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