Irresistible Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of rich flavors and comforting textures that promises to transform your dinner table into a haven of culinary delight. I am absolutely thrilled to share with you a recipe that has quickly become a cherished favorite in my own kitchen and, I predict, will soon become one in yours too.

A Culinary Hug in a Bowl

Imagine tender, savory beef bathed in aromatic garlic butter, perfectly tossed with al dente bowtie pasta and generously coated in a luxurious, melted cheese sauce. This isn’t just dinner; it’s a hug in a bowl, delivering unparalleled satisfaction with every forkful. While this particular combination might not hail from centuries of tradition, it beautifully embodies the spirit of heartwarming Italian-American comfort food. It draws inspiration from classic, robust pasta dishes, elevating familiar ingredients into something truly extraordinary – a modern classic designed for maximum enjoyment and minimal fuss.

It’s a fantastic solution for those busy weeknights when you crave something substantial and incredibly flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The irresistible appeal of this Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta lies in its harmonious blend of simple yet powerful ingredients, culminating in a dish that consistently earns rave reviews. Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort food!

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 pound (450g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more if needed
• 1.5 pounds (680g) lean ground beef (80/20 preferred for flavor)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (yes, that much for our Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta!)
• 1 tablespoon tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth (low sodium is good)
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
• 1.5 cups (170g) shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup (50g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Prepping Our Ingredients for Success

1. First things first, let’s get organized! The key to a smooth cooking experience, especially when dealing with a dish as delicious and layered as our Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta, is to have all your ingredients ready and waiting. This is what chefs call “mise en place.”
2. Grab your trusty cutting board and a sharp knife. Start by finely chopping your large yellow onion. We want it to melt into the sauce, providing a sweet, savory foundation without being overly chunky. Set it aside in a small bowl.
3. Next, turn your attention to the garlic. For this recipe, we’re going big on the garlic flavor, so don’t be shy! Minced garlic is what we’re after, so whether you’re using a garlic press or a knife, aim for small, consistent pieces. Place the minced garlic in a separate small bowl. You’ll thank me later for this aromatic powerhouse.
4. Now, let’s talk cheese. Get out your block of mozzarella and grate it. Pre-shredded cheese can sometimes contain anti-caking agents that affect melting, so fresh is always best if you have the time. Measure out your Parmesan as well. For the cream cheese, make sure it’s softened to room temperature – this will help it melt beautifully and smoothly into our sauce. Cube it for easier incorporation.
5. Finally, if you’re using fresh parsley for garnish, go ahead and give it a good chop now. Having everything measured, chopped, and ready makes the actual cooking process feel like a breeze. Trust me, a little prep goes a long way to ensure a stress-free cooking journey and a perfectly executed dish.

Browning the Beef and Building the Flavor Base

6. In a large Dutch oven or a deep, heavy-bottomed skillet, heat the tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add your ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, allowing it to sear and brown deeply on all sides. This browning process is absolutely crucial for developing a rich, savory depth that forms the backbone of our Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta. Keep stirring occasionally until no pink remains and the beef is beautifully caramelized.
7. Once the ground beef is thoroughly browned, use a slotted spoon to transfer the cooked beef to a plate, leaving the rendered fat in the pan. If there’s an excessive amount of fat (more than 2-3 tablespoons), carefully drain off the excess, leaving just enough to sauté our aromatics. This step ensures our sauce isn’t greasy but still retains wonderful beefy essence.
8. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the finely chopped yellow onion to the pan with the remaining beef fat. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it softens and becomes translucent. We’re looking for that sweet, mellow flavor to release.
9. Now, here’s where our “garlic” component really starts to shine! Add the minced garlic to the pan with the softened onions. Cook for just 1 minute, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic can turn bitter and ruin the delicate balance of our dish. We want golden, fragrant goodness.
10. Stir in the tomato paste. Cook it for another 1-2 minutes, stirring often. This step, known as “cooking out” the tomato paste, deepens its flavor and removes any raw, tinny taste, transforming it into a rich, concentrated tomato essence that will provide fantastic umami to our sauce.
11. Return the browned ground beef to the pan, mixing it thoroughly with the onion, garlic, and tomato paste. Season generously with the dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), and a good pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Give everything a good stir to ensure all the flavors are mingling beautifully.

