Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta – Your New Cheesy Favorite!

Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to a world of unparalleled comfort and flavor. Imagine a dish where tender, savory beef, infused with aromatic garlic butter, meets perfectly al dente bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy sauce. This isn’t merely a meal; it’s an experience designed to soothe the soul and tantalize the taste buds from the very first bite.

While the exact origins of this particular combination may be a modern culinary marvel, it beautifully blends the beloved elements of classic Italian-American comfort food – robust pasta and hearty cheese – with the universal appeal of succulent beef. It’s a testament to how simple yet profound ingredients can come together to create something truly extraordinary. People adore this dish for its incredible depth of flavor; the savory notes of the beef and garlic butter are perfectly complemented by the creamy, melty cheese, creating a harmonious and utterly satisfying profile. The delightful texture contrast between the tender beef, the chewiness of the bowtie pasta, and the smooth cheese sauce makes every forkful a joy.

This Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is incredibly versatile, making it ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for entertaining.

It’s the kind of meal that consistently delivers on its promise of deliciousness, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a staple in many households looking for hearty, flavor-packed satisfaction.

this Recipe

Ingredients:

• For the Pasta:
  • 1 pound (450g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 2 teaspoons salt (for pasta water)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, for pasta water to prevent sticking)
• For the Garlic Butter Beef:
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1.5 pounds (about 680g) lean ground beef (I prefer 80/20 for flavor, but 90/10 works if you’re watching fat)
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 6-8 cloves garlic, minced (yes, we love our garlic here!)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste, remember the beef broth also contains salt)
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (I recommend low-sodium so you can control the seasoning)
• For the Luxurious Cheesy Sauce:
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup (30g) all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream (or half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, but heavy cream is best for richness)
  • 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (use the same low-sodium as before)
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup (113g) shredded mozzarella cheese (part-skim or whole milk, your preference)
  • ½ cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated is always superior!)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of nutmeg (optional, but it really elevates cheese sauces!)
• For Garnish (Optional, but highly recommended):
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra grated Parmesan cheese

Prepping Our Ingredients and Cooking the Pasta

1. First things first, let’s get our mise en place in order. That means we’re going to chop our onion finely and mince our glorious garlic. Trust me, having everything ready to go makes the cooking process so much smoother and enjoyable. For the onion, aim for pieces that are small enough to almost melt into the sauce, providing flavor without being overtly chunky. As for the garlic, mincing it finely ensures its powerful aroma and taste permeate every bite of our Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta without any harsh raw bits. Set these aside in separate small bowls.
2. Now, let’s get that bowtie pasta cooking! Grab a large pot, the biggest you have, and fill it about three-quarters of the way with water. We want plenty of room for the pasta to move freely as it cooks, which helps prevent it from sticking together. Add a generous two teaspoons of salt to the water. This is incredibly important because it’s your only chance to truly season the pasta itself from the inside out. Don’t skimp on the salt here; the water should taste like the ocean. You can also add a tablespoon of olive oil if you like, though with enough water and proper stirring, it’s not strictly necessary. Bring this salted water to a rolling boil over high heat.
3. Once your water is vigorously boiling, add the entire pound of bowtie pasta. Give it a good stir immediately to prevent the pasta from clumping together at the bottom of the pot. Bowtie pasta, or farfalle, has those wonderful little folds that will catch all the cheesy goodness later, but they can be prone to sticking if not stirred initially. Follow the package directions for cooking time, usually around 10-12 minutes, or until the pasta is al dente. What’s “al dente,” you ask? It means “to the tooth”—the pasta should be tender but still have a slight firmness when you bite into it, with just a hint of resistance. It shouldn’t be mushy!
4. Before you drain the pasta, and this is a pro-tip you absolutely cannot skip for a truly luscious sauce: carefully scoop out about 1.5 to 2 cups of the starchy pasta cooking water into a heatproof measuring cup or mug. This cloudy, starchy water is liquid gold! It will be our secret weapon to help emulsify our cheesy sauce, making it incredibly smooth and helping it cling beautifully to every piece of pasta. Set this precious liquid aside.
5. Now, go ahead and drain the cooked pasta thoroughly in a colander. Do not rinse the pasta! Rinsing washes away that wonderful starch we need for the sauce to adhere properly. Just let it drain for a minute or two, then return the drained pasta to the empty pot or a large mixing bowl to prevent it from cooling down too much while we finish our sauce.

