There's nothing quite like the comforting embrace of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter after a long day. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a luscious, garlicky butter sauce creates a meal that's as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but indulgent. With just a handful of pantry staples, I whipped up a dinner that had my family scraping their plates clean. Now, it's a go-to in our house when we crave something warm, cheesy, and packed with flavor.
Why You'll Love This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Get ready to fall in love with this easy, cheesy pasta dish. It's perfect for those nights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.
First, it's incredibly quick and easy to make. In just 30 minutes, you'll have a meal that tastes like it took far longer to prepare.
This recipe is also budget-friendly. Using simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef and pasta means you can serve a family of four without breaking the bank.
The garlic butter sauce takes this dish to the next level. It's rich, flavorful, and coats every bite of pasta beautifully, ensuring maximum taste in every forkful.
Lastly, it's a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding picky kids or hungry adults, this dish delivers cheesy, beefy goodness that everyone will love.
Ingredients Notes
The magic of this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter comes from a few simple, well-chosen ingredients. Each one plays a vital role in creating the perfect balance of flavors.
Bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is ideal for this dish because of its shape, which holds onto the rich garlic butter sauce beautifully. If you donโt have bowties, penne or rotini work well too.
For the ground beef, I recommend using an 80/20 blend. This gives you just the right amount of fat for flavor without making the dish greasy. If you prefer leaner beef, you can drain excess fat after browning.
The cheese is what brings everything together. A combination of shredded cheddar and mozzarella melts into a gooey, creamy layer that coats the pasta perfectly. You can experiment with different cheeses, such as Monterey Jack or Colby, for a unique twist.
The garlic butter sauce is the heart of this dish. Using fresh garlic is keyโmincing it finely ensures it infuses the butter with maximum flavor. A little bit of olive oil helps prevent the butter from burning, giving the dish a smooth, rich taste.
Lastly, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning adds depth and rounds out the flavors. If you donโt have Italian seasoning, a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme will do the trick.
How To Make This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
Creating this comforting pasta dish is easier than you think. Follow these steps for a perfect meal every time.
Start by cooking your bowtie pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve a cup of pasta water in case you need to adjust the sauce later.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Cook until fully browned, then drain any excess fat. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and melt butter with a drizzle of olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as this can turn the sauce bitter.
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring it into the garlic butter. Add Italian seasoning, a pinch of salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir well to coat the beef with all that delicious garlic-infused butter.
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. Sprinkle in the shredded cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and creates a creamy coating on the pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Let the pasta rest for a minute before serving, allowing the flavors to meld together. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra cheese for an extra-special touch.
Storage Options
This pasta dish stores beautifully, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to help revive the creamy texture.
For longer storage, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To reheat, warm it on the stove over medium-low heat, adding a bit of butter or pasta water to bring back the sauceโs creaminess.
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is incredibly versatile, allowing you to switch things up based on what you have on hand.
For a healthier twist, use ground turkey instead of beef. It still provides plenty of flavor while being lower in fat.
If you're a vegetarian, swap the ground beef for sautรฉed mushrooms or plant-based crumbles. The garlic butter sauce and cheese will still deliver plenty of flavor.
Want some heat? Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to spice things up.
For a different cheese profile, try using Gruyรจre or Parmesan in place of cheddar. Each adds a slightly nutty, rich flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
Finally, if you need a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta and double-check that your seasonings and cheese are gluten-free.
No matter how you make it, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is sure to become a favorite in your home. Enjoy!
PrintCheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe
Cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter is a comforting, family-friendly dish made with tender ground beef, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make meal is packed with cheesy goodness and a touch of savory seasoning, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ยฝ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ยฝ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned; drain excess fat.
- Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet; sautรฉ until fragrant.
- Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
- Simmer until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Toss in the cooked pasta, ensuring it's fully coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce.
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for variety.
- Add sautรฉed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
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