Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a delightful dish that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dining table. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe features tender bowtie pasta smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce, combined with savory ground beef and melted cheese. It’s quick, easy to prepare, and offers a burst of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Pasta
• For the Beef
• For the Sauce
• For Garnish
• How to Make Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter
• Step 1: Cook the Pasta
• Step 2: Brown the Beef
• Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce
• Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
• Step 5: Melt the Cheese
• Step 6: Combine with Pasta
• Step 7: Serve
• How to Serve Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs
• Pair with a Salad
• Serve with Bread
• Add a Protein
• How to Perfect Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter
• Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter
• Reheating Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I use another type of pasta?
• Is there a gluten-free option?
• How can I make it healthier?
• What’s the best way to customize this recipe?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: With just 30 minutes from start to finish, you can whip up this delicious meal even on the busiest days.
• Family Favorite: The rich flavors and cheesy goodness make it a hit with both kids and adults.
• Versatile Ingredients: You can customize the dish by adding vegetables or using different types of meat.
• Comforting Flavor: The combination of garlic butter and cheese creates a warm, inviting taste that is hard to resist.
• One-Pot Wonder: Less cleanup is required since most of the cooking happens in one skillet.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your utensils for an easier cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Colander
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large skillet: This is essential for browning the beef and making the creamy sauce without needing extra pots.
• Colander: A colander helps easily drain the pasta while reserving some water for sauce adjustments.

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz bowtie pasta

For the Beef

• 1 lb ground beef

For the Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup reserved pasta water

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil a pot of water and add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta while reserving ½ cup of pasta water. Set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, stirring occasionally. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

Add butter and minced garlic to the skillet with browned beef. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream while stirring to combine with beef and garlic. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.

Step 5: Melt the Cheese

Gradually add shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir until fully melted and smooth.

Step 6: Combine with Pasta

Toss in cooked bowtie pasta, ensuring it is well coated with sauce. If needed, add reserved pasta water gradually to achieve your desired consistency.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm. Enjoy your delicious Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter!

How to Serve Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

Serving Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter can elevate your dining experience. This dish pairs well with various sides and garnishes that complement its rich flavors.

Garnish with Fresh Herbs

• Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
• Basil: Use fresh basil leaves for an aromatic touch that enhances the flavor.

Pair with a Salad

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad balances the richness of the pasta with crisp greens and creamy dressing.
• Garden Salad: A light garden salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers provides a refreshing contrast.

Serve with Bread

• Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for soaking up any leftover garlic butter sauce.
• Dinner Rolls: Soft dinner rolls can be served warm for a comforting addition to the meal.

Add a Protein

• Grilled Chicken: Slice grilled chicken on top of the pasta for extra protein.
• Shrimp: Sautéed shrimp brings a seafood twist that pairs wonderfully with the flavors.

How to Perfect Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

To make your Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter even better, follow these tips for perfection.

• Bold seasoning: Always season your meat well while browning it to enhance its flavor.
• Bold cheese choice: Opt for a combination of cheeses like mozzarella for extra stretchiness or gouda for smokiness.
• Bold cooking time: Avoid overcooking the pasta; it should be al dente to maintain texture in the dish.
• Bold adjustments: Feel free to adjust the level of garlic according to your taste—more makes it more flavorful!
• Bold additions: Incorporate vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
• Bold serving style: Serve in individual bowls topped with extra cheese and herbs for a restaurant-style presentation.

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Best Side Dishes for Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

Finding the right side dishes can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to serve alongside your cheesy beef pasta.

1. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli adds nutrients and balances the richness of the dish.
2. Roasted Asparagus: Crispy roasted asparagus offers a delightful crunch that complements the creamy pasta.
3. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing bite that contrasts well with the cheesy richness.
4. Stuffed Peppers: Colorful stuffed peppers filled with rice or quinoa add flair and nutrition.
5. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob is a fun finger food that kids love alongside this hearty meal.
6. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges are always a hit; they can be seasoned to match the flavors of your main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that could enhance your dish.

• Not reserving pasta water: Always save some pasta water before draining. It helps adjust the sauce consistency later.
• Overcooking the beef: Cook the ground beef just until browned for a tender texture. Avoid cooking it too long, as it can become dry.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper to suit your preference for a more flavorful dish.
• Skipping fresh herbs: Fresh parsley adds a burst of flavor and color. Don’t skip this step—garnish generously!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Use a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag.
• This dish can be frozen for up to 2 months for best quality.

Reheating Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta In Garlic Butter

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover the dish with foil and heat for about 20 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and reheat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Heat on low in a skillet, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! Feel free to substitute with any pasta shape you like. Just adjust the cooking time as needed.

Is there a gluten-free option?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free bowtie pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten-free diets.

How can I make it healthier?

Add vegetables like spinach or zucchini during cooking for extra nutrients without sacrificing taste.

What’s the best way to customize this recipe?

You can swap out ground beef for turkey or chicken, or add your favorite cheeses for different flavor profiles.

Final Thoughts

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is not only quick and easy but also incredibly versatile. Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients or sides. This comforting dish is sure to be a hit at any dinner table!