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Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Creamy, cheesy, and packed with savory garlic butter flavor, this Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed with seasoned ground beef in a rich garlic butter sauce, then smothered in melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It's a family-friendly dinner that's ready in about 35 minutes!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6

Ingredients

For the Pasta

• 12 oz (340g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta

• 1 tablespoon salt (for pasta water)

For the Beef

• 1 pound lean ground beef

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 5 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour

• 1½ cups heavy cream

• ½ cup beef broth

• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

• Fresh chopped parsley

• Extra Parmesan cheese

• Paprika for color (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the ground beef and cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking it apart as it cooks.

Season with:

• Salt

• Black pepper

• Paprika

• Italian seasoning

• Onion powder

• Garlic powder

Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium.

Add the butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Sprinkle in the flour and whisk continuously for another minute.

Slowly pour in the beef broth followed by the heavy cream, whisking until smooth.

Allow the sauce to simmer for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.

Add half of the mozzarella and stir until creamy.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and gently toss until every piece is coated in the sauce.

If the sauce becomes too thick, stir in a little reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6: Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top.

Cover the skillet for 2–3 minutes until the cheese is completely melted and gooey.

Step 7: Serve

Garnish with chopped parsley, a sprinkle of Parmesan, and a light dusting of paprika.

Serve immediately while hot with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.

Tips

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest, creamiest sauce.

• Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or caramelized onions for extra flavor.

• Substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage if desired.

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)

• Calories: 690

• Protein: 36g

• Carbohydrates: 42g

• Fat: 42g

• Saturated Fat: 21g

• Fiber: 2g

• Sugar: 3g

• Sodium: 690mg