Building Our Flavor Base: The Garlic Butter Beef

6. With our pasta ready and waiting, let’s turn our attention to the star of the show: the Garlic Butter Beef. Place a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add one tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add your lean ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. We want to achieve a really good sear here, so let the beef brown beautifully. Don’t rush this step! Allowing the beef to get some nice caramelization adds a depth of flavor that is absolutely essential for our dish.
7. Once the beef is thoroughly browned and cooked through, you’ll likely see a fair amount of rendered fat in the skillet. Using a slotted spoon, carefully transfer the cooked ground beef to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess grease. This helps ensure our final dish isn’t overly greasy. If there’s a significant amount of fat left in the pan, carefully pour off all but about a tablespoon. We want some of that beefy flavor, but not too much oil.
8. Reduce the heat to medium. Add your finely chopped yellow onion to the same skillet, stirring it into the remaining beef drippings. Sauté the onion for about 5-7 minutes, or until it becomes beautifully translucent and softened. It should smell sweet and fragrant at this point. This step is about building layers of flavor.
9. Now, add your copious amount of minced garlic to the skillet with the softened onions. Stir continuously for just about 60 seconds. Be very careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic turns bitter, and we definitely don’t want that. It should become incredibly aromatic, filling your kitchen with its wonderful perfume, but not change color significantly.
10. Next, it’s time for the butter! Add four tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. Let it melt and swirl it around, coating the onions, garlic, and any remnants of the beef. This creates a rich, savory foundation for our beef mixture.
11. Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), black pepper, and salt. Stir everything together and cook for another minute, allowing the spices to “bloom” in the warm butter and beef drippings. Blooming spices in fat helps to release their essential oils, intensifying their flavor and aroma. Your kitchen should be smelling absolutely divine right now!
12. Pour in one cup of beef broth. Use your wooden spoon to scrape up any delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the skillet. This is called deglazing, and it adds another fantastic layer of concentrated beef flavor to our sauce. Bring the broth to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and for the flavors to meld together.
13. Finally, return the drained, cooked ground beef to the skillet. Stir it well to combine with the fragrant garlic butter sauce. Turn off the heat for this skillet for now; our beef base is complete and ready to join forces with our cheesy sauce.

Crafting the Luxurious Cheesy Sauce

14. Now for the star of the “cheesy” part of our Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta! In a separate, medium-sized saucepan, melt four tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is completely melted and slightly bubbling, sprinkle in the ¼ cup of all-purpose flour.
15. Whisk vigorously for about 1-2 minutes, creating a smooth paste known as a roux. This roux is the magical thickening agent for our sauce. Cook it until it’s light golden in color and smells a bit like toasted nuts. This ensures there’s no raw flour taste in our finished sauce.
16. Gradually pour in the one cup of heavy cream, whisking continuously to avoid any lumps. As the cream heats up and combines with the roux, it will start to thicken. Keep whisking until the mixture is smooth and velvety.
17. Add the softened cream cheese cubes to the saucepan. Continue to whisk gently until the cream cheese is completely melted and fully incorporated into the cream mixture, creating an even creamier, richer base. The sauce should be smooth and luscious at this point.
18. Slowly pour in one cup of beef broth, again whisking constantly. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer, still whisking. It should be thickening up nicely. If it seems a little too thick, you can add a splash of your reserved pasta water here.
19. Reduce the heat to low. Now for the cheese! Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese in handfuls, stirring constantly after each addition until each batch is fully melted and smooth before adding more. Adding cheese gradually and on low heat is key to preventing it from clumping or becoming stringy. We want a perfectly smooth, silky cheese sauce.
20. Once all the cheese is melted and the sauce is glorious and uniform, taste it. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to your liking. Remember the beef broth and cheeses already have some salt, so add carefully. This is also the moment to add a tiny pinch of nutmeg if you’re feeling adventurous. Nutmeg is a classic, subtle enhancer for cheese and cream sauces, bringing out their richness without making the dish taste like nutmeg itself.
21. Your cheesy sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, but still pourable. If it’s too thick, thin it out with a little more of your reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.

