Description
Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich garlic butter sauce with melted cheese. This indulgent and comforting dish is perfect for busy weeknights and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water. Set aside. - Brown the beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Remove cooked beef from the skillet and set aside. - Prepare garlic butter sauce:
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (1-2 minutes). - Make the creamy base:
Stir in chicken or beef broth and heavy cream. Whisk until combined and simmer for 3-5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. - Melt the cheese:
Reduce heat to low. Gradually add Parmesan and mozzarella, stirring until melted and smooth. If needed, use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce. - Combine ingredients:
Return the cooked beef to the skillet, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Adjust seasoning as needed, adding red pepper flakes for heat. - Serve:
Transfer to a serving dish or plates. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Heat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water, or microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring occasionally.
- Make-ahead Tip: Prepare the sauce and beef in advance; combine with pasta when reheating.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with plant-based protein or vegetables, and use vegetable broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: dinner
- Method: Stove-top
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Cheesy beef pasta recipe Bowtie pasta with garlic butter Creamy beef and pasta dish Quick comfort food dinner One-pot pasta recipe