Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter
This rich and comforting pasta dish features tender bowtie noodles tossed in a creamy garlic butter sauce with savory ground beef and melted cheddar and Parmesan cheese. It’s a quick, hearty dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights and guaranteed to satisfy the whole family.
Servings: 4
Calories: 580kcal
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 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
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water. Set pasta aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce: Add the butter and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for about 1 minute, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Add salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir to incorporate.
- Melt the Cheese: Gradually stir in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine with Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the desired sauce consistency is reached.
- Serve: Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.
- Notes
- For extra creaminess, add more cheese or a splash of milk.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.