gently toss and mix, ensuring each pasta piece gets completely covered in the luscious garlic butter sauce.

Step 6: Melt Cheesy Goodness

Sprinkle over the pasta:
  • Mozzarella cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Allow the cheeses to melt beautifully, creating a creamy and irresistible coating.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Top with freshly chopped parsley.

Serve immediately while hot and steamy, letting everyone enjoy the mouthwatering combination of flavors.

Tips for Cheesy Garlic Bowtie Pasta

  • Avoid overcooking bowtie pasta by checking it 1-2 minutes before package instructions to maintain al dente texture.
  • Use lean ground beef or drain thoroughly to minimize excess grease in the dish.
  • Allow cheese to melt naturally off heat for smooth, creamy consistency without burning.
  • Toast Italian seasoning briefly in the pan before adding liquid to enhance its aromatic qualities.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal heat preference, starting with a small amount and adding gradually.

Beef and Pasta Variations to Explore

  • Spicy Vegetarian Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or black beans for a protein-packed vegetarian version that maintains the dish's rich flavors.
  • Gluten-Free Option: Swap regular bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to create a low-carb, keto-friendly meal that still delivers on taste and texture.
  • Dairy-Free Adaptation: Substitute dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives, using olive oil in place of butter for a lactose-free option.

Serving Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

  • Pasta Party Platter: Create a colorful spread with extra parsley sprigs, lemon wedges, and crusty garlic bread on the side to complement the rich, cheesy flavors.
  • Hearty Meal Companion: Pair with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the dish's richness and add a fresh, zesty contrast.
  • Protein Power-Up: Top with additional red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for those who love extra flavor and want to customize their plate.
  • Leftover Magic: Store in airtight container and reheat gently in microwave, adding a splash of beef broth to maintain moisture and restore creamy texture.

Bowtie Pasta Storage Suggestions

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator, ensuring the pasta is completely cooled before sealing.
  • Place portion in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water to prevent drying, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
  • Warm leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated through.
  • Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, placing parchment paper between layers to prevent cheese from sticking, thawing overnight in refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other shapes like penne, rotini, or rigatoni that hold sauce well.

  • Is this recipe spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust or omit them for a milder flavor.

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best served fresh, but you can prep ingredients in advance and quickly cook when ready to eat.

  • What can I do if the sauce is too thin?

Let the sauce simmer a bit longer to reduce and thicken, or add a small amount of cornstarch mixed with water.

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Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe


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4.7 from 38 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter delivers a mouthwatering Italian-inspired comfort meal packed with rich flavors. Perfectly seasoned ground beef and tender pasta blend seamlessly in a silky garlic butter sauce that pulls you into culinary bliss.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Pasta and Cheese:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie pasta
  • 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese

Herbs, Seasonings, and Liquids:

  • 3 tablespoons (45 grams) butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons (8 grams) fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes; drain thoroughly and reserve.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles; drain any accumulated fat.
  3. Reduce heat to medium and introduce butter and minced garlic, stirring continuously until the garlic releases its aromatic qualities and becomes slightly golden.
  4. Create a flavor base by incorporating beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper; whisk to combine all elements seamlessly.
  5. Gently fold the cooked pasta into the skillet, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the robust garlic butter sauce.
  6. Distribute mozzarella and Parmesan cheese evenly across the surface, allowing the residual heat to melt the cheeses into a creamy, luxurious layer.
  7. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant color and herbaceous touch; serve immediately while warm and the cheese remains delightfully melted.

Notes

  • Choose high-quality ground beef with less fat to reduce excess grease and enhance overall flavor.
  • Toast garlic briefly to prevent burning and release its rich, nutty aroma without becoming bitter.
  • Consider swapping ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein for a lighter, diet-friendly alternative.
  • Grate fresh Parmesan cheese instead of using pre-packaged varieties for more authentic, robust taste and smoother melting.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 625 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 520 mg
  • Fat: 32 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg
Natalie Brooks

Natalie Brooks

Co-Founder & Content Strategist

Expertise

  • Vegan and plant-based recipe creation
  • Meal planning and nutritional analysis
  • Storytelling through blog content, video, and social media

Education

eCornell

  • Program: Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate
  • Focus: Whole-food, plant-based cooking, with a foundation in nutritional science and sustainable eating habits.

Natalie brings the vibrant, plant-powered side to Culinary Duo. After earning her Plant-Based Nutrition Certificate from eCornell, she combined her love for fresh ingredients with a passion for storytelling, aiming to make healthy cooking simple and satisfying.
Her kitchen motto: good food doesn’t need a fancy label, it just needs fresh ideas and a little creativity. Outside of writing and recipe testing, Natalie’s happiest in her garden, exploring farmers’ markets, or mixing global flavors into new kitchen experiments.

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