Bringing It All Together: Assembling Our Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

22. Now comes the satisfying part where all our hard work unites to create the magnificent Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta! Take your large pot where your drained bowtie pasta is waiting.
23. Pour the entire Garlic Butter Beef mixture directly over the cooked pasta in the pot. Get every last bit of that flavorful beef!
24. Next, pour the luxurious, hot cheesy sauce over the beef and pasta. Oh, the aroma is going to be incredible!
25. Using two large spoons or tongs, gently but thoroughly toss everything together. We want every single bowtie noodle to be generously coated with that rich beef and thick, creamy, cheesy sauce. Take your time here to ensure even distribution of all the components.
26. As you toss, if the pasta seems a little too dry or the sauce isn’t as silky as you’d like, add some of your reserved pasta water, about ¼ cup at a time, continuing to toss until the consistency is absolutely perfect. The starch in the pasta water helps the sauce cling better and creates a beautiful, cohesive dish.
27. Give it one final taste test. Does it need a little more salt? A dash more pepper? Perhaps a tiny pinch more red pepper flakes for a kick? Adjust the seasonings until it’s just right for your palate. This is your masterpiece, after all!
28. For an extra special touch (optional but highly recommended): If you want to take this dish to the next level of cheesy goodness, transfer the assembled pasta into a large, oven-safe casserole dish. Sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and a ¼ cup of grated Parmesan over the top. Pop it under the broiler for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning! This creates a fantastic cheesy crust that adds wonderful texture.

Serving and Enjoying Your Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

29. Once your Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is perfectly mixed (or beautifully broiled!), it’s ready to be devoured! Serve it immediately, while it’s still warm and the cheese is wonderfully gooey.
30. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley. The vibrant green adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that really brightens up the rich dish. A final dusting of extra grated Parmesan cheese never hurts either!
31. This hearty and comforting dish is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with a simple crisp green salad dressed with a vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or a side of crusty garlic bread for even more garlicky goodness to soak up any extra sauce.
32. Leftovers, if you’re lucky enough to have any, can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, or in the microwave.
33. Prepare yourself for compliments! This Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is truly a crowd-pleaser, guaranteed to bring warmth and joy to any table. Enjoy every glorious, cheesy, beefy bite!

Conclusion:

Well, my friends, we’ve reached the grand finale, and I truly hope you’re as excited as I am about what we’ve explored today. This isn’t just another pasta dish; it’s an experience, a journey into the heart of comfort food that genuinely delivers on every promise. I can confidently say that this recipe is an absolute game-changer for your weeknight dinners, your weekend feasts, and frankly, any moment you crave something deeply satisfying and utterly delicious. We’re talking about incredibly tender, savory beef, infused with the aromatic richness of garlic butter, perfectly tossed with al dente bowtie pasta that captures every drop of that luscious sauce. Then, to elevate it all, a generous blanket of melted, gooey cheese brings that irresistible creamy texture and savory depth that makes each bite an absolute delight. It’s a complete meal in one, designed to be both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly straightforward to put together, meaning less time slaving over the stove and more time savoring those precious moments with your loved ones. The robust flavors dance on your palate, offering that perfect balance between hearty and luxurious. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen – that’s the prelude to a truly memorable meal. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll understand why I’m so passionate about it. It’s an indulgence that feels homey and comforting, yet sophisticated enough to impress any dinner guest. This dish brings warmth, satisfaction, and a touch of culinary magic to your table, proving that the best meals are often the simplest in their preparation, but the richest in flavor.

Now, while this dish is certainly magnificent on its own, a true star that doesn’t need much accompaniment, I always love thinking about how we can enhance the experience or even transform it for different occasions. For a fresh contrast, consider serving it alongside a crisp, vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette. The bright, tangy notes of the salad will cut through the richness beautifully, creating a well-rounded meal. A slice of warm, crusty artisan bread, perhaps even garlic bread, is also a fantastic companion, perfect for soaking up any remaining delicious sauce from your plate – because trust me, you won’t want to leave a single drop behind! Or, if you prefer something simpler, some steamed asparagus or broccoli can add a lovely touch of greens and a textural counterpoint. A glass of your favorite medium-bodied red wine, like a Merlot or a Chianti, would also complement the robust flavors of the beef and cheese wonderfully.

But let’s talk about variations, because this recipe is wonderfully adaptable to your pantry and your preferences. If you don’t have stew beef, feel free to use lean ground beef, crumbled and browned, or even thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak for a quicker cook time. The bowtie pasta, with its charming shape and ability to hold sauce so well, is perfect, but don’t hesitate to experiment with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells – whatever your heart desires, or whatever you happen to have on hand. For the cheese, while cheddar and Monterey Jack provide that classic comforting blend, consider adding some smoked provolone for a deeper flavor, or a touch of Gruyère for a nutty complexity. You could even swirl in some cream cheese or mascarpone at the end for an extra layer of velvety creaminess and a more luxurious mouthfeel.

