Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

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Looking for a cozy, comforting dinner that’s quick to make but packed with rich, satisfying flavor? Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is the answer. This dish brings together the irresistible savoriness of seasoned ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a velvety garlic butter sauce—finished off with a generous helping of melty cheddar cheese. Every bite delivers the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and garlicky goodness with a hearty texture.

Whether you’re whipping up a weeknight dinner for the family or want something indulgent for a night in, this pasta is the kind of meal that pleases everyone at the table. Plus, it uses pantry staples and comes together in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy days when you still want something homemade and hearty.

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Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

This dish is incredibly easy to throw together, but tastes like it simmered all day. The garlic butter sauce is simple yet luxurious, and it coats the bowtie pasta and beef so perfectly, you’ll want to lick the plate clean. It’s also wonderfully versatile—add a splash of cream, some extra herbs, or swap the cheese depending on what you love most. And because everything cooks in one pan (besides the pasta), cleanup is a breeze.

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What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

This recipe is built around bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle. The shape is not only fun, but it does an excellent job at holding onto that cheesy, buttery sauce. That said, if you don’t have bowties on hand, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even shells—anything that can catch that delicious sauce and beef in its nooks and folds will do the trick!

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Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a key role in building layers of flavor and comfort:

• Ground Beef: Brings richness and heartiness to the dish. Choose lean beef for less grease or regular for more flavor.
• Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The base that carries all the buttery, cheesy goodness. Holds sauce well and cooks to a great al dente texture.
• Garlic (Minced): The foundation of flavor. Fresh garlic infuses the butter and meat with irresistible aroma.
• Butter: Used generously to coat the beef and pasta with a luscious, silky texture.
• Cheddar Cheese (Shredded): Melts into the pasta for that ultimate creamy and cheesy experience.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty, nutty finish that enhances the overall flavor.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.
• Parsley (Optional): Freshly chopped, it adds a pop of color and brightness.

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How To Make the Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season with salt and pepper. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Butter Base

Add the butter to the cooked beef in the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Step 4: Combine and Melt the Cheese

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef and garlic butter mixture. Toss everything together to coat. Sprinkle in shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted and creamy. Add a touch of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan and chopped parsley if using. Serve hot and enjoy!

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How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

This dish is incredibly filling and satisfying on its own, serving about 4 generous portions. It’s a complete meal, but can be rounded out with a fresh salad or a side of garlic bread. For storage, allow leftovers to cool completely and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or milk to refresh the sauce.

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What to Serve With Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta?

Crisp Green Salad

A simple side salad with lettuce, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a fresh crunch and balances the richness of the pasta.

Garlic Bread

This classic side is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the cheesy garlic sauce.

Roasted Vegetables

Think broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts roasted with olive oil and sea salt for a hearty yet healthy complement.

Sauteed Mushrooms

Mushrooms pair beautifully with the beef and can add even more depth of flavor.

Steamed Green Beans

A lighter option that still adds color and nutrition to the plate.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is great for texture, penne, rotini, or shells will also work well with the creamy sauce.

Is this dish spicy?
Nope! It’s very mild. But if you enjoy a kick, try adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce while cooking the beef.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Reheat it gently on the stove and add a splash of milk or water to revive the sauce.

Can I freeze this pasta?
Technically yes, though the texture may change slightly when reheated. For best results, eat fresh or store in the fridge.

Is there a dairy-free version?
To make it dairy-free, swap out the butter and cheese for plant-based alternatives. It won’t be exactly the same, but it will still be delicious. Check out our dairy-free pasta recipes for more inspiration.

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