Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a dish that delivers comfort, flavor, and simplicity all in one skillet. Combining tender bowtie pasta with juicy ground beef, a buttery garlic cream sauce, and two types of cheese, this meal is hearty, rich, and satisfying. The garlic butter creates a luscious base for the cheese sauce, while the beef adds depth and protein, making it a complete and filling meal with very little effort. It’s a quick weeknight option that feels like a special treat, perfect for when you want something cozy but still crave bold, satisfying flavors.

This dish is also incredibly customizable and uses pantry staples, making it ideal for last-minute dinners or meal prepping for the week. The mild flavor of mozzarella, the sharpness of Parmesan, and the touch of red pepper flakes come together in perfect harmony. With a silky, creamy garlic butter sauce coating every piece of pasta and beef, this recipe is bound to become a staple in your dinner rotation. From the first bite to the last, every forkful offers comfort and richness, yet it’s light enough not to overwhelm. This is pasta done right — easy, cheesy, and crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Creamy and Cheesy – Loaded with mozzarella and Parmesan for the ultimate creamy bite.
2. One-Skillet Simplicity – Fewer dishes, quicker cleanup, and all the flavor.
3. Hearty and Filling – Ground beef and pasta make this a complete meal.
4. Customizable Heat – Add red pepper flakes for spice or keep it mild for family-friendly comfort.
5. Perfect Weeknight Dinner – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple ingredients.

Ingredients

• Bowtie pasta
• Ground beef
• Olive oil
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Garlic (minced)
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Unsalted butter
• All-purpose flour
• Milk
• Shredded mozzarella cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Variations

• Swap the Meat: Use ground turkey, sausage, or a plant-based meat alternative.
• Make It Spicier: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.
• Add Vegetables: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.
• Creamier Version: Add a splash of heavy cream to enrich the sauce.
• Baked Option: Transfer the final mixture to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil bowtie pasta in salted water according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté until onion is soft. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Remove the beef mixture from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for one minute until fragrant.

Step 5: Build the Cream Sauce

Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly. Simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.

Step 6: Add Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Mix until completely melted and smooth.

Step 7: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta and beef mixture back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly in the garlic butter cheese sauce. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Salt the pasta water well to season the pasta from within.
• Use freshly grated cheese for a smoother melt and better flavor.
• Don’t overcook the roux — 1–2 minutes is enough to remove the raw flour taste.
• Add pasta water gradually to control sauce thickness.
• Let the dish sit for a minute or two before serving to allow flavors to meld.

How to Serve

Serve this dish hot, straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan. It pairs wonderfully with garlic bread, a crisp green salad, or roasted vegetables. For a complete comfort meal, finish with a glass of red wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of milk or pasta water to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing

Freeze in individual portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well in this recipe.

2. What if I don’t have mozzarella?

Use any good melting cheese like Monterey Jack, provolone, or even cheddar.

3. Is this recipe spicy?

Only slightly, and the red pepper flakes are optional. Adjust to your taste.

4. Can I make this ahead?

Yes, you can prepare it fully and store it for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little liquid.

5. Can I make it gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour substitute for the roux.

6. Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely. Spinach, mushrooms, or even broccoli work great.

7. What can I substitute for milk?

Use half-and-half, cream, or a dairy-free alternative like oat or almond milk.

8. Will this work without flour?

Yes, but the sauce may not thicken as well. Use cream or reduce longer to thicken naturally.

9. Can I make it vegetarian?

Yes, just omit the beef or use a meat-free alternative.

10. What can I serve with this?

It pairs perfectly with garlic bread, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad.

Conclusion

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the ultimate cozy dinner that checks all the boxes — easy to make, packed with flavor, and loaded with cheese. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you just need something warm and satisfying. With simple ingredients and a foolproof process, this recipe delivers every single time. One bite and it’s easy to see why this dish will quickly become a regular on your dinner table.

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