Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef (Print Version)
Creamy garlic butter bowtie pasta with seasoned ground beef comes together in 30 minutes for a hearty, satisfying weeknight dinner.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Beef Base
01 -
1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend)
02 -
1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
1 tsp Italian seasoning
05 -
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
06 -
Salt and pepper to taste
→ Silky Garlic Butter Sauce
07 -
3 tbsp unsalted butter
08 -
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
09 -
1 1/2 cups whole milk
10 -
3/4 cup heavy cream
11 -
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
12 -
2 oz cream cheese, softened
→ Bowtie Pasta Foundation
13 -
12 oz dry bowtie pasta (farfalle)
14 -
1 tbsp kosher salt (for pasta water)
15 -
1 tbsp olive oil
→ Fresh Finish & Garnish
16 -
2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
17 -
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
18 -
2 tbsp Parmesan cheese, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add 1 tbsp kosher salt and 1 tbsp olive oil. Cook 12 oz dry bowtie pasta (farfalle) according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
02 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend) and cook, breaking it apart, for 4-5 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tbsp in the pan for flavor. Season lightly with salt and pepper to taste.
03 -
Reduce heat to medium and add 1/2 medium yellow onion, finely diced, to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in 4 cloves minced garlic, 1 tsp Italian seasoning, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika. Cook 1 more minute until fragrant, then push mixture to the side of the pan.
04 -
In the same skillet, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in 2 tbsp all-purpose flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes until a golden paste forms. This roux is the foundation of the silky sauce that makes this Creamy Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef so irresistible.
05 -
Slowly pour in 1 1/2 cups whole milk and 3/4 cup heavy cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens. Add 2 oz softened cream cheese and whisk until fully melted and smooth.
06 -
Reduce heat to low and stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, a handful at a time, until completely melted. Stir the browned beef mixture back into the sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. This is where your Creamy Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef truly comes together.
07 -
Add the drained bowtie pasta directly into the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece in the creamy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water 1-2 tbsp at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Fold everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes.
08 -
For the best presentation of your Creamy Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef, plate into four bowls and top each with 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes, and a sprinkle of the 2 tbsp Parmesan cheese reserved for garnish. Serve immediately while hot.
# Notes:
01 -
💡 Cheese Tip: Always use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy instead of silky smooth.
02 -
🥡 Storage Advice: Store leftover Creamy Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce.
03 -
🔄 Substitution Tip: Ground turkey or Italian sausage work beautifully in place of ground beef. You can also swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini — just match the cook time to your chosen pasta shape.
04 -
🍽️ Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with a crisp green salad and warm crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that creamy garlic butter sauce. A light sprinkle of extra red pepper flakes adds a welcome kick for spice lovers.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
large pot
02 -
large skillet or sauté pan
03 -
colander
04 -
wooden spoon or spatula
05 -
cheese grater
06 -
measuring cups and spoons
07 -
cutting board and knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 780 kcal
Total Fat: 42 g
Total Carbohydrate: 62 g
Protein: 38 g