Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

So I was hungry and wanted something easy but super tasty. This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter totally came to the rescue. One pan, big flavor, and yeah—lots of cheese.

The ground beef gets all cozy with buttery garlic, and the bowtie pasta just soaks it all up. Then comes the cheese—melty, gooey, perfect. It’s fast, filling, and full of comfort.

It’s rich, garlicky, and oh-so-satisfying. I love how every bite has that cheesy, beefy goodness. And it all comes together without any fuss.

Let me show you how I make it. Super simple, super tasty. You’ll wanna keep this one on repeat.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich, But Not Too Heavy: The garlic butter and Parmesan balance richness without being overwhelming.
• One-Pot Wonder: Fewer dishes, less stress, and more flavor all in one pan.
• Kid-Approved: The cheesy pasta and mild garlic taste make it a hit with picky eaters too.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes

Servings: Makes 4–6 hearty portions.

Difficulty Level: Beginner-friendly but feels like restaurant quality.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large skillet or sauté pan with lid
• Medium pot for boiling pasta
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater

Ingredients for Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

Here’s everything you’ll need to bring this creamy, cheesy, garlic-loaded meal together:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta – Cooked just until al dente so it holds its shape.
• 1 lb ground beef – Lean beef adds flavor without being too greasy.
• 3 tbsp butter – This is where the garlic magic starts.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic gives the sauce depth.
• 1 cup beef broth – Helps make the sauce rich and savory.
• 1 cup heavy cream – Makes everything creamy and smooth.
• 1½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese – Adds that salty, cheesy bite.
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – A mix of herbs that ties the flavors together.
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional) – For a little heat, if you like.
• Salt and pepper – To season everything properly.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped – Brightens things up at the end.
• Grated Parmesan for garnish – Optional, but makes it look finished.

Variations for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• Use Ground Turkey or Chicken: If you want a lighter option, ground turkey or chicken will work well, still giving you a juicy texture without the beef.
• Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added color and nutrients. They cook nicely in the sauce and bring extra flavor.
• Swap the Pasta: Try a different shape like rotini or penne. Just make sure to cook the pasta according to the package directions.
• Spicy Twist: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce if you want an extra kick of heat.
• Cream Cheese Option: For a tangier, richer sauce, you can mix in a bit of cream cheese with the heavy cream.

How to Make Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, just until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

2. Brown the Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook for 7–8 minutes, or until the beef is browned and fully cooked. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it’s fragrant (but not burnt!). Be careful with the garlic—once it hits the heat, it can burn quickly.

4. Add the Liquids

Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits left from the beef. After 2-3 minutes, add the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

5. Add the Cheese and Beef

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy. Add the cooked ground beef back into the pan and stir everything together.

6. Combine with Pasta

Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently to coat the pasta in the creamy garlic butter sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little more beef broth to loosen it up. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is well combined, sprinkle the pasta with fresh parsley for a pop of color and a bit of freshness. If you want to take it up a notch, sprinkle a little extra grated Parmesan on top.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

• As a Main Dish: Serve this creamy pasta on its own for a filling and comforting meal. Pair it with a side salad or some crusty bread for the perfect weeknight dinner.
• With a Side Salad: A fresh, simple salad with leafy greens and a light vinaigrette is a great contrast to the richness of the pasta.
• For Meal Prep: This dish stores well in the fridge for 3-4 days, making it a great option for meal prepping. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore the creaminess.

Storing Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, this pasta can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and warm on the stove with a little extra broth or cream.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta just until al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic really makes a difference in flavor, so try to avoid pre-minced garlic for the best result.
• Add Extra Cheese: If you love cheese, feel free to add more Parmesan or even mozzarella for extra cheesiness.

Nutrition Information

Per Serving	Calories	Carbs	Fat	Protein
1 Serving	550	45g	30g	25g

Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta FAQ

1. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While this recipe calls for bowtie pasta, you can substitute with any shape you prefer, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the pasta you choose.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the pasta, sauce, and beef ahead of time, then store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat the mixture on the stovetop, adding a splash of broth or cream to bring back its creamy consistency.

3. How can I make this dish spicier?

If you like heat, try adding extra red pepper flakes or some diced jalapeños when cooking the beef. You can also stir in a bit of hot sauce to the sauce for a flavorful kick.

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

Yes, ground turkey or chicken would be a great substitute! Both options will give you a leaner dish while still providing a juicy and flavorful result. Just cook them the same way as the beef.

5. Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish can be frozen. Let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and heat gently on the stovetop, adding a little extra broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

6. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! You can add spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or even peas for added flavor and nutrition. Simply sauté them along with the garlic or add them into the sauce while it’s simmering.

7. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the beef and replace it with plant-based protein or extra vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. You can still follow the rest of the recipe for the creamy garlic butter sauce and pasta.

Conclusion

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a satisfying, creamy dish that everyone will love. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for family dinners or meal prepping. Whether you’re looking for comfort food or something to impress, this pasta has you covered. Enjoy!