Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

There’s something about the combination of garlic butter, beef, and pasta that just hits the spot every single time. If you’re like me, you’re always on the lookout for easy, tasty dinner ideas that don’t take up hours in the kitchen. Well, I’ve got the perfect recipe for you today: Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter. It’s simple, full of flavor, and definitely a crowd-pleaser.

I’ve made this meal countless times, and every time it gets rave reviews—whether it’s from my family or friends. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a superstar in the kitchen, even if it only takes 30 minutes to pull together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I can’t even begin to tell you how good this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta is. The pasta is tender, the beef is perfectly seasoned, and the garlic butter sauce ties everything together in the most amazing way. Plus, the cheesy goodness? Absolutely irresistible.

Not only is this dish a favorite around here, but it’s also a fantastic option for busy weeknights. You know those days when you’re juggling work, errands, and family responsibilities, but you still want to get a delicious meal on the table without spending hours cooking? This is the answer.

It’s one of those recipes you’ll want to make again and again. It’s a great balance of comfort food and practicality—satisfying, but not too heavy. And trust me, the whole family will love it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get started, let’s take a look at what you’ll need to make this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta:

• 1 lb ground beef – I usually go for lean beef, but you can use whatever you prefer.
• 12 oz bowtie pasta – I love how these little pasta shapes hold onto the sauce, but you can use any pasta you have on hand.
• 3 cloves garlic – Fresh garlic is always best for that extra punch of flavor.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter – Yes, we’re going all in with the butter. It makes the sauce so rich and creamy!
• 1 cup heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce nice and smooth.
• 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese – You can’t go wrong with cheese, especially when it’s mozzarella.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds that nutty, salty flavor that really elevates the dish.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A little sprinkle of this goes a long way in bringing everything together.
• Salt and pepper – To taste. Don’t forget to season your pasta water too!
• Chopped parsley – For garnish. It’s optional, but it adds a nice pop of color and freshness.

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Now that you’ve got everything you need, let’s get cooking! Trust me, this meal is so easy to make—it’s practically foolproof. Here’s how you do it:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

First things first, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, cook your bowtie pasta according to the package instructions, usually around 9-11 minutes for al dente. Once it’s cooked, drain the pasta, but don’t toss that pasta water just yet—you’ll need it for the sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the pasta’s cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add your ground beef and cook until it’s browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat.

I love how beef adds such a satisfying texture to this dish. The little crumbles of beef make each bite extra hearty. And you’ll get that nice savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the garlic butter sauce.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now for the fun part! In the same skillet (with the beef still in there), melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until fragrant. I’m telling you, there’s nothing better than the smell of garlic and butter sizzling in a pan.

Once the garlic is nice and aromatic, add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir it all together. Let it cook for a couple of minutes to thicken up a bit. Then, stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This is when the magic happens. Watch as the cheeses melt into that creamy, buttery sauce, making it extra luscious.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now, add your cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Give everything a good stir to coat the pasta in that creamy goodness. If the sauce is a little too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning—it really brings everything to life!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Once everything is combined, it’s time to serve up your cheesy beef and bowtie pasta! Sprinkle a little chopped parsley on top for color (and a burst of freshness) and get ready to dig in. I love serving this with a side of crusty bread to mop up any leftover sauce. It’s the perfect meal to enjoy on a cozy night in.

Tips for Success

• Customize the Cheese: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, provolone, or even a little bit of goat cheese would work wonderfully in this dish.
• Add Veggies: If you’re looking to sneak in some veggies, spinach or zucchini would be great additions. Just sauté them with the garlic in Step 3 for extra flavor.
• Leftovers: This dish keeps really well for leftovers. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, and it reheats beautifully in the microwave or on the stove. Just add a splash of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to life if it thickens up too much.
• Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. It’ll give the dish a nice kick!

Final Thoughts

I hope you give this cheesy beef and bowtie pasta a try! It’s one of those recipes that’s so easy to make but tastes like you’ve been slaving over the stove for hours. The garlic butter sauce is the star of the show, and the cheesy goodness just takes it over the top.

Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish will never disappoint. Plus, it’s a total crowd-pleaser, so don’t be surprised if everyone asks for seconds!

Let me know how it turns out if you make it! I always love hearing from you, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy this as much as we do. Happy cooking!