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Cheesy garlic pasta dinner

Featured in Heartwarming Main Course Recipes.

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a delicious and comforting recipe that's perfect for weeknight dinners. This dish features tender bowtie pasta mixed with seasoned ground beef and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. The melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses add a creamy, gooey texture, making it incredibly satisfying. Fresh parsley on top completes the flavors and adds a pop of color. Whether you're feeding a family or looking for a simple yet tasty meal, this pasta recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
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Rose
Updated on Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:28:13 GMT
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter Pin it
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter | lovelylifewithrose.com

A comforting bowl of Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in garlic butter sauce brings together the perfect combination of tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a velvety cheese sauce. This hearty dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal that's both satisfying and easy to prepare.

I've made this pasta countless times, and it never fails to bring smiles to my dinner table. My teenagers particularly love the cheesy sauce, and I appreciate how it helps them eat their vegetables when I sneak some in.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The shape holds sauce perfectly in its crevices
  • Ground Beef (80/20): This fat ratio provides the best flavor and moisture
  • Fresh Garlic: Always choose firm, unsprouted cloves for optimal flavor
  • Whole Milk: Creates a richer sauce than lower-fat alternatives
  • Quality Cheese Blend: Fresh-grated mozzarella and Parmesan melt better than pre-shredded
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds bright color and fresh flavor to finish the dish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1:
Cook pasta in well-salted water until al dente, saving some pasta water
Step 2:
Brown beef thoroughly, breaking it into even pieces
Step 3:
Sauté aromatics until onions become translucent
Step 4:
Create a smooth roux with butter and flour as the sauce base
Step 5:
Gradually incorporate milk while whisking constantly
Step 6:
Melt cheeses slowly to achieve a silky sauce consistency
Step 7:
Combine all components, adjusting thickness with pasta water

My family particularly loves the garlic butter element in this dish. My grandmother always said that proper garlic cooking is the secret to Italian-inspired dishes, and this recipe proves her right.

Storage and Reheating

The pasta keeps well in an airtight container for 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency. The flavors often develop further the next day, making it an excellent meal prep option.

I've experimented with countless pasta dishes over the years, but this recipe consistently ranks among my family's favorites. The combination of comfort food elements with elevated technique creates a dish that's both satisfying and impressive.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with any short pasta like penne or fusilli.
→ Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the beef and add vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini for a vegetarian option.
→ Can I use a different cheese?
You can use cheeses like cheddar, gouda, or a combination instead of mozzarella and Parmesan.
→ How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk on the stovetop.
→ Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the components separately and combine them before serving to keep the pasta fresh.

Cheesy Beef Pasta Delight

Savory bowtie pasta with beef, garlic butter, and melted cheese.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ For the Pasta and Beef

01 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
02 1 lb (450g) ground beef
03 2 tablespoons olive oil
04 1 small onion, finely chopped
05 2 cloves of garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
07 ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
08 Salt and pepper to taste

→ For the Garlic Butter Sauce

09 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
10 2 cloves of garlic, minced
11 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
12 1 cup (240ml) milk (whole or 2%)
13 1 cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
14 ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
15 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Step 01

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Save ½ cup of the pasta’s cooking water before draining. Set the cooked pasta aside.

Step 02

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it into smaller pieces, until fully browned (about 5-7 minutes). Incorporate the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent (around 3 minutes). Mix in the Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if desired), and season with salt and pepper. Remove the beef mixture from the pan and set it aside.

Step 03

Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant. Stir in the flour, cooking it for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Gradually add the milk while whisking to achieve a smooth consistency. Let the mixture gently simmer for about 3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

Step 04

Lower the heat and mix in both the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted. Return the cooked pasta and beef mixture to the skillet, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the cheese sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency.

Step 05

Dish out the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta into serving bowls. Top with parsley and extra Parmesan cheese for garnish, if you wish.

Notes

  1. You can swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter dish.
  2. Stir in some vegetables, such as spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers, for added nutrition.
  3. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently on the stovetop with a bit of milk.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • Spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (milk, mozzarella, Parmesan, butter)
  • Gluten (pasta, flour)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 92
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~