Simmering the Sauce to Perfection and Cooking the Pasta Concurrently

12. Pour in the can of diced tomatoes (undrained, as the juices add a lot of flavor!) and the beef broth. Give it another thorough stir, making sure nothing is sticking to the bottom of the pan. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let the sauce cook for at least 15-20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, creating a truly irresistible sauce base for our pasta.
13. While the sauce is simmering, it’s the perfect time to get our bowtie pasta cooking. Fill a large pot with plenty of water. Add a generous amount of salt to the water – it should taste like the sea! This is your only chance to season the pasta itself, so don’t be shy. Bring the water to a rolling boil.
14. Add the 1 pound of bowtie pasta to the boiling water. Cook according to package directions until it’s al dente – that means it should be firm to the bite, not mushy. Al dente pasta holds its shape better and has a better texture when mixed with the sauce. Depending on your brand, this usually takes about 10-12 minutes.
15. Before draining the pasta, ladle out about 1 to 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta cooking water into a heatproof mug or bowl. This reserved pasta water is liquid gold! It will be instrumental later in helping to create a silky, smooth sauce that clings beautifully to our bowtie pasta. Once you’ve reserved the water, drain the rest of the pasta thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta.

Combining for Cheesy Goodness and Richness

16. Once your sauce has simmered and the flavors are robust, and your pasta is perfectly al dente, it’s time for the magical combination step! Uncover your sauce.
17. Stir in the softened cream cheese cubes. Keep stirring gently until the cream cheese is completely melted and smoothly incorporated into the sauce. This adds an incredible creaminess and a subtle tang that elevates the entire dish, contributing wonderfully to the “cheesy” aspect of our Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta.
18. Pour in the heavy cream (or half-and-half). Stir it into the sauce until everything is beautifully combined and the sauce takes on a luscious, rich appearance.
19. Now for the “butter” part of our glorious Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta! Add the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the sauce. Let it melt slowly, stirring occasionally. The butter will add a luxurious sheen, a velvety texture, and an unmatched richness that really enhances the garlic and beef flavors.
20. Add the shredded mozzarella cheese and the grated Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir continuously until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce becomes incredibly thick, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy. This is where our dish truly lives up to its “cheesy bowtie pasta” name!
21. Add the drained bowtie pasta directly into the large Dutch oven with the glorious beef and cheese sauce. Toss everything together using tongs or two large spoons, ensuring every single bowtie is coated generously with that amazing sauce.
22. If the sauce seems a little too thick at this point (and it might, as the pasta will absorb some liquid), gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water, a splash at a time, stirring well after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. The starch in the pasta water also helps the sauce adhere better to the pasta.

Final Touches and Serving

23. Give the whole dish a final taste. Adjust seasonings as needed – perhaps a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch more red pepper flakes if you like a kick. Remember, you want the flavors to pop!
24. Spoon generous portions of your incredible Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta into serving bowls.
25. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley and, if you’re feeling extra indulgent (and why wouldn’t you be?), a final flourish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. This dish is truly a comfort food masterpiece, perfect for a cozy weeknight or entertaining friends. Enjoy every delicious, garlicky, buttery, beefy, and cheesy bite!

