Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter – A Quick and Delicious Dinner!

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.
½ 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 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese – You can’t go wrong with cheese especially when it’s mozzarella.
½ 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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.