If you are craving a deliciously creamy, irresistibly cheesy pasta dish that comes together in just one pan, then this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe is bound to become your new go-to comfort food. Combining perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with savory ground beef and a luscious garlic butter sauce loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan, this recipe delivers mouthwatering flavors and cozy warmth in every bite. It is simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve guests, making it an absolute winner to keep in your recipe arsenal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering each of these basic but vital ingredients ensures you get the perfect balance of hearty, creamy, and aromatic elements. Every component plays a key role in building this dish’s wonderful taste, texture, and appealing appearance.
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle): The charming shape holds sauce beautifully for a flavorful bite every time.
- Salt: Essential for seasoning pasta water and enhancing overall flavor harmony.
- 1 lb ground beef: Brings rich, meaty heartiness; you can substitute turkey for a leaner option.
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to your savory base.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses fragrant warmth right from the start.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Brings a subtle herbal note that complements the beef.
- 1/2 tsp dried basil: Offers a gentle, sweet aroma to round out the spices.
- Salt and pepper: Key for seasoning and bringing out flavors in every element.
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter: Creates the rich, silky foundation of the garlic butter sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: For that bold, irresistible garlic punch in the sauce.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy without overpowering.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, nutty depth and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Ensures a gooey, melty finish everyone loves.
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped: Finishes with a fresh, vibrant pop of color and flavor.
How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start with a large pot of salted boiling water and cook your bowtie pasta until al dente—about 8 to 10 minutes. This timing is important so the pasta stays firm, ready to soak up all that cheesy goodness. Don’t forget to save about half a cup of pasta water before draining, as it’s a fantastic secret weapon to loosen up your sauce later if needed.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil and toss in the ground beef. Break it apart gently with your spatula as it sizzles, cooking it until nicely browned—this usually takes around 5 to 6 minutes. Now stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, allowing the flavors to mingle as the onion softens over the next few minutes, bringing that wonderful savory base forward.
Step 3: Season the Beef
Sprinkle in the dried oregano and basil for herbal warmth, then salt and pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir and let those flavors meld together over another minute of cooking—the aromas are already begging you to dive in!
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Still using the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to burn it. Then pour in the heavy cream, stirring to blend it all smoothly. Let this creamy mixture simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes so it thickens slightly, building the silky sauce that will coat every pasta piece perfectly.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Next up, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella. Stir consistently as the cheese melts fully into the sauce, transforming it into a luscious, cheesy dream. This step is where the magic happens—the sauce becomes rich, creamy, and totally irresistible.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Now, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss gently, making sure every piece is hugged by the creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce feels a bit too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to reach the perfect consistency. Give it a final taste and adjust with salt and pepper as you see fit—this is your moment to personalize it exactly how you like.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness. Plate it up immediately so everyone can enjoy this cozy, cheesy beef and pasta goodness while it’s warm and comforting.
How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh parsley not only brightens the dish visually but adds a subtle herbaceous note that balances the richness. You might also consider a light dusting of extra Parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little spicy kick if you want to mix things up.
Side Dishes
This hearty pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad—think baby arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a simple Caesar salad to cut through the richness. Roasted or steamed veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans also make excellent companions, adding texture and color.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe in individual mini casserole dishes or even stuffed inside hollowed-out bell peppers. You can also garnish the top with toasted breadcrumbs or a drizzle of truffle oil for an upscale touch that will wow guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking. It will keep well for 3 to 4 days, retaining most of its creamy texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely first. Transfer to a freezer-safe container, and it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Keep in mind that the creamy sauce might slightly change texture upon thawing, but reheating gently will help restore it.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce as needed. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring between sessions, until heated through without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding the sauce, other shapes like penne, rotini, or shell pasta would work beautifully and give a slightly different texture experience.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add extra veggies such as mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach to keep it hearty and satisfying without meat.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the butter and cream for coconut cream or other non-dairy substitutes and use your favorite dairy-free cheese options to maintain the creamy, cheesy feel without the dairy.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can cook the pasta and brown the beef ahead of time, storing them separately in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, combine them with fresh sauce to keep the texture fresh and inviting.
What should I do if my sauce is too thick?
If the sauce thickens too much as it cools or during cooking, simply add reserved pasta water or a splash of cream to thin it out to your desired consistency—this keeps every bite perfectly saucy.
Final Thoughts
This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe is a wonderful celebration of comforting flavors and easy cooking that anyone can appreciate. Whether you’re making it for a busy weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend treat, it promises warmth, satisfaction, and cheesy delight in every forkful. Give it a try—you just might find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again.
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Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (serves 4-6 people)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
A comforting one-pan dish featuring tender ground beef, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce loaded with Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner that combines hearty meatiness with cheesy indulgence in every bite.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- Salt, for the pasta water
Beef and Aromatics
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Substitutions
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese alternatives.
- Gluten-Free: Swap the bowtie pasta for gluten-free pasta.
- Meat-Free: Use plant-based ground meat or add extra veggies like spinach or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water. Set aside.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Heat a little oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the beef is browned throughout, about 5-6 minutes. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens.
- Season the Beef: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to cook for an additional minute so the flavors meld together.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add the Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt fully and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly in the garlic butter cheese sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy, cheesy, beefy pasta at its best.
Notes
- Reserve pasta water before draining to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Using ground turkey is a great leaner alternative to beef.
- Butter and cream create the rich base of the sauce; substitute with dairy-free options for lactose intolerance.
- Adding fresh parsley at the end adds color and a fresh herbal flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta of choice.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying out.
