Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Pasta

This hearty garlic butter beef and cheesy bowtie pasta has been my family's weeknight savior for years. The combination of savory beef, garlic-infused butter, and melty cheese creates a dish that disappears within minutes of hitting the table.

I first created this recipe during a particularly hectic week when I needed something quick but still comforting. What started as a desperate dinner solution has turned into our most requested meal, especially during the cooler months when everyone craves something warm and satisfying.

Ingredients

• Bowtie pasta provides the perfect vehicle for catching all the delicious sauce in its nooks and crannies
• Ground beef delivers satisfying protein and savory flavor choose 85/15 for the best balance of flavor and texture
• Butter creates the rich base for the sauce use unsalted so you can control the saltiness
• Fresh garlic cloves offer aromatic depth that dried simply cannot match
• Onion powder adds sweet onion flavor without the prep time of chopping fresh onions
• Italian seasoning provides herbal complexity with just one ingredient
• Beef broth forms the liquid base of our sauce look for lowsodium versions
• Cheddar cheese melts beautifully and adds that classic comforting flavor sharp varieties add extra depth
• Parmesan cheese brings a salty umami finish that elevates the entire dish
• Fresh parsley brightens the finished dish with color and a hint of herbaceous freshness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water until about threequarters full and add a generous tablespoon of salt. Bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the bowtie pasta and stir immediately to prevent sticking. Cook according to package instructions until al dente usually 10 to 12 minutes. The pasta should have a slight firmness when bitten. Drain thoroughly but do not rinse as the starch helps our sauce cling to the pasta.

Brown the Beef

Heat a large deep skillet over mediumhigh heat. Add the ground beef breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 7 to 8 minutes stirring occasionally until the beef is completely browned with no pink remaining. Take your time with this step as proper browning creates deeper flavor. Season the beef with salt pepper onion powder and Italian seasoning stirring to distribute the seasonings evenly.

Create the Garlic Butter Base

Reduce the heat to medium low and push the beef to one side of the pan. Add the butter to the cleared space and allow it to melt completely. Once melted add the minced garlic directly into the butter where it can bloom without burning. Stir the garlic in the butter for 30 to 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Burned garlic turns bitter and can ruin the entire dish.

Develop the Sauce

Pour the beef broth into the skillet stirring constantly to incorporate all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes stirring occasionally. During this time the sauce will reduce slightly and thicken creating a silky texture that will coat the pasta beautifully. This reduction concentrates the flavors and creates the perfect consistency.

Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet tossing gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece gets coated with the garlic butter sauce. Continue cooking for about 2 minutes allowing the pasta to absorb some of the flavorful sauce. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar over the mixture and stir until completely melted and incorporated creating a creamy cohesive dish.

Finish and Garnish

Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle with the grated Parmesan cheese which will melt from the residual heat. Finish with a generous sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley which adds bright color and flavor contrast. Serve immediately in warmed bowls to maintain the perfect creamy texture as long as possible.

Bookmark

The butter in this recipe is absolutely nonnegotiable for me. I once tried to make a lighter version with just olive oil and while still good it lacked that distinctive richness that makes this dish special. My daughter actually asked what was different about her favorite pasta that night. Since then Ive learned that sometimes those extra calories from real butter make all the difference between a good meal and an exceptional one.

Making Ahead and Storage

This pasta dish actually improves after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together beautifully. Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When reheating consider adding a splash of beef broth or even a small pat of butter to revitalize the sauce which tends to thicken considerably when chilled.

For freezing portions transfer completely cooled pasta to freezersafe containers leaving about half an inch of space at the top. Freeze for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a covered skillet over low heat stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.

Easy Variations

This versatile base recipe welcomes countless variations to keep mealtime interesting. Try swapping the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier profile or use ground turkey with a bit more seasoning for a lighter option. Vegetarians can substitute plant based crumbles or even sautéed mushrooms for a meaty texture without the meat.

For a more substantial dish fold in sautéed vegetables like bell peppers zucchini or spinach during the final combining step. Roasted cherry tomatoes add beautiful color and bursts of acidity that balance the rich sauce wonderfully. Even switching up the cheese can create an entirely new experience try smoked gouda or pepper jack for unexpected flavor twists.

Serving Suggestions

While this creamy pasta is perfectly satisfying on its own I love serving it alongside simple sides that complement without competing. A crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette offers refreshing contrast to the rich main dish. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette provides the perfect tool for soaking up any remaining sauce.

For a more formal presentation consider serving smaller portions as a first course before a simple protein like roasted chicken or grilled fish. A small glass of medium bodied red wine like a Merlot or Chianti makes this humble pasta feel like restaurant fare in the comfort of your home.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I substitute the bowtie pasta with something else?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta (farfalle) holds the sauce exceptionally well with its nooks and crannies, you can substitute with penne, rotini, shells, or even elbow macaroni for similar sauce-capturing results. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on your pasta choice, so check the package instructions.

→ What's the best cheese to use for this dish?

Cheddar provides the perfect balance of meltability and flavor, while Parmesan adds a nutty depth. For variations, try Colby Jack for mildness, Monterey Jack for creaminess, Gruyère for sophistication, or mozzarella for that classic stretch. For extra flavor dimension, a combination of cheeses often works beautifully.

→ How can I add vegetables to this dish?

You can easily incorporate vegetables for added nutrition and flavor. Sauté bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach after cooking the beef and before adding the garlic butter. Frozen peas or corn can be stirred in during the last few minutes of cooking. For picky eaters, finely dice vegetables to better incorporate them into the sauce.

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Ground turkey makes an excellent substitute for beef in this dish. Since turkey is leaner, you might want to add an extra tablespoon of butter to maintain richness. Season turkey a bit more aggressively as it has a milder flavor profile. Ground chicken, pork, or even plant-based meat alternatives will also work well with adjustments to cooking time.

→ What's the best way to reheat leftovers?

For best results, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of beef broth or milk to restore creaminess. Cover and stir occasionally until heated through. If using a microwave, place in a microwave-safe dish, add a tablespoon of liquid, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until warmed completely.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

To add heat, incorporate red pepper flakes during the garlic butter stage, allowing them to bloom in the fat for maximum flavor. Alternatively, add diced jalapeños or serranos when cooking the beef, stir in a dash of hot sauce before serving, or use pepper jack cheese instead of cheddar. A sprinkle of cayenne or a drizzle of chili oil also works wonderfully.

→ How long can I store leftovers?

Properly stored in an airtight container, leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating with a splash of liquid to revive the creamy texture.