Gathering around the table for a warm, homey meal just hit a whole new level with this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. Right from the first forkful, you’ll find yourself swept away by the creamy, velvety sauce clinging to each pasta nook, mingling with juicy bits of savory ground beef. Every bite feels luxurious yet comforting, like that cozy dinner you crave after a long day. With a garlic butter base that’s kicked up just a notch by optional red pepper flakes, this dish delivers both delight and a whisper of heat, making your taste buds dance in the most satisfying way.
I still remember the first time I whipped this recipe up for a spontaneous weeknight dinner. I was juggling work emails, a hungry dog at my feet, and a pantry stocked with only the basics. But once I melted that butter, dropped in fresh garlic, and let the aromas swirl through the air, I knew I was onto something special. The simplicity of cooking bowtie pasta until al dente, browning ground beef in olive oil, and finishing it all in a luscious cream-cheese blend was a revelation. It felt indulgent—pure comfort—yet so straightforward that even beginner cooks can pull it off without breaking a sweat. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder that means fewer dishes to wash!
This recipe is rated “Beginner” level, so you don’t need fancy techniques or intimidating equipment. It comes together in under 35 minutes, with just 10 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking. Whether you’re whipping up a satisfying lunch or settling in for a hearty dinner, this creamy pasta clocks in at around 620 calories per serving—perfect for feeding a hungry household or treating yourself to a little midweek celebration. As someone who loves sharing food and stories, I promise you this dish will earn you compliments, second helpings, and maybe even a secret chef’s hat from friends and family. Let’s dive into what makes each ingredient shine, how to bring it all together, and the best ways to plate, store, and savor every last cheesy morsel!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CHEESY BEEF AND BOWTIE PASTA IN GARLIC BUTTER
Every star dish starts with top-notch ingredients that sing in harmony. Below are the components that turn simple pantry staples into a decadent, creamy delight. Make sure to pick the freshest, highest-quality versions you can find—your taste buds will thank you!
- Bowtie Pasta
These charming little pasta shapes hold onto sauces like nobody’s business. Their ridges and pinched centers are perfect for capturing every drop of that garlicky, cheesy sauce, ensuring each bite is bursting with flavor.
- Ground Beef
The savory backbone of our dish, ground beef brings hearty richness and meaty texture. When properly browned, it adds depth and a satisfying chew that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
- Unsalted Butter
Butter is the ultimate flavor carrier, and using unsalted butter lets you control the salt level precisely. It creates a glossy, smooth base for sautéing garlic and enriching the sauce at the end.
- Garlic Cloves
Fresh, minced garlic infuses the butter with aromatic intensity and a slight zing. Garlic is the soul of this sauce—don’t skimp on it!
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
Just a hint of crushed red pepper flakes awakens the palate and balances the creaminess with a gentle, warming heat. Feel free to skip or double up, depending on your spice tolerance.
- Heavy Cream
This is where the magic happens: heavy cream transforms into a silky, indulgent sauce that clings to every bowtie. Its richness is unmatched, making the dish feel luxurious.
- Mozzarella Cheese
Shredded mozzarella melts into dreamy, stretchy goodness, adding that classic cheesiness that pulls at the corners of your mouth in the best way.
- Parmesan Cheese
Grated Parmesan offers a sharp, nutty accent that cuts through the cream, delivering savory depth and a subtle tang that keeps each bite interesting.
- Olive Oil
A splash of olive oil in the skillet helps brown the beef beautifully and adds a fruity note that complements the butter.
- Salt and Pepper
The simplest seasoning duo, salt and pepper, is crucial for bringing all the flavors into perfect balance.
- Italian Seasoning
This optional blend of herbs lends an earthy, aromatic lift. A pinch of Italian seasoning can brighten up the sauce and tie everything together.
- Grated Cheddar Cheese
For an extra layer of cheesiness, a handful of cheddar cheese adds sharpness and color variation, making the dish even more irresistible.
- Fresh Parsley
Chopped parsley provides a fresh, herbal pop at the end, cutting through the richness and adding a final flourish of color.
HOW TO MAKE CHEESY BEEF AND BOWTIE PASTA IN GARLIC BUTTER
Let’s bring these ingredients together in one glorious skillet. Below are the detailed steps to create a crowd-pleasing, one-pan meal that’s as fun to cook as it is to eat. Follow along, and you’ll have dinner on the table in no time!
1. Cook the bowtie pasta in salted, boiling water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain well, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water before tossing the pasta back into the colander. This starchy liquid will help loosen the sauce later.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, using a spatula to break it apart into small, even pieces. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned—about 7–8 minutes—then season with salt and pepper to taste. Once cooked, carefully drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the sauce silky.
