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Home » Main Dishes Recipes » Beef Main Dishes

CHEESY BEEF AND BOWTIE PASTA IN GARLIC BUTTER

Updated: May 4, 2026 · Published: Apr 18, 2025 by Sana Umer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

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This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is the ultimate comfort food. It is packed with rich, savory flavors and combines tender beef, al dente bowtie pasta, and a creamy garlic butter sauce.

The melt-in-your-mouth cheese adds a creamy texture, making it a family favorite for any occasion. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special gatherings, this recipe will quickly become a go-to in your cooking repertoire.

The best part is the simplicity of the ingredients—most of which you likely already have in your kitchen. The garlic butter base infuses the pasta with an irresistible flavor, while the beef adds protein to make this a satisfying one-pan meal.

With minimal prep work and maximum flavor, it's an ideal solution for anyone craving a hearty, cheesy meal. Serve it with a side of garlic bread or a light salad, and you're all set for an unforgettable meal.

Once you try this recipe, you'll understand why it's so beloved. The flavor combination is magical, and the creamy, cheesy pasta is hard to resist. Gather your ingredients, and let's get started on creating this rich and comforting dish.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE:

  • Quick and Easy: This dish is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or unexpected guests.

  • Rich and Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce coats the pasta beautifully, infusing each bite with a deep, savory flavor.

  • Cheesy Delight: Melty cheese adds richness and creaminess to every forkful, taking this dish to the next level.

  • One-Pan Wonder: Less clean-up means more time enjoying this indulgent meal with your loved ones.

  • Family Favorite: The combination of pasta, beef, and cheese is loved by everyone—making it a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.

  • Comforting Meal: It’s the ultimate comfort food that’s perfect for cozy nights when you need something hearty and satisfying.

INGREDIENTS:

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • ½ teaspoon dried basil
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano

DIRECTIONS:

  • Step No.1: Cook the pasta
    Boil water in a large pot and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  • Step No.2: Cook the beef
    Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat.

  • Step No.3: Sauté the garlic
    Add butter to the same skillet and melt over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.

  • Step No.4: Add the cream and cheese
    Pour in the heavy cream, then stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy.

  • Step No.5: Combine the pasta and beef
    Add the cooked pasta and browned beef to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly with the sauce, adding salt, pepper, basil, and oregano. Cook for another 2-3 minutes to combine.

TIPS FOR SUCCESS:

  • Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings a more aromatic and bold flavor than pre-minced options.

  • Adjust the Cheese: For a creamier dish, add more mozzarella or Parmesan for extra richness.

  • Cook the Beef Properly: Brown the beef well for a savory flavor. Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking.

  • Salt to Taste: Always taste and adjust the salt, as different cheeses and broths can add varying amounts of saltiness.

  • Don't Overcook the Pasta: For the best texture, cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook in the sauce.

  • Add Herbs for Extra Flavor: Fresh basil or parsley can be sprinkled on top for added color and freshness.

VARIATIONS:

  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for mushrooms or another favorite vegetable to create a delicious vegetarian version.

  • Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a slight heat that complements the richness.

  • Different Cheese: Experiment with cheddar, gouda, or provolone for different cheese flavors and textures.

  • Chicken Option: For a lighter option, substitute ground beef with grilled chicken for a protein-packed alternative.

  • gluten-free diet Pasta: Swap regular bowtie pasta for a gluten-free variety to make the recipe suitable for gluten-sensitive diets.

  • Add Veggies: Toss in some spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra vegetables and a burst of color.

SERVING AND STORAGE:

Serving:

For a complete meal, serve the cheesy beef and bowtie pasta in garlic butter with a side of garlic bread and a light salad.

Storage:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They can also be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape will work, but bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully.

How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for extra heat.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey can be substituted for a leaner option.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, store the cooked pasta and beef in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months.

This Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter is a creamy, indulgent dish that’s perfect for any meal.

Combining savory beef, rich cheese, and garlic butter sauce will leave you craving more.

It’s easy to make and requires few ingredients, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

The versatile recipe allows you to make it your own with variations like adding vegetables or switching to a different protein.

It's a family-friendly dish that everyone will enjoy and appreciate.

Whether served on its own or with a side, it’s sure to satisfy any appetite.

Don't forget to store leftovers properly for an easy meal later in the week.

CHEESY BEEF AND BOWTIE PASTA IN GARLIC BUTTER

Sana Umer
This cheesy beef and bowtie pasta is cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, topped with melty cheese for a comforting and flavorful dish. A perfect weeknight dinner that combines hearty beef, pasta, and a creamy garlic sauce.
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Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 4 people
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • ½ cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned.
  • Add onions and garlic to the beef, cooking until softened and fragrant.
  • Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring to a simmer.
  • Stir in cooked pasta, shredded cheddar cheese, and Italian seasoning. Cook until cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  • Season with salt and pepper to taste, then garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

  • For a Lighter Version: Use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
  • Cheese Variations: Swap cheddar for mozzarella or a blend of cheeses.
  • Add Veggies: Sautéed mushrooms or spinach can be added for more flavor and nutrition.
  • Storage: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove.
Keyword beef and bowtie pasta, beef and pasta, cheesy beef pasta, cheesy pasta recipe, easy weeknight meal, garlic butter sauce

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About Sana Umer

I'm Sana Umer — the home cook behind every recipe on For Foodie Friends. I'm a Pakistani-American mom of two based in the US, and I've been cooking seriously for about a decade now, mostly because feeding a family every day is the fastest way to learn how to actually cook.

I'm completely self-taught. I learned by watching my mother in Pakistan, by burning a lot of food in my early years, and by paying attention to which recipes worked and which ones needed fixing. I don't specialize in just one cuisine — I cook the Pakistani dishes I grew up with, the American desserts my kids request, weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and everything in between.

Every recipe is personally tested in my own kitchen, every word is written by me, and every photo is taken of food I actually made.

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Hi, I'm Sana Umer — the home cook, recipe tester, and writer behind For Foodie Friends.

I'm a Pakistani-American mom based in the US. I learned to cook in two kitchens — my mother's in Pakistan, where I grew up watching whole spices bloom in oil, and my own kitchen now, where I cook for my husband and kids.

Every recipe on this site has been tested in my own kitchen, often more times than I'd like to admit, before it ever made it here. I cook a little bit of everything: the Pakistani comfort food I grew up with, the American desserts my kids beg for, weeknight dinners that need to come together fast, and the holiday spreads that take all day.

If a recipe is on this site, it earned its place. No ghostwriters, no AI shortcuts, no copy-paste from somewhere else — just real recipes from a real kitchen, written to actually work the first time you make them.

Welcome to my corner of the internet.

— Sana

More about me →

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