Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter after a long day. The combination of tender pasta, juicy ground beef, and a rich, buttery garlic sauce creates a dish that's both satisfying and irresistibly flavorful. With every bite, you get the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness and savory garlic-infused beef.

I first made this dish on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but still indulgent. It started as a simple pasta dinner, but after tweaking the ingredients, it became a family favorite that’s now on our regular meal rotation. The best part? It’s made with budget-friendly pantry staples, so you can whip it up anytime without an extra grocery run.

This easy pasta recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you need something hearty but hassle-free.

Why You'll Love This Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

Get ready to fall in love with a pasta dish that checks all the boxes—quick, delicious, and family-friendly. Once you try it, you'll see why it’s a go-to for so many home cooks.

First off, it's incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of simple ingredients and one pan for the sauce, you won’t have to spend hours in the kitchen. Perfect for those nights when you need dinner on the table fast.

It’s also a budget-friendly recipe that makes the most of affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and cheese. You can feed a whole family without breaking the bank.

The garlicky butter sauce takes this dish to the next level. Instead of a heavy, complicated sauce, this recipe lets the flavors of butter, garlic, and Parmesan shine through, coating every bite with rich, savory goodness.

Best of all, it’s completely customizable. Want to add some veggies? Toss in some spinach or bell peppers. Prefer a little spice? A dash of red pepper flakes will do the trick. This recipe adapts to whatever you have on hand.

With so many reasons to love this dish, let’s dive into the key ingredients that make it so delicious.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish comes from a few simple ingredients that work together perfectly. Each one plays an important role in creating the rich, cheesy, and garlicky flavors that make this pasta irresistible.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is the ideal choice for this recipe. Its unique shape holds onto the creamy garlic butter sauce beautifully, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have bowties, penne or rotini are great substitutes.

Ground beef brings heartiness and a rich, savory depth to the dish. I prefer using 85/15 ground beef because it has just the right amount of fat for a juicy, flavorful result without being too greasy. If you have leaner beef, you may need to add a little extra butter to balance the texture.

Butter and garlic form the base of the sauce, creating a silky, aromatic coating for the pasta. Freshly minced garlic is best for the boldest flavor, but in a pinch, garlic powder can work too—just adjust the amount to taste.

Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding a salty, nutty richness that makes this dish so satisfying. For the best texture, use freshly grated Parmesan instead of pre-shredded, which doesn’t melt as smoothly.

Chicken broth helps create a light yet flavorful sauce. It enhances the garlic butter mixture while keeping everything from feeling too heavy. If you don’t have broth on hand, you can use pasta water for a similar effect.

A large skillet or sauté pan is essential for cooking the beef and making the sauce. A wooden spoon or spatula also helps break up the meat while it browns, ensuring even cooking.

How To Make Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

This recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for weeknights when you need a delicious meal without a lot of effort.

Start by cooking the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions until the pasta is al dente, then drain and set aside. Reserve about half a cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once fully browned, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn, as that can make it taste bitter.

Pour in the chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any flavorful bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for a minute before adding the cooked ground beef back into the pan.

Stir in the drained bowtie pasta, making sure it's well coated in the garlicky butter sauce. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce and creates a creamy coating. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a pinch of chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant touch.

From start to finish, this dish takes just about 25 minutes, making it one of the quickest and most satisfying meals you can make.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully for easy meals later in the week.

Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors meld together even more overnight, making it just as tasty the next day.

To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to three months.

For reheating, warm it up in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between 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 switch things up and make it your own.

For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the garlic butter sauce. It adds a nice kick without overpowering the dish.

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or sausage for a different flavor profile. Italian sausage brings an extra layer of seasoning that works beautifully with the garlic butter sauce.

Make it a little healthier by adding vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or cherry tomatoes. Simply toss them in when you add the pasta so they can absorb the flavors of the sauce.

For a richer, creamier sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese when adding the Parmesan. This makes the dish extra indulgent and luxurious.

If you need a gluten-free version, swap the bowtie pasta for your favorite gluten-free pasta—just be sure to check the cooking time, as it may vary.

No matter how you customize it, this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and see why it’s a comfort food classic!

Print