Feeling adventurous? Toss in some sautéed mushrooms with the beef for an earthy undertone, or wilted spinach for a boost of greens and a pop of color. Roasted red peppers or sun-dried tomatoes can add a lovely sweetness and a vibrant visual appeal. A sprinkle of fresh basil or parsley at the very end will brighten everything up with a burst of fresh herb flavor, bringing a delightful aromatic finish. And if you like a little kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred in with the garlic will add a delightful warmth that excites the palate without overwhelming it. For my vegetarian friends, this recipe can easily be adapted by swapping out the beef for hearty sautéed portobello mushrooms, a medley of roasted vegetables, or a plant-based ground crumble – the core flavors of garlic butter, cheese, and pasta will still shine through beautifully. The possibilities are truly endless for making this dish uniquely yours and for exploring new flavor dimensions! Don’t be afraid to get creative and put your own culinary stamp on this already incredible foundation.

So, there you have it, folks! My earnest invitation to you is to roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and dive headfirst into creating this incredible meal. I promise you, the effort is minimal compared to the immense satisfaction you’ll gain from that first forkful. You’re about to discover your new favorite go-to dish, one that brings smiles to faces and warmth to hearts. This Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients, when brought together with a little love and a lot of flavor, can create culinary magic right in your own kitchen. I genuinely cannot wait for you to experience the rich, savory, and utterly comforting joy that awaits you. Please, don’t keep this deliciousness to yourself! Once you’ve made it and delighted in its flavors, I would absolutely love to hear all about your experience. Did you add your own unique twist? Was it a hit with your family? Share your photos, your feedback, your triumphs, and even your culinary adventures with us in the comments below or on your favorite social media platforms. Your stories inspire me and our whole community of food lovers. Happy cooking, and even happier eating!

Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Tender, savory beef infused with aromatic garlic butter meets perfectly al dente bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy, and irresistibly cheesy sauce. This comforting, flavor-packed dish is ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining.

Prep Time
20 Minutes

Cook Time
40 Minutes

Total Time
1 Hours

Servings
6 servings

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 2 tsp salt (for pasta water)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for pasta water)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb lean ground beef (e.g., 80/20)
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 6-8 cloves garlic, minced
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• ½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 1 tsp salt
• 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium recommended)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened and cut into cubes
• 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
• 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Extra grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a large pot, bring generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add 12 oz bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (10-12 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1.5-2 cups of starchy pasta cooking water. Drain pasta and return to the pot; do not rinse.
2. Step 2
   Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking it up, and cook until thoroughly browned. Drain excess fat, then transfer cooked beef to a plate and set aside. Reduce heat to medium, add chopped onion to the same skillet, and sauté 5-7 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly (do not burn).
3. Step 3
   Add 4 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet, letting it melt. Stir in Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and 1 tsp salt; cook for 1 minute to bloom spices. Pour in 1 cup beef broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Turn off heat for this skillet.
4. Step 4
   In a separate, medium-sized saucepan, melt 4 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in ¼ cup all-purpose flour and whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes to create a light golden roux. Gradually pour in 1 cup heavy cream, whisking continuously until smooth and slightly thickened. Add softened cream cheese cubes and whisk gently until completely melted and incorporated. Slowly whisk in 1 cup beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Step 5
   Reduce heat to low. Gradually add 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, and ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly after each addition until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and a pinch of nutmeg (optional). If the sauce is too thick, thin it with a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water until desired consistency is reached.
6. Step 6
   Pour the entire garlic butter beef mixture over the cooked pasta in the large pot. Next, pour the luxurious cheesy sauce over the beef and pasta. Using large spoons or tongs, gently but thoroughly toss everything together until every bowtie noodle is generously coated. If the pasta seems too dry or the sauce isn’t silky enough, add some of your reserved pasta water, ¼ cup at a time, until the consistency is perfect. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
7. Step 7
   For an extra special touch, transfer the assembled pasta into a large, oven-safe casserole dish. Sprinkle an additional ½ cup of shredded mozzarella and ¼ cup of grated Parmesan over the top. Broil for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
8. Step 8
   Serve the Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta immediately while warm. Garnish each serving with fresh chopped parsley and an extra dusting of grated Parmesan cheese. Pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

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.