Imagine the moment you sit down to a warm, hearty plate of creamy pasta that’s bursting with savory flavors. That’s exactly what I experienced when I first tried this dish Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Savory Beef. As soon as I took the first bite, I knew I’d found something special. The richness of the garlic butter sauce combined with the savory beef and melty cheeses created a flavor explosion that I couldn’t resist.
This dish has since become one of my go-to recipes for family dinners, gatherings with friends, and even special occasions. The creamy texture of the garlic butter sauce combined with the hearty beef and cheesy goodness is something that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s comfort food at its finest rich, satisfying, and incredibly easy to make.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and Easy: You’ll have a delicious, creamy dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights!
- Hearty and Filling: The savory ground beef and creamy sauce make this a satisfying meal that will keep you full.
- Versatile: You can easily customize the dish by adding extra vegetables or adjusting the seasoning to your taste.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you’re cooking for a family, friends, or just yourself, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. It’s perfect for all ages!
- Comfort Food: There’s nothing like creamy, cheesy pasta to comfort you after a long day. This recipe does just that.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
-
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the beef)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce and Savory Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Once the pasta is done, drain it, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Savory Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season the beef with salt and pepper as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. When the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat. Set the beef aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Add the Heavy Cream and Cheese
Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, letting them melt into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Beef, and Sauce
Add the cooked bowtie pasta and savory beef to the skillet with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and beef are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, add a bit more reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well-combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Variations:
This dish is incredibly flexible, so feel free to get creative and make it your own. Here are some ideas for variations:
- Add Vegetables: For some added freshness and nutrition, you can stir in some sautéed vegetables like spinach, zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These veggies add both color and texture to the dish.
- Swap the Ground Beef: If you’re not a fan of ground beef, you can swap it for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein like lentils or tofu.
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce to give the dish a spicy kick. If you prefer, use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.
- Gluten-Free: For a gluten-free version, substitute the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta. There are plenty of gluten-free options available, and they work just as well in this dish.
- Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based butter and cream alternative, such as coconut cream or almond milk. You can also use vegan cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How to Serve Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Savory Beef:
This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is perfect on its own, but there are several ways you can elevate the meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- Garlic Bread: Serve with warm, toasted garlic bread to help mop up all the delicious sauce. It’s the perfect accompaniment to the creamy pasta.
- Side Salad: Pair the dish with a light side salad of mixed greens, arugula, or spinach. A tangy balsamic vinaigrette or lemon dressing works well to balance out the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted or grilled vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers to your meal for extra flavor and nutrition.
- Wine Pairing: This pasta pairs beautifully with a glass of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, or a light red wine like Pinot Noir. For a non-alcoholic option, serve it with a sparkling water or a refreshing iced tea.
Recipe Tips:
- Save Pasta Water: Remember to save some of the pasta water before draining the pasta. It’s packed with starch and can help loosen the sauce if it gets too thick. You can also use it to help the sauce adhere better to the pasta.
- Don’t Overcook the Beef: Be careful not to overcook the beef. Once it’s browned and cooked through, remove it from the heat to keep it tender and juicy.
- Freshly Grated Cheese: Always use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheese. Pre-grated cheese often has additives to prevent clumping, which can affect the texture of the sauce.
- Make It Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it over low heat, adding a bit of pasta water to loosen it up if necessary.
Cooking Notes:
- Adjusting the Sauce: If the sauce becomes too thick, you can add more heavy cream or pasta water to loosen it up. The key is to keep it creamy and smooth.
- Adding More Flavor: For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter sauce before adding the cream. Let the wine cook off for a few minutes before proceeding with the rest of the ingredients.
- Leftovers: This pasta makes excellent leftovers. Store any extras in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or water to restore the creaminess.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 650 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Sodium: 650mg
Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
FAQs:
1. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for plant-based protein like lentils or tofu. You can also add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor.
2. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is a great choice for this recipe, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
3. How can I make this recipe spicier?
If you like a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes to the sauce or use spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta in advance. Store the sauce and pasta separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them together in a skillet, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed.
5. How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.
Conclusion:
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Savory Beef is a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your household. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner, hosting friends, or simply indulging in a cozy meal at home, this creamy pasta is sure to impress. With its rich flavors and easy preparation, it’s the kind of dish you’ll return to again and again. So why wait? Give it a try tonight and enjoy a comforting, indulgent meal that everyone will love!
Feel free to share your experience with this Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta recipe and leave a comment below. And if you’re craving more delicious pasta dishes, be sure to explore other recipes on my site for more ideas and inspiration!
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Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Savory Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- For the Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking the beef)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- For the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce and Savory Beef:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Once the pasta is done, drain it, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Cook the Savory Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Season the beef with salt and pepper as it cooks. Stir occasionally to ensure it cooks evenly. When the beef is fully browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes, remove the skillet from the heat. Set the beef aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
Step 4: Add the Heavy Cream and Cheese
Next, pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic butter. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese, letting them melt into the sauce, creating a rich and creamy texture. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it with a bit of the reserved pasta water.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta, Beef, and Sauce
Add the cooked bowtie pasta and savory beef to the skillet with the creamy garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and beef are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. If needed, add a bit more reserved pasta water to reach your desired sauce consistency. Let the pasta simmer in the sauce for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once everything is well-combined and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve immediately and enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Nutrition
- Calories: 650
- Sodium: 650
- Protein: 28