3. In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and just starts to turn golden. If you’re craving a touch of heat, stir in the crushed red pepper flakes now, letting them bloom in the butter.
4. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to combine it with the garlic butter. Allow the mixture to simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to slightly thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
5. Turn the heat down to low and add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Stir gently until the cheeses melt smoothly into the sauce. If it becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency to your liking.
6. Transfer the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet, using tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together. If you want an extra herby kick, sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. For maximum cheesiness, fold in the grated cheddar and continue tossing until every piece of pasta is luxuriously coated.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. This final swirl adds a glossy sheen and unbeatable richness to the sauce.
8. Plate the pasta immediately, garnishing each serving with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in!
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CHEESY BEEF AND BOWTIE PASTA IN GARLIC BUTTER
Once your skillet masterpiece is ready, it’s time to think about those finishing touches that elevate it from “yum” to “wow!” The right accompaniments can make this dish feel even more special. Here are a few delightful ways to serve and enjoy your cheesy beef and bowtie pasta:
- Family-Style Platter
Serve the pasta in a large, shallow bowl or platter, leaving a little extra sauce pooled around the edges. Encourage guests to dig in and pass the bowl around, creating a shared, convivial atmosphere that’s perfect for casual dinners.
- Individual Bowls with Crunch
Dish out small bowls and top each portion with Toasted Panko Breadcrumbs for a contrasting crunch. The crispy texture against the creamy sauce brings added excitement to every bite.
- Garlic Bread Duo
Present warm garlic bread on the side—one loaf with a classic garlic butter spread, another sprinkled with Parmesan and parsley. Guests can mix, match, and mop up every last bit of sauce for the ultimate comfort-food experience.
- Green Salad Contrast
Balance the richness with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette. The zippy acidity and fresh greens offer a clean, bright counterpoint that refreshes the palate between cheesy, beefy bites.
HOW TO STORE CHEESY BEEF AND BOWTIE PASTA IN GARLIC BUTTER
If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, proper storage will keep that creamy goodness intact for future meals. Here are some tips to ensure your pasta stays fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerate in Airtight Containers
Transfer cooled pasta into airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This prevents moisture loss and keeps the sauce from drying out.
- Loose-Fit Lid with a Splash
When reheating, add a tablespoon of milk or water and cover the skillet loosely. This extra moisture helps revive the sauce’s creaminess without simmering it down.
- Freeze for Longer Storage
For extended storage, place portions in freezer-safe bags, pressing out excess air before sealing. Frozen pasta can last up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stovetop.
- Reheat Gently on Low
Avoid high heat, which can cause dairy to separate. Instead, warm leftover pasta over low heat, stirring frequently until the sauce regains its silky texture.
CONCLUSION
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter checks all the boxes for a crowd-pleasing dinner that’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet decadent enough to make you feel like a culinary rock star. From the velvety cream sauce infused with garlic butter to the melty cheeses that stretch and bind every bowtie, this dish offers a symphony of textures and flavors. I love how the savory ground beef balances the creaminess, and that final sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of freshness that keeps each forkful exciting. With only a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you get a one-pan wonder that yields big smiles and satisfied appetites.
Don’t forget to print this article or save it for later—you’ll want to refer back to the ingredient notes, step-by-step guide, and handy tips for serving and storage. Beneath this write-up, you’ll find a FAQ section to answer any lingering questions. Now it’s your turn: give this recipe a spin, adapt it with your favorite veggies or extra cheeses, and let me know how it turns out. I’m always here to help troubleshoot or share tweaks, so drop a comment, question, or your own creative twist. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with laughter, flavor, and perfectly cheesy satisfaction!
Cheesy Beef and bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter
Description
This one-pan dish combines tender bowtie pasta with rich garlic butter, melted mozzarella, and savory ground beef in a creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s an easy, flavor-packed meal that feels indulgent yet is simple enough for any weeknight.
Ingredients
Instructions
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Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later.
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In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, about 7-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
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In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Stir in the crushed red pepper flakes if you want a bit of spice.
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Add the heavy cream to the skillet, stirring to combine with the garlic butter mixture. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it slightly thickens.
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Lower the heat and stir in the mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese, allowing them to melt smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce gets too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
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Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy, cheesy sauce. If desired, sprinkle in Italian seasoning and cheddar cheese for extra flavor and creaminess. Continue tossing until everything is well combined.
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Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter for a rich, glossy finish.
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Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Note
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
- Feel free to add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to the dish for extra nutrients and flavor.
- This recipe can easily be doubled if you're serving a larger crowd.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days and can be reheated on the stove with a splash of water or milk to loosen up the sauce.
