Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a warm, cheesy pasta dish to bring comfort to the dinner table. Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the ultimate weeknight meal—rich, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite.

this Recipe

I first made this dish on a night when I needed something quick but satisfying. With just a handful of simple ingredients, it became an instant hit in my household. The combination of tender beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce makes this dish absolutely irresistible.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to pasta dish. This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for any night of the week.

First off, this recipe is incredibly quick to prepare. With just 30 minutes from start to finish, it's ideal for busy nights when you need a homemade meal without the fuss.

The combination of savory ground beef and buttery garlic sauce creates a rich, deep flavor that pairs perfectly with the pasta. The cheese melts beautifully, giving every bite a creamy, comforting texture.

It’s also a budget-friendly meal. Using basic pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, and cheese, you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget the versatility! You can switch up the protein, add vegetables, or tweak the seasonings to suit your taste. This is a recipe you’ll never get bored with.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish comes from a handful of simple, flavorful ingredients that come together perfectly.

Ground beef is the star of this dish, providing a hearty, meaty base. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work.

Bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is ideal because its shape holds onto the garlic butter sauce beautifully. If you don’t have bowtie pasta, penne or rotini make great substitutes.

The garlic butter sauce is where the magic happens. Using fresh garlic and real butter ensures maximum flavor. If you love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two!

Cheese takes this dish to the next level. Sharp cheddar and mozzarella create a creamy, gooey texture that makes this meal irresistible. For extra depth, you can mix in Parmesan for a slight nutty flavor.

For an extra kick, a dash of red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of Italian seasoning can add a nice touch.

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

Creating this delicious dish is easier than you might think! Let’s walk through the process step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water for later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

In the same skillet, lower the heat and add butter and minced garlic. Let the garlic cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned. Stir in the cooked ground beef, allowing it to absorb the garlic butter flavor.

Now, add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the mixture feels too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Sprinkle in the shredded cheese, stirring gently until it melts and coats the pasta in a creamy, cheesy goodness. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley or extra Parmesan for a beautiful finish.

Storage Options

[IMAGE]

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores beautifully! Keep it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For freezing, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or water to bring back the creamy texture. You can also microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until heated through.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize!

Want to add veggies? Try stirring in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for extra nutrients and flavor.

If you’re looking for a protein swap, ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage all work beautifully in place of ground beef.

For a little spice, mix in red pepper flakes, a dash of hot sauce, or smoked paprika for a flavorful kick.

You can also experiment with different cheeses! Swap in Gouda, Monterey Jack, or Pepper Jack for a fun twist on the classic cheesy flavor.

No bowtie pasta? Rotini, penne, or shells are great alternatives that hold sauce just as well.

No matter how you make it, this Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is guaranteed to be a hit every time. Enjoy!

Print