Conclusion:

Well, my fellow food lovers, we’ve reached the sweet, savory, and undeniably cheesy end of our journey, and I genuinely hope you’re as excited as I am about what we’ve explored. This recipe for Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta isn’t just another meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors that come together to create something truly magical in your kitchen. I can tell you from personal experience that the rich, tender beef, infused with aromatic garlic and savory butter, creates a foundation that is simply irresistible. When you combine that with the perfectly al dente bowtie pasta, lovingly coated in a decadent, melty cheese sauce, you get a dish that transcends the ordinary. It’s comforting, it’s deeply satisfying, and it’s surprisingly straightforward to prepare, making it an absolute game-changer for busy weeknights when you still want to serve something spectacular. Trust me, the aroma alone will draw everyone to the table, and the first bite? Pure bliss. It’s a recipe designed to deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss, proving that you don’t need hours in the kitchen to create a meal that tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for sharing with loved ones or enjoying all by yourself after a long day.

Now, let’s talk about how to make this culinary masterpiece even more your own. While the core recipe for Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is fantastic as is, I always encourage a little creative flair. For serving, I absolutely adore pairing this rich pasta with something fresh and vibrant to cut through the richness. A simple, crisp green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette is perfection. Or, if you’re looking to round out the meal even further, some crusty artisan bread for soaking up any leftover cheesy, garlicky sauce is a must-have. Think about adding a side of roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a delightful touch of green goodness. In terms of variations, the possibilities are endless! If you’re not a fan of beef, this recipe adapts beautifully to other proteins. Consider swapping the ground beef for ground chicken, turkey, or even Italian sausage for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian twist, sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a medley of roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes would be absolutely delicious, absorbing all that wonderful garlic butter goodness. You could also experiment with different cheeses – a sharp cheddar, a smoky gouda, or even a blend of Monterey Jack and Colby would work wonders, offering a slightly different cheesy dimension. And for those who love a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the garlic adds a wonderful kick. Fresh herbs, like a generous sprinkling of chopped parsley or basil just before serving, can also brighten up the entire dish beautifully. Don’t be afraid to add a splash of heavy cream to the cheese sauce if you desire an even richer, silkier texture, transforming it into an even more indulgent experience.

So, there you have it – my deepest encouragement for you to bring this incredible Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta into your culinary repertoire. I promise you, the joy of creating this dish, and even more so, the pleasure of tasting it, is an experience you won’t want to miss. It’s a testament to the fact that some of the most satisfying meals are born from simple, quality ingredients, elevated by thoughtful preparation. Don’t just read about it; go ahead and dive in! Gather your ingredients, put on your favorite cooking playlist, and let the magic happen. When you do try it, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add your own unique twist? What did your family and friends think? Share your culinary adventures, your photos, and your feedback in the comments or on social media. Your successes inspire me, and your insights help all of us grow as home cooks. Until next time, happy cooking, and may your kitchen always be filled with delicious aromas and wonderful memories!

Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

A truly irresistible meal, this Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is a culinary hug in a bowl. Tender ground beef is bathed in aromatic garlic butter, tossed with al dente bowtie pasta, and generously coated in a luxurious, melted cheese sauce. A perfect modern comfort food classic for busy weeknights.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
40 Minutes

Total Time
1 Hours

Servings
6 servings

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cubed
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1
   Chop onion, mince garlic, grate cheddar cheese, cube softened cream cheese, and chop parsley. Have all ingredients measured and ready.
2. Step 2
   Cook bowtie pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Before draining, reserve 1 to 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water. Drain pasta thoroughly; do not rinse.
3. Step 3
   In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and brown deeply until no pink remains. Transfer beef to a plate, leaving rendered fat in the pan. Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4
   Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes. Return browned beef to the pan. Season with Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Add diced tomatoes (undrained) and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook on low for 15-20 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Step 5
   Uncover sauce. Stir in softened cream cheese cubes until completely melted and smooth. Pour in heavy cream and stir until well combined. Add unsalted butter and let it melt slowly, stirring occasionally. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese until completely melted, creating a thick and cheesy sauce.
6. Step 6
   Add drained bowtie pasta directly into the sauce. Toss everything together, ensuring pasta is generously coated. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add some reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasonings. Serve generous portions, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated cheddar if desired.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.