Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate, you’ve come to the right place! Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is one of those dishes that brings everyone together at the table. It’s rich, creamy, and loaded with flavor, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. Trust me; once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your home too!

The combination of succulent beef sautéed in garlic butter and creamy cheese sauce over perfectly cooked bowtie pasta is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s easy to whip up even after a long day! So grab your apron and let’s dive into this delightful dish that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to make: This recipe comes together in just about 50 minutes, making it ideal for those hectic evenings when time is short.
• Family-friendly: With cheesy goodness and delicious flavors, even picky eaters will be asking for seconds!
• Make-ahead option: Prepare the dish ahead of time and heat it up when you’re ready to serve. Perfect for meal prep!
• Customizable ingredients: You can easily swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
• Comfort food at its best: There’s nothing quite like creamy pasta with hearty beef to make you feel cozy and satisfied.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for this mouthwatering Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta. These are items you’ll likely find in your pantry or at your local grocery store:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt, for pasta water
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
• 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
• 8-10 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 cup unsalted beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp dried parsley
• Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra grated cheddar cheese (for garnish)

Variations

One of the best things about Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is how flexible the recipe is! Feel free to get creative with these fun variations:

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add veggies: Toss in some spinach or broccoli for an extra dose of nutrition and color.
• Make it spicy: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or include diced jalapeños.
• Change the cheese: Experiment with different types of cheese like mozzarella or gouda for unique flavor profiles.

How to Make Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your bowtie pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the pasta along with olive oil. This helps prevent sticking. Cook until al dente according to package instructions. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining—it’s great for adjusting the sauce later!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef while breaking it up with a spatula. Season it well with salt and pepper as it cooks—this adds flavor right from the beginning! Once no pink remains, drain any excess fat but leave those tasty browned bits in the pan; they add depth to your sauce.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Next, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pan. Once melted, toss in your diced onion. Sauté for about 5–7 minutes until translucent; this brings out their natural sweetness. Add minced garlic and cook it for just another minute—be careful not to let it burn!

Step 4: Infuse with Tomato Paste & Spices

Stir in the tomato paste next—it helps create that rich flavor base. Cook for a few minutes before adding Italian seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Toasting spices enhances their aromas; trust me, your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 5: Deglaze & Simmer Broth

Pour in your beef broth while scraping up all those lovely browned bits from the bottom of your skillet. Stir in Worcestershire sauce as well—this deepens the flavor profile! Bring everything to a gentle simmer for about five minutes.

Step 6: Whisk in Cream & Cream Cheese

Now for that luscious creamy part! Lower your heat and stir in heavy cream followed by cubed cream cheese. Whisk vigorously until everything is smooth—I can’t stress enough how important this step is!

Step 7: Melt Cheese

Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese into your creamy mixture one handful at a time—stir continuously until melted completely before adding more. Keep that heat low so nothing clumps together!

Step 8: Combine Beef & Pasta

Once all that cheesy goodness is ready, return your cooked ground beef back into the skillet. Gently toss in the drained bowtie pasta until everything is beautifully coated with that creamy sauce.

Step 9: Adjust Consistency & Final Taste

If you find your sauce too thick (which sometimes happens), add reserved pasta water gradually until you reach your desired consistency. Always taste before serving—you might want just a little more seasoning at this point!

Step 10: Serve & Garnish

Serve immediately while hot! Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley or basil plus extra grated cheddar cheese on top because who doesn’t love more cheese? Enjoy every comforting bite!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Creating the perfect Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is easy when you keep a few essential tips in mind!

• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality ground beef can significantly enhance the flavor of your dish, providing a rich and aromatic experience that’s hard to beat.

• Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Taking your time when sautéing onions and garlic allows their natural sugars to caramelize, resulting in a deeper, sweeter flavor that adds complexity to your sauce.

• Reserve Pasta Water: Always keep some pasta water on hand! It’s starchy and can help adjust the consistency of your sauce while also adding extra flavor.

• Gradually Add Cheese: To prevent clumping, add cheese gradually and stir continuously. This results in a beautifully smooth and creamy sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly.

• Taste as You Go: Don’t be afraid to taste your sauce throughout the cooking process. Adjusting seasoning along the way ensures a well-balanced dish that suits your palate.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

This delightful dish is not only delicious but also visually appealing! Present it in a warm serving bowl with fresh garnishes for a homely touch that invites everyone to dig in.

Garnishes

• Chopped Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the top for a burst of color and freshness that complements the richness of the dish.
• Extra Grated Cheese: A generous sprinkle of grated cheddar cheese before serving adds an extra layer of creaminess and cheesiness that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Side Dishes

• Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for mopping up any leftover cheesy sauce on your plate, enhancing the overall dining experience.
• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli adds nutrition and color to your meal while its mild flavor pairs nicely with the creamy pasta.
• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad provides a crisp texture and tangy dressing contrast, balancing out the richness of the pasta dish beautifully.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables are not only colorful but also add depth to your meal. Their natural sweetness complements the savory flavors of the pasta.

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re all set to impress family and friends with this comforting dish that’s sure to become a favorite! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time, making weeknight dinners or entertaining a breeze.

Storing Leftovers

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for best taste and quality.
• Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water to maintain creaminess.

Freezing

• Allow the pasta to cool completely before freezing.
• Portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the containers with date and contents.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Heat gently over low heat on the stovetop, stirring frequently.
• Add a little reserved beef broth or cream to restore creaminess if needed.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I substitute the ground beef in Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta?

Absolutely! You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

How long does Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta last in the fridge?

When stored properly, this dish will last 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container for freshness.

Can I make Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta without heavy cream?

Yes! You can replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even a non-dairy cream if you’re looking for a lighter or dairy-free option.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is not just a meal; it’s a warm hug on a plate. It’s easy to make, comforting, and always brings smiles around the dinner table. I hope you enjoy crafting this delightful dish as much as I do! Don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations—you might inspire someone else’s kitchen adventure!