The Creamiest Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe

Whipping up a delightful cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter feels like culinary magic happening right in your kitchen.

Comfort food takes on a whole new meaning with this irresistible combination of flavors.

Savory beef mingles perfectly with tender pasta shapes, creating a meal that promises pure satisfaction.

Melted cheese adds a luxurious touch to every single bite, making dinner feel extra special.

Rich garlic butter coats each bowtie, infusing the dish with an incredible depth of flavor.

Weeknight dinners just got a serious upgrade with this simple yet spectacular recipe.

You’ll want to dive into this hearty plate that brings together all the best comfort food elements in one delicious meal.

Top Reasons To Make Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Simplify Weeknight Dinners: This cheesy beef and bowtie pasta transforms a potentially complicated meal into a quick, satisfying solution for busy families craving comfort food.
• Master Flavor Layering: The combination of ground beef, garlic butter, creamy sauce, and multiple cheese types creates a restaurant-quality dish with incredible depth and richness that elevates home cooking.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: Bowtie pasta and melted cheese make this recipe universally appealing, ensuring even picky eaters will clean their plates without hesitation.
• One-Skillet Wonder: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking steps mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, perfect for home cooks seeking convenient meal preparation.

Key Ingredients For Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Bowtie Pasta: A classic pasta shape that holds sauce beautifully and adds visual interest to the dish.
• Ground Beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor to the pasta recipe.
• Cheddar Cheese: Delivers a sharp and creamy cheese flavor that melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty and salty depth to enhance the overall cheese profile.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and silky base for the cheese sauce.

• Garlic: Adds a warm and aromatic flavor to the beef and sauce.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.
• Italian Seasoning: A blend of herbs that provides a classic Mediterranean flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a subtle heat and spicy kick to the recipe.

• Butter: Provides richness and helps create a smooth cooking base.
• Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, bright garnish and subtle herb flavor.
• Pasta Water: Helps adjust the sauce consistency and adds starchy richness.

Steps To Make Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfectly

Bring a pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop in bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until tender yet firm. The goal is achieving that classic al dente texture that makes pasta sing.

Step 2: Prepare Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble ground beef into the pan, breaking it down into small pieces. Cook until the meat transforms into a rich, golden-brown color with no pink remaining. Drain away any excess fat to keep the dish light.

Step 3: Create Garlic Butter Magic

Reduce heat to medium. Toss butter and minced garlic into the skillet with cooked beef. Stir continuously for about one minute, allowing the garlic to release its aromatic essence and infuse the meat with incredible flavor.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce

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

Step 5: Cheese It Up

• Cheddar
• Parmesan

Stir constantly until cheese melts completely, creating a velvety, luxurious sauce that coats everything beautifully.

Step 6: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add boiled bowtie pasta directly into the skillet. Toss gently to ensure every pasta piece gets drenched in the cheesy goodness. If the sauce seems thick, splash in reserved pasta water to reach perfect consistency.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while piping hot, ready to delight taste buds with its incredible blend of flavors.

Best Tips For Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Prevent Cheese Clumping: Remove skillet from heat before adding cheese and stir continuously to ensure smooth, velvety cheese sauce without lumps.
• Control Spice Level: Adjust red pepper flakes to match your heat preference – start with a pinch and increase for more kick.
• Meat Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and drain excess fat for a cleaner, more concentrated flavor profile.
• Fresh Herb Enhancement: Chop parsley right before serving to maximize its bright, fresh flavor and aromatic quality.

Tweak Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Your Way

• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Version: Replace bowtie pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a keto-friendly alternative. Sauté zucchini briefly to maintain texture and reduce moisture before adding beef and sauce.
• Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Option: Swap heavy cream and cheese with full-fat coconut cream and nutritional yeast. Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a lactose-intolerant friendly meal.
• Spicy Mexican-Style Variation: Add diced jalapeños, replace Italian seasoning with chili powder and cumin. Top with fresh cilantro and swap Parmesan for queso fresco for a southwestern flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils.

Great Sides With Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Crisp White Wine Match: Choose a zesty sauvignon blanc to cut through the rich, creamy cheese sauce and complement the garlic's intense flavor.

• Tangy Herb Salad: Create a light mixed green salad with fresh herbs, lemon vinaigrette, and crisp cucumber to balance the heavy pasta dish.

• Garlic Herb Bread: Toast a crusty baguette with garlic butter and sprinkle with fresh parsley to soak up the delicious cheese sauce.

Save And Reheat Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cover tightly to prevent drying out and absorbing other food odors.
• Seal cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces, as they might separate upon thawing.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent dryness. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.

Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter FAQs

• What type of cheese works best in this recipe?

Cheddar and Parmesan are perfect for creating a rich, creamy sauce with deep flavor. They melt smoothly and provide a tangy, sharp taste that complements the beef and pasta.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein substitute. It will work well with the garlic butter sauce and maintain similar cooking techniques as ground beef.

• How spicy will this dish be with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that’s not overwhelming. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the amount or omitting them completely for a milder version.

Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.6 from 39 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter delivers comfort on a plate, blending savory flavors with hearty ingredients. Rich pasta promises a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie pasta
• 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup heavy cream

Cheese & Seasonings:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Cooking Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook bowtie pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes.
2. Carefully drain the pasta, preserving a half cup of starchy cooking liquid for later use, then set aside.
3. Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature and crumble ground beef, cooking until deep brown and thoroughly cooked.
4. Eliminate excess grease from the meat by draining using a colander.
5. Return skillet to heat and introduce butter and finely chopped garlic, sautéing briefly until aromatic and golden.
6. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, gently stirring to integrate with the beef and garlic mixture.
7. Enhance the sauce with a balanced blend of salt, cracked black pepper, robust Italian seasoning, and optional fiery red pepper flakes.
8. Gradually incorporate cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, whisking continuously until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency.
9. Fold the cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously coated.
10. Incrementally introduce reserved pasta water, adjusting the sauce’s texture to achieve a smooth, clingy consistency.
11. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately while piping hot, allowing the rich flavors to fully emerge.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality bowtie pasta for the best texture and ensure it’s cooked al dente to maintain a slight firmness.
• Fat Management: Drain excess beef fat thoroughly to prevent a greasy sauce and maintain a clean, rich flavor profile.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping or separating.
• Dietary Adaptations: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter version, and use lactose-free cheese for dairy-sensitive diners.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 810 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 54 g
• Saturated Fat: 29 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 155 mg