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Tasty Garlic Butter Beef Pasta

Featured in Simple, Tasty Pasta for Every Day.

A quick dinner idea with bowtie pasta and beef in a creamy garlic and butter sauce. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for your family!
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Emily Watson
Updated on Mon, 10 Mar 2025 03:25:52 GMT
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Delicious Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Butter Beef | thefamilycooks.com

Creamy farfalle pasta tossed with perfectly seasoned ground beef and garlic butter sauce creates an irresistible weeknight dinner. The tender pasta and rich meat sauce combine for a restaurant-worthy meal right at home.

This recipe never fails to bring smiles around our dinner table - it's become a beloved weekly tradition.

Key Ingredients

  • Farfalle Pasta: Choose high-quality bronze-cut pasta
  • Ground Beef: 80/20 meat-to-fat ratio
  • Fresh Garlic: Whole cloves, freshly minced
  • Parmesan: Freshly grated, aged cheese
  • European Butter: High-fat, unsalted variety

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta (12 min)
Heavily salt the water. Add pasta and stir promptly. Cook until tender but firm. Save cooking water.
Step 2: Brown the Beef (10 min)
Use high heat initially. Break meat into uniform pieces. Season thoroughly. Cook until no pink remains.
Step 3: Make the Sauce (8 min)
Gently melt butter. Sauté garlic until golden. Add flour and whisk. Slowly incorporate milk.
Step 4: Combine (5 min)
Remove from heat for cheese. Mix components carefully. Thin sauce if needed. Taste and adjust seasonings.
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Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter | thefamilycooks.com

An old family technique: always reserve more pasta water than you think you'll need - it's crucial for the perfect sauce consistency.

Temperature Guidelines

Gentle heat keeps cheese smooth and prevents separation.

Preparation Tips

Components can be prepared ahead separately.

Leftovers Guide

Reheat gently with a bit of fresh milk.

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Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter | thefamilycooks.com

Quality ingredients treated with proper technique transform this simple pasta dish into something truly special. The garlic-infused butter sauce ties everything together perfectly.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What if I don’t have bowtie pasta?
You can use alternatives like penne, shells, or rotini. They’ll work just as well!
→ Any tips for avoiding overly thick sauce?
Reserve some water when you drain the pasta. Use small amounts to thin out the sauce as needed.
→ Can this dish be made ahead and reheated?
Definitely! When reheating, just add a little milk to make the sauce creamy again.
→ What veggies can I throw in?
Spinach, mushrooms, or peas are great options to boost the nutrition.
→ Can turkey be swapped for beef?
Sure! Ground turkey or chicken is a perfect lighter option.

Garlic Butter Pasta Bowtie

Flavorful beef with tender bowtie pasta coated in a creamy garlic butter sauce, ready in just half an hour.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American-Italian

Yield: 6 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Garlic Sauce with Cheese

01 3 tablespoons of butter (unsalted)
02 1 tablespoon plain flour
03 2 minced garlic cloves
04 1 cup of milk (240ml)
05 1/2 cup of Parmesan, grated (50g)
06 1 cup shredded mozzarella (100g)
07 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped up

→ Pasta and Beef Mixture

08 12 oz (340g) bow-tie pasta (farfalle)
09 A pound of minced beef (450g)
10 2 spoons of olive oil
11 One small onion, diced finely
12 A teaspoon of Italian-style herbs
13 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, optional
14 Salt and black pepper, season to your taste
15 2 chopped garlic cloves

Instructions

Step 01

Boil the pasta until tender but firm, and set aside half a cup of the water before draining the rest.

Step 02

In a pan, cook the minced beef in the oil first, then toss in your onion, garlic, and Italian seasoning until the onion is soft.

Step 03

Melt the butter and stir in garlic and flour to make a base. Slowly whisk in milk until it thickens up.

Step 04

Mix the pasta, sauce, and beef all together. Melt in the cheeses and use your saved pasta water if it’s too thick.

Step 05

Sprinkle parsley and some extra Parmesan on top if you’d like.

Notes

  1. You can swap out beef for chicken or turkey if you want.
  2. Adding things like mushrooms or spinach can make it a healthier dish.
  3. Leftovers stay good in the fridge for about three days.

Tools You'll Need

  • A big pot
  • A frying or sauté pan
  • Whisk

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy
  • Contains wheat