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Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef: A Comfort Food Classic You’ll Crave Again and Again

Name: Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 1 lb ground beef; 4 tablespoons unsalted butter; 5 cloves garlic, minced; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Warm, buttery, and utterly satisfying, this Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef is the kind of weeknight meal that feels like a hug at the end of a long day. It’s quick to pull together, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and balances savory browned beef with fragrant garlic butter and salty Parmesan for maximum comfort. If you enjoy rich, one-pan pasta dinners, you might also like this creamy one-pot beef pasta with garlic butter for another comforting take.

Why make this recipe
This dish shines because of the simple, high-impact flavors—garlic and butter elevate the beef and pasta into something rich and memorable. It’s affordable, family-friendly, and flexible enough to adapt when you need to stretch ingredients or customize to taste. Finally, it’s fast: from stovetop to table in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.

Ingredients

12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb ground beef
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and generously salt it. Add 12 oz bowtie pasta and cook until al dente (follow package instructions—usually 9–12 minutes). Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce later, then drain and set the pasta aside.
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and break it into pieces with a wooden spoon. Brown the beef thoroughly—about 6–8 minutes—until no pink remains and you have some flavorful browned bits on the bottom of the pan. Season lightly with salt and black pepper as it cooks. If the beef releases a lot of fat, carefully drain off excess, leaving a thin glaze of fat to help flavor the dish.
Push the browned beef to one side of the skillet. Add 4 tablespoons unsalted butter to the cleared space and let it melt over medium-low heat. Add 5 cloves minced garlic, ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (if using). Stir the garlic in the butter for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant—don’t let it brown or burn.
Fold the garlic butter through the beef so every bite gets some of that buttery, garlicky goodness. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the mixture seems dry—start with 2 tablespoons and add more as needed to reach a silky consistency.
Sprinkle in ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese and toss again until it melts into the strands and binds the pasta to the beef. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Finish with 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for color and brightness.
Serve immediately while hot, with extra grated Parmesan on the side for anyone who wants more. This dish pairs nicely with a simple green salad and crusty bread to mop up any leftover garlic butter.

Best Way to Store Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef

Refrigerate: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Freeze: For longer storage, transfer to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months at 0°F (-18°C).
Reheating: Thaw frozen pasta overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess, or microwave in short bursts (stirring between) until heated through.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef

Serve it straight from the pan with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and chopped parsley for a classic presentation.
For a heartier meal, pair with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette and warm garlic bread.
Make it part of a plated dinner: finish with a drizzle of good olive oil and a few lemon zest shavings to brighten the flavors.

Tips to Make Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef

Use a good-quality Parmesan and grate it fresh for best flavor; pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that change the melt.
Don’t overcook the garlic—sauté it just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
Reserve a bit of pasta water: the starch helps the Parmesan and butter cling to the pasta for a silky finish.
If your beef is lean, leave a tablespoon of rendered fat in the pan for extra flavor; if it’s very fatty, drain most of it to avoid a greasy result.
For best texture, toss and serve immediately—pasta will absorb sauce as it sits.

Variation ideas

Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile and slightly lighter (or spicier) result.
Make it vegetarian by replacing the beef with sautéed mushrooms and a splash of soy sauce for umami, or use crumbled firm tofu browned in the skillet.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I keep the pasta from drying out when reheating?
A: Add a splash of water, broth, or a little extra butter when reheating on the stove and toss gently to restore moisture.

Q: What’s the best pasta shape for this dish?
A: Bowtie (farfalle) is ideal because its little pockets hold bits of beef and cheese, but other medium shapes like penne or rotini work well.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time for a dinner party?
A: Yes—cook the components and store them separately if possible (pasta and beef). Combine and reheat just before serving to keep the texture fresh.

Q: Is this recipe spicy?
A: Only if you add the optional red pepper flakes; leave them out for a mild, family-friendly dish.

Q: How do I prevent the Parmesan from clumping when added?
A: Grate fresh Parmesan and add it off direct high heat, tossing quickly so the cheese melts evenly into the butter and pasta. A little warm pasta water helps create a silky emulsion.

Cooking notes and extra context
This recipe is forgiving—timing isn’t hyper-critical, and you can tweak seasoning to your preference. If you want a creamier sauce, stir in ¼ cup heavy cream or half-and-half after adding the pasta and before the Parmesan. For more herb flavor, stir in a teaspoon of chopped fresh basil at the end or replace parsley with a mix of parsley and chives.

Make-ahead and meal prep ideas

For meal prep, portion into individual containers and refrigerate for grab-and-go lunches. Add fresh parsley just before serving to keep it bright.
If freezing, flash-freeze portions on a tray first so you can thaw one portion at a time without refreezing the rest.

A quick comparison: skillet simplicity vs. layered bake

Skillet method (this recipe): Fast, uses one pan, and gives immediate fresh flavor. Best for weeknights.
Baked casserole (variation): Mix cooked pasta with sauce, top with more cheese, and bake until bubbly for a different texture and make-ahead convenience.

FAQs (alternate styles)

Q: Can I use pre-minced garlic from a jar?
A: Yes, in a pinch—use about 1–1.5 teaspoons to replace 5 fresh cloves, but fresh garlic has the brightest flavor.
Q: How do I adjust salt if I use salty Parmesan?
A: Taste before adding extra salt—Parmesan can contribute significant saltiness, so start low and add more only if needed.
Q: What side dishes complement this meal?
- Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Crusty bread or garlic knots

Final serving touches

Finish with a few twists of freshly ground black pepper and a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil for a glossy finish.
For color and texture contrast, add toasted pine nuts or a handful of arugula tossed in just before serving.

Nutrition and portioning
This recipe yields roughly 4 generous servings. Ground beef and butter make the dish rich and protein-forward; balance the meal with vegetables on the side to round out the plate. To reduce calories, use lean ground beef and decrease the butter to 2 tablespoons, or substitute half the butter with olive oil.

Troubleshooting

Sauce too thin: Let the pan cook a minute longer to reduce, or add an extra tablespoon of Parmesan to thicken and bind.
Sauce too salty: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of cream to mellow the saltiness.
Pasta clumping: Toss with a little olive oil or a splash of pasta water to separate bowties.

Wrapping up
This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef is a reassuring, flexible dish that rewards simple technique and quality ingredients. It’s one of those recipes that becomes a go-to once you learn the few little tricks—reserve pasta water, don’t overcook garlic, and finish with fresh cheese and herbs. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping lunches, or craving something indulgent and quick, this recipe delivers dependable comfort and flavor.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for another comforting, easy-to-make meal with broad appeal, try this Comforting Chicken Casserole Recipe: Quick & Easy Meal for a different take on cozy weeknight dinners. For a creamy pasta that’s a close cousin to this one, check out this flavorful Creamy Tomato Penne alla Vodka – Familystyle Food to inspire your next pasta night.