Name: Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

There’s something so comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta dish, especially when it comes together in one pan with simple ingredients. This Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is the perfect blend of rich flavors, featuring tender ground beef, buttery garlic, and a luscious cheese sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. It’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight.

I love how the bowtie pasta (farfalle) holds onto the creamy, garlicky sauce, making every bite loaded with flavor. The combination of ground beef and cheese creates a hearty dish that pleases both kids and adults alike. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal-prepping for the week, this pasta dish will quickly become a favorite in your home.

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

Easy and Quick: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
One-Pan Meal: Less cleanup, more flavor! Everything cooks in one pan.
Creamy and Cheesy: The rich cheese sauce coats every piece of pasta.
Garlic Butter Goodness: Adds a deep, savory flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
Family-Friendly: Both kids and adults will love this comforting meal.
Customizable: Easily swap ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

For this recipe, I love using bowtie pasta (farfalle) because its shape holds onto the creamy, cheesy sauce so well. The ridges and folds trap the garlic butter and beef mixture, ensuring that every bite is full of flavor. However, if you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, you can easily substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or even shells. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the type of pasta you use.

Options for Substitutions

If you need to swap out ingredients based on what’s in your pantry or dietary needs, here are some great alternatives:

Pasta: If you don’t have bowtie pasta, use penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or any other short pasta shape.
Ground Beef: Swap for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Cheese: Cheddar works great, but mozzarella, Colby Jack, or even a blend of cheeses can add a unique twist.
Garlic Butter: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version, or try adding a touch of garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic.
Broth: If you don’t have beef broth, you can use chicken or vegetable broth instead.
Milk/Cream: Heavy cream makes it extra rich, but you can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter option.

These substitutions allow you to customize the dish based on what you have, making it a versatile and foolproof recipe!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in bringing out the rich, comforting flavors. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
Ground Beef: Adds a hearty, savory depth to the dish. You can also use ground turkey or sausage for variety.
Butter: Melts into the dish, creating a rich, velvety base for the sauce.
Garlic: The star of the flavor profile, giving the dish its signature garlicky warmth.
Beef Broth: Helps cook the pasta while adding an extra layer of beefy goodness.
Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious, creamy texture that coats the pasta beautifully.
Cheddar Cheese: Melts into the sauce, making it irresistibly cheesy. Mozzarella or Colby Jack also work well.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty bite that enhances the overall flavor.
Italian Seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs that brings everything together.
Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh garnish that adds a pop of color and flavor.

With just these simple ingredients, you’ll create a dish that’s rich, comforting, and full of bold flavors!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess grease to prevent the dish from becoming too oily.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for about 30 seconds, just until the garlic becomes fragrant—be careful not to burn it!

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer for 5 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan, stirring until completely melted and the sauce turns smooth and creamy. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy garlic butter sauce until evenly coated. Let it cook for another 2-3 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley for a final touch. Serve warm and enjoy!

How Long to Cook Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

The total cooking time for this dish is around 25-30 minutes:

Pasta Cooking: 8-10 minutes (until al dente)
Browning the Beef: 5-7 minutes
Sautéing Garlic & Making the Sauce: 5 minutes
Melting Cheese & Combining Everything: 5-7 minutes

This quick and easy process makes it a perfect meal for busy nights when you need something delicious in a hurry!

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Use Freshly Minced Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a richer, more aromatic flavor compared to garlic powder.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook it just until al dente since it will continue to absorb the sauce when mixed in.
Drain the Beef Well: This prevents the dish from becoming too greasy.
Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth; if too thin, let it simmer for a couple of minutes longer.
Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, taste the sauce and adjust the salt and pepper as needed.
Add a Spicy Kick: If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Following these tips will ensure your pasta is creamy, flavorful, and perfectly cooked every time!

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

Even though this recipe is easy to make, a few common mistakes can affect the final result. Here’s what to avoid:

Overcooking the Pasta: Bowtie pasta should be al dente so it doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Skipping the Garlic Butter Step: Garlic needs to be lightly sautéed in butter to bring out its rich, aromatic flavor—don’t rush this step!
Using Pre-Shredded Cheese: It won’t melt as smoothly due to added starches. Always grate your own cheese for the best creamy texture.
Not Draining the Beef Properly: Leaving too much grease can make the dish overly oily. Drain excess fat for a cleaner taste.
Adding Cheese Over High Heat: This can cause the cheese to separate and turn grainy. Reduce the heat and stir it in gently.
Forgetting to Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Before serving, give it a quick taste and adjust salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning as needed.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta?

This dish is rich and creamy, so pairing it with something fresh or crunchy balances the flavors beautifully. Here are some great side dishes:

1. Garlic Bread

A warm, crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up that delicious cheesy sauce.

2. Side Salad

A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette adds freshness to complement the creamy pasta.

3. Roasted Vegetables

Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini bring a nice contrast in texture and extra nutrients.

4. Sautéed Mushrooms

Mushrooms pair wonderfully with the garlic butter and beef flavors in the pasta.

5. Steamed Green Beans

A healthy, simple side that doesn’t overpower the dish but adds a nice crunch.

6. Bruschetta

Tomato bruschetta with balsamic glaze adds a fresh, tangy element to balance the richness.

7. Caesar Salad

Crisp romaine, parmesan, and Caesar dressing make for a classic, satisfying side.

8. A Glass of Red Wine

If you’re serving this for a cozy dinner, a medium-bodied red wine like Merlot or Chianti pairs perfectly.

Pairing your pasta with any of these sides will turn it into a complete and satisfying meal!

Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers, this Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta stores well and reheats beautifully! Here’s how to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer: Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating:
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or milk and heat on low until warm.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, to avoid drying out.

Avoid freezing if you’ve used heavy cream, as it can separate. Instead, freeze the beef and pasta separately, then add fresh cream when reheating.

Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate per serving (based on six servings):

Calories: ~550 kcal
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 85mg
Sodium: 620mg
Fiber: 3g
Sugar: 4g

Note: These values may vary depending on the specific ingredients you use. If you want a lighter version, try using ground turkey, low-fat cheese, or whole wheat pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it on the stove with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the sauce.

2. What’s the best cheese to use for this recipe?

Cheddar is a great choice, but you can also use mozzarella, Colby Jack, or a blend of cheeses for a slightly different flavor.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce while cooking.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, shells, or rigatoni all work well if you don’t have bowtie pasta.

5. Is this dish gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily substitute gluten-free pasta and make sure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

6. Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works as a leaner alternative to beef while still being delicious.

7. How do I keep the cheese from becoming clumpy?

Make sure to lower the heat before adding the cheese and stir continuously to help it melt smoothly.

8. Can I add vegetables to this pasta?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or peas make great additions to boost nutrition and flavor.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is the perfect one-pan meal that’s creamy, cheesy, and full of comforting flavors. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, it’s a recipe that never disappoints!