Name: Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 1 lb ground beef; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided: 2 for beef, 2 for sauce); 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour; 1 cup whole or 2% milk; 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·5.1 from 10 reviews

If you’re longing for the ultimate comfort food dinner that’s both irresistibly creamy and bursting with robust flavors, Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is destined to satisfy every craving. This one-pan wonder is layered with savory ground beef, perfectly al dente bowtie pasta, and a luscious garlic butter sauce that ties everything together. Brimming with melty cheese and finished with a sprinkling of fresh parsley, it’s a weeknight go-to you’ll want to make again and again!

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is how a handful of pantry staples come together for big flavor. Each ingredient earns its place, contributing something special to the final dish—whether it’s the creaminess, the savoriness, or a pop of color on the plate!

Bowtie Pasta (12 oz): Farfalle’s playful shape holds onto sauce and cheese, making every bite delightful!
Ground Beef (1 lb): Adds hearty depth and satisfying richness that pairs perfectly with creamy sauce.
Olive Oil (2 tbsp): Helps brown the beef and infuse it with an extra layer of flavor.
Small Onion, finely chopped: Provides subtle sweetness and aromatic bite, rounding out the beef’s richness.
Garlic (4 cloves, divided): Garlic is used twice—for meaty warmth with the beef and that bold, fragrant sauce!
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Delivers herby brightness and a touch of the Mediterranean.
Red Pepper Flakes (1/2 tsp, optional): Adds gentle heat for those who love a tiny kick.
Salt and Pepper, to taste: Simple seasonings are essential here for maximum flavor.
Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp): The secret behind a velvety, rich garlic butter sauce.
All-Purpose Flour (1 tbsp): Thickens your sauce so it hugs every pasta bowtie just right.
Milk (1 cup, whole or 2%): Gives the sauce a creamy, luxurious base.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1 cup): Delivers gooey, stretchy cheese pulls—need we say more?
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/2 cup): Offers salty, nutty depth that balances the creaminess.
Chopped Fresh Parsley (2 tbsp): A fresh, colorful finish that brightens the plate.

How to Make Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and stir occasionally to keep things from sticking. Cook until al dente—usually about 11 minutes—so the pasta holds up when tossed with sauce. Before draining, scoop out about half a cup of pasta water, just in case you want to loosen the sauce later. Drain the pasta, set it aside, and get ready for pure comfort.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While your pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart, sautéing until it’s fully browned and there’s no pink left—this is where the deep, savory flavor starts building. Toss in the chopped onion and half of the minced garlic, and cook until the onion turns soft and golden. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Once everything smells delicious, transfer the mixture to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In that same skillet (don’t clean it—you want all those tasty browned bits!), melt your butter over medium heat. Add in the remaining minced garlic and stir until fragrant, about one minute. Sprinkle the flour over and whisk together, letting it cook gently for a minute to form a smooth, pale roux. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Let the sauce bubble and thicken for about 3–4 minutes—it’s the base for the signature Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter!

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Turn down the heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan until both are luxuriously melted. If your sauce feels thick, add a splash or two of the reserved pasta water until it’s glossy and silky. The combination of cheeses is what transforms this from a simple pasta dish into true, cozy indulgence.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the beef mixture to your skillet, then add in the cooked bowtie pasta. Use a gentle hand and a big spoon to toss everything until the pasta is fully coated in cheesy garlic butter bliss. The aroma at this stage is pure heaven—cheesy, garlicky, and utterly irresistible!

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Transfer your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter onto a serving platter or scoop into individual bowls. Top with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra flurry of Parmesan for good measure. Serve piping hot, and enjoy every creamy, cheesy forkful.

How to Serve Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Garnishes

Elevate each bowl with a final touch: a big handful of fresh chopped parsley for brightness and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for extra savory punch. If you love a kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes over the top is delightful. Even a drizzle of good olive oil or some cracked black pepper turns this comforting classic into something worthy of a dinner party.

Side Dishes

A crisp green salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette is the perfect counterpoint to Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter, cutting through the richness and cleansing your palate. For even more coziness, serve with warm, crusty bread—ideal for mopping up any delicious sauce left in your bowl. Roasted broccoli, sautéed spinach, or garlic green beans are also stellar alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

Individual bowls make for a casual, comforting weeknight meal, but you can dress it up by serving this pasta on a big white platter, topped tall with parsley and extra cheese for a show-stopping family-style presentation. If you’re feeding a crowd, portion into ramekins, sprinkle additional mozzarella on top, and give it a quick broil for a bubbly, browned finish that’s sure to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter keep beautifully! Let your pasta cool completely, then store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually develop even more overnight, making this a fantastic next-day lunch option.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, portion your pasta into freezer-safe containers. Let it cool first to preserve the texture, then freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results—the creamy sauce holds up quite well!

Reheating

Gently reheat leftovers in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of milk or a small pat of butter and stirring until the sauce becomes creamy again. This prevents the pasta from drying out and revives all those comforting, cheesy flavors.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is playful and perfect for holding onto the sauce, you can swap it with penne, rotini, or even shells with similar delicious results. Just be sure to cook to al dente so your pasta doesn’t get mushy.

Is there a way to make this dish lighter?

Yes! You can use lean ground beef or substitute ground turkey for a lighter option. Swapping whole milk for 2% or even unsweetened oat milk works well, and you can use reduced-fat cheeses to cut some of the richness without losing creaminess.

Can I add vegetables to Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter?

Definitely—this recipe is flexible! Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even frozen peas when you combine the beef and pasta for a nutritious boost and extra color. It’s a great way to sneak in more veggies for picky eaters.

What cheese should I use if I don’t have mozzarella?

Mozzarella is amazing for meltiness, but you can substitute with Monterey Jack, provolone, or even a cheddar blend for a different flavor profile. Just avoid strongly flavored cheeses that might overpower the delicate garlic butter sauce.

How can I make this spicy?

If you enjoy a bit of heat, don’t hesitate to double the red pepper flakes or even add a small diced jalapeño when browning the beef. A drizzle of chili oil at serving time also brings a lovely warmth without masking the core flavors of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter enough for those days when you want something easy, hearty, and outrageously satisfying. Pull out your skillet, gather a few simple ingredients, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a creamy, cheesy, garlic-kissed masterpiece. I just know it’ll become a new family favorite!