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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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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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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 About the Recipe
- → 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.