Description
Rich, cheesy, and loaded with savory goodness, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Savory Beef is the ultimate comfort food. Perfectly cooked bowtie pasta is tossed in a garlic-infused butter sauce, combined with seasoned ground beef, and finished with melty cheese for a dish that’s indulgent, satisfying, and easy to make. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy dinner at home, this pasta is a guaranteed hit!
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
For the Savory Beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese
For Garnishing
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped
- Extra grated Parmesan
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later.
2. Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, and onion powder.
- Cook for 5–7 minutes or until the beef is browned. Drain excess grease and set aside.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in red pepper flakes (if using), then add heavy cream and let it simmer for 1 minute.
- Mix in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta and savory beef to the skillet.
- Toss everything together until well-coated in the garlic butter sauce.
- Sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
5. Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and red pepper flakes.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
Notes
- For a Spicy Kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce.
- For a Creamier Texture: Stir in cream cheese or ricotta before serving.
- For Extra Veggies: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the skillet with the beef.
- For a Lighter Version: Use ground turkey instead of beef and swap half-and-half for heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American