Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter – Quick Weeknight Comfort

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the kind of comfort food that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Imagine tender bowtie pasta soaked in a rich, buttery garlic sauce, tossed with juicy ground beef, and finished with a generous handful of Parmesan cheese. Yes, it’s as good as it sounds — and it’s ready in about 30 minutes! This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter recipe is perfect for anyone juggling work, family, or just life itself. It’s simple, hearty, and completely satisfying.

Plus, it’s one of those dinners that pleases everyone — even picky eaters who normally turn their noses up at anything “fancy.” Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this creamy garlic butter pasta is bound to become a go-to in your rotation.

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What is Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter?

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a creamy, flavor-packed pasta dish made with everyday ingredients you probably already have in your kitchen. It combines bowtie (or “farfalle”) pasta with seasoned ground beef and a velvety garlic butter sauce that’s equal parts rich and comforting.

The heavy cream and Parmesan cheese melt into the broth, creating a luscious texture that clings beautifully to every piece of pasta. It’s basically your favorite Alfredo meets a hearty beef skillet — but faster and easier. The best part? You only need one skillet and one pot, which means minimal cleanup (a huge win for busy weeknights). Pair it with a green salad or some garlic bread, and you’ve got a dinner that feels restaurant-worthy without leaving your kitchen.

Reasons to Try Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

First off, this dish checks every comfort-food box: cheesy, buttery, garlicky, and quick. You don’t need fancy ingredients or culinary skills — just a pot, a skillet, and a little bit of time. The combination of savory beef and nutty Parmesan is satisfying enough for adults, yet mild enough for kids. It’s also versatile: you can swap the beef for turkey or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms if you want to make it a little lighter.

The Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter reheats beautifully, so it’s also perfect for leftovers or meal prep. And let’s be real — after a long day, the last thing anyone wants is a complicated recipe. This one’s foolproof and delicious, guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy (and maybe even ask for seconds).

Ingredients Needed to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

• 12 oz bowtie pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 tbsp butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan for garnish

Equipment: Large skillet, pot for boiling pasta, wooden spoon or spatula

Instructions to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Just Right

Let’s kick things off with our trusty bowtie pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil — you want it bubbling like a mini hot spring. Toss in the bowties and cook them just until al dente, meaning they’re tender but still have a tiny bit of bite. This step-by-step process might seem basic, but it’s the secret to perfect texture — no mushy pasta here! Once done, drain and set it aside, but don’t rinse; that starchy coating helps the sauce cling beautifully later. For extra pasta-cooking tips, check out Ground Beef Orzo in Tomato Cream Sauce — it shares some smart pasta-handling tricks that’ll change your game.

Step 2: Brown the Beef to Flavorful Perfection

Next, grab your skillet and heat it over medium-high. Add your ground beef and start breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. You’ll notice it releasing juices and sizzling — that’s where all the flavor starts to build. Cook until it’s browned evenly and there’s no pink left, about 6–8 minutes. Drain off the excess fat, but leave just a touch behind for extra flavor. Want to see how other recipes build flavor from browned beef? Try this cozy Creamy Authentic Beef Stroganoff — it uses the same foundational step for rich, deep flavor.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Now, lower your heat to medium and toss in the butter. As it melts, add your minced garlic. Stir constantly for about a minute until your kitchen smells like heaven. The key in this step-by-step moment is patience — garlic burns fast, and burnt garlic turns bitter. You’re aiming for golden, fragrant perfection. This is the base that’ll give your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter that irresistible buttery richness.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients for a Creamy Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes, stirring gently. You’ll see it reducing slightly, concentrating all that savory goodness. Next, stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a little spice. Let it bubble gently until the sauce begins to thicken — think a creamy, smooth consistency that lightly coats the back of your spoon. If you’re a fan of creamy sauces like this, my Creamy Parmesan Beef Rigatoni offers another delicious step-by-step pasta guide you’ll love.

Step 5: Melt in the Cheese

Turn your stove to low heat and slowly stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese. Do this gradually so it melts evenly, creating a silky, glossy sauce. You’ll know it’s right when it looks smooth and thick, without any lumps. The Parmesan adds saltiness and depth, balancing the buttery and garlicky flavors perfectly. (Tip: use freshly shredded cheese — the pre-bagged kind doesn’t melt as well!)

Step 6: Mix Everything Together in the Skillet

Now it’s time to unite all the goodness. Add your cooked pasta straight into the skillet and toss everything together. Every piece of bowtie should get a shiny coat of that luscious garlic butter sauce. This step-by-step toss is what transforms a pile of pasta and beef into pure creamy comfort. Taste it and adjust the salt and pepper if needed. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water — it’s like liquid gold for bringing everything together.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve with Style

You’re almost there! Sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness. Then, add a final flourish of grated Parmesan — because honestly, can you ever have too much cheese? Serve it straight from the skillet for that cozy, homey vibe. If you love meals like this, you might also enjoy Cheesy Penne with Garlic Butter Ground Beef, another weeknight winner packed with flavor.

This step-by-step Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter guide is all about making your dinner delicious and doable — even on the busiest nights. Each step builds flavor and comfort, turning simple ingredients into something that feels special. And if you’re looking for another comforting, beefy option for later in the week, check out my Hearty Comfort Slow Cooker Beef Manhattan — it’s the perfect cozy follow-up to this dish.

What to Serve with Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

This dish pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think a crisp Caesar salad, steamed broccoli, or roasted asparagus for a fresh touch. If you’re in full comfort-food mode, go for garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls to soak up all that sauce. For drinks, a chilled glass of white wine or even sparkling water with lemon complements the richness perfectly. Want to go all out? Finish dinner with something sweet like my Homemade Chocolate Chip Cookies — because life’s too short not to have dessert.

Key Tips for Making Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

1. Use freshly grated Parmesan — pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
2. Don’t skip the garlic butter step; it’s what gives this dish its signature flavor.
3. If your sauce feels too thick, add a splash of pasta water to loosen it up.
4. Want to make it lighter? Swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
5. For extra flavor, try browning your butter slightly before adding garlic — it adds a subtle nuttiness that’s irresistible.

Storage and Reheating Tips for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to bring back that silky sauce texture. Microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally, or warm it on the stove over low heat. This pasta also freezes well — just cool completely before freezing and reheat gently when ready to serve.

FAQs

Can I use another type of pasta? Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or even spaghetti works great.
Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, but for the best texture, cook the pasta fresh and store the sauce separately.
Is it spicy? Only if you add the red pepper flakes. Feel free to skip them for a milder version.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is comfort food at its finest — rich, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s one of those dishes that make you forget you’re eating at home because it tastes like something straight out of a cozy Italian bistro. If you loved this recipe, you’ll probably enjoy Creamy Chicken Alfredo Bake or Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta too. Try it once, and I guarantee it’ll be part of your weeknight rotation.

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