Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

There’s something truly comforting about a big bowl of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. The combination of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and rich, buttery garlic sauce creates the perfect weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and simple to make.

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a whim when I needed a quick meal that would please the whole family. With just a handful of pantry staples and a few minutes in the kitchen, it quickly became a go-to favorite. Now, it's one of those recipes I turn to when I need something easy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Get ready to fall in love with this comforting pasta dish. It’s packed with flavor, comes together quickly, and is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few simple steps and minimal prep time, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. That makes it perfect for busy weeknights when you need something filling without spending hours in the kitchen.

This dish is also budget-friendly. Ground beef and pasta are affordable staples, and you probably already have the rest of the ingredients in your pantry. No need for fancy ingredients—just classic flavors that come together beautifully.

The garlic butter sauce takes this pasta to the next level. The richness of the butter combined with the bold flavors of garlic and Parmesan creates an irresistible coating for every bite. It’s indulgent without being too heavy, making it a perfect comfort food.

Best of all, everyone loves it. Whether you’re feeding picky eaters or cooking for a crowd, this cheesy beef and pasta dish is always a winner. The creamy, cheesy goodness paired with the slight bite of garlic makes it a meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s a closer look at what makes this dish so delicious.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is the perfect shape for this dish. Its ridges and folds help hold onto the sauce, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have bowties, penne or rotini will work just as well.

Ground beef adds a hearty, meaty texture that pairs perfectly with the buttery garlic sauce. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer, you can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different twist.

Garlic butter sauce is the star of this recipe. A combination of butter, minced garlic, and a touch of red pepper flakes gives the pasta an irresistible depth of flavor. Be sure to use fresh garlic for the best results!

Shredded cheese brings everything together. I love using a mix of mozzarella and Parmesan for that perfect balance of meltiness and sharpness. Feel free to add some cheddar or provolone if you want to mix things up.

Heavy cream adds a luxurious touch to the sauce, making it extra creamy and rich. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can swap it for half-and-half or even milk, though the sauce won’t be quite as thick.

You’ll also need salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning to bring all the flavors together. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end adds a nice pop of color and freshness.

How To Make This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Making this dish is as simple as cooking your pasta, browning your beef, and whipping up the easy garlic butter sauce. Let’s break it down step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, but be sure to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water to help with the sauce later.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess grease, then season the beef with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

Next, melt butter in the same skillet and add your minced garlic. Let it cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute, just until fragrant. Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick, if desired.

Pour in heavy cream and let it simmer for a minute before adding your shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

Finally, add the cooked pasta and beef back into the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the cheesy garlic butter sauce. Let it cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld, then remove from heat.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, and your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is ready to serve!

Storage Options

If you have leftovers (which isn’t always the case because this dish disappears fast!), here’s how to store and reheat them.

Refrigeration: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get better over time, making this a great make-ahead meal.

Freezing: This pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months. Place it in a freezer-safe container, making sure to leave a little room for expansion. When ready to eat, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure even heating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to customize it to your liking.

Make it spicy by adding extra red pepper flakes or stirring in some diced jalapeños. You can also swap out the mozzarella for pepper jack cheese for even more heat.

Use a different protein if you want to switch things up. Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage all work beautifully in this dish.

Add some veggies for extra nutrition and color. Try stirring in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers. They’ll soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce and add a fresh twist.

Make it lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reducing the amount of butter. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken.

Try a different pasta shape if you don’t have bowties. Rotini, penne, or even fettuccine will work just as well, though each will change the texture slightly.

No matter how you make it, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is bound to become a favorite in your home. It’s quick, easy, and bursting with flavor—everything you could want in a comforting pasta dish. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes a regular on your dinner menu!

Print