Name: Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 70 min
Yield: 4-6 servings
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp olive oil (for searing beef); 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); 12 oz bowtie pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil (for pasta water); 1 tsp salt (for pasta water); 6 tbsp unsalted butter (divided: 4 tbsp for sauce, 2 tbsp for finishing); 6-8 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small yellow onion, finely diced; 1/2 cup chicken broth (or dry white wine); 1 cup beef broth, low sodium; 1.5 cups heavy cream; 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (divided: 3/4 cup for sauce, 1/4 cup for garnish); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley or chives, chopped (for garnish); Additional grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an invitation to a truly satisfying culinary experience that promises to become an instant classic in your home.

Imagine a dish where tender, savory beef is infused with aromatic garlic butter, all mingling with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, coated in a luscious, melted cheese sauce.

This isn’t merely dinner; it’s a symphony of textures and flavors designed to comfort the soul and delight the palate with every single forkful. While this specific combination might be a modern culinary marvel, it beautifully draws inspiration from centuries of Italian pasta traditions and the universal love for hearty, satisfying beef dishes, bringing together the very best of both worlds in one incredible pot.

We adore this dish because it masterfully blends the rich, umami notes of seasoned beef with the irresistible fragrance of garlic, all bound by the creamy embrace of melted cheese that clings beautifully to every unique curve of the bowtie pasta. The satisfying chew of the pasta, the succulence of the beef, and the decadence of the sauce make Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta an instant family favorite and a perfect choice for both busy weeknight meals and special gatherings. It’s an uncomplicated path to pure gastronomic bliss, promising warmth, profound flavor, and a truly memorable dining moment.

Ingredients:

For the Marinated Beef:
- 1.5 pounds (about 680g) sirloin steak, flank steak, or boneless beef short ribs, cut into 1-inch cubes. I find these cuts absorb flavor beautifully and cook up tender.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, for searing.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free), adds a lovely umami depth.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, for that extra layer of savory goodness.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, for a hint of smoky warmth.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, because fresh is always best!
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), if you like a little kick.
For the Bowtie Pasta:
- 1 pound (about 450g) farfalle (bowtie) pasta, these little beauties are perfect for catching all that cheesy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, to prevent sticking in the boiling water.
- 1 teaspoon salt, for seasoning the pasta water.
For the Garlic Butter Cheesy Sauce:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (4 tablespoons for sauce, 2 tablespoons for finishing), the cornerstone of our garlic butter magic.
- 6-8 cloves garlic, minced, and please, don’t skimp here! This is the “garlic” in our Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta.
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced, for a foundational sweetness.
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay) or chicken broth, for deglazing and adding complexity.
- 2 cups beef broth, low sodium, forming the rich liquid base.
- 1.5 cups heavy cream, for unparalleled creaminess.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided (3/4 cup for sauce, 1/4 cup for garnish), essential for that salty, nutty, cheesy goodness.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, for that irresistible stretch and melt.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, a harmonious blend of herbs.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, always adjust to your preference.
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley or chives, chopped, for a pop of color and freshness.
- Additional grated Parmesan cheese, because you can never have too much cheese!

Preparing the Beef

Marinate the Beef: In a medium bowl, combine your cubed beef with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, smoked paprika, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss everything together really well, making sure each piece of beef is coated in the flavorful marinade. I usually give it a good stir with my hands to ensure maximum coverage. Cover the bowl and let the beef marinate at room temperature for at least 20-30 minutes, or for an even deeper flavor, pop it in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. If refrigerating, remember to bring it out about 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, which helps with even cooking.
Sear the Beef: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until it shimmers. You want this pan to be nice and hot to get a beautiful sear. Carefully add the marinated beef cubes to the hot skillet in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, work in batches to avoid steaming the meat, which can prevent that lovely brown crust from forming. Sear for 2-3 minutes per side, turning with tongs, until each side is beautifully browned and caramelized. The internal temperature will rise further in the sauce later, so we’re focusing on that external crust right now.
Rest and Set Aside: Once all the beef is seared, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Don’t worry about any small bits left in the pan – those are delicious flavor reservoirs that we’ll deglaze for our sauce! It’s important to allow the beef to rest, even for this short period, as it helps the juices redistribute, ensuring tender results in our finished Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta.

Cooking the Pasta

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. I always add a good tablespoon of salt to my pasta water; it’s the only chance you get to season the pasta itself from the inside out. Don’t be shy with the salt here, it should taste like the ocean!
Cook the Pasta: Add the 1 pound of farfalle (bowtie) pasta and 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the boiling water. The olive oil helps prevent the pasta from sticking together. Stir occasionally to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and doesn’t clump at the bottom of the pot. Cook according to package directions until al dente – this usually means it’s firm to the bite but not hard in the center. I typically shave a minute or two off the package instructions because the pasta will finish cooking in our sauce, soaking up all those delicious flavors.
Drain and Reserve: Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it thoroughly using a colander. However, this is a crucial step: reserve about 1 to 1.5 cups of the starchy pasta water before draining. This liquid gold is incredibly useful for adjusting the consistency of our sauce later, helping it cling beautifully to every piece of pasta and beef. Set the drained pasta aside.

Crafting the Garlic Butter Cheesy Sauce

Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet where you seared the beef (those browned bits are flavor!), melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the finely diced yellow onion and sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes soft, translucent, and slightly caramelized. This sweetness from the onion builds a wonderful base for our sauce.
Infuse with Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Burnt garlic can turn bitter very quickly, and we want that sweet, pungent garlic flavor to shine through in our Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta.
Deglaze with Wine/Broth: Pour in the 1/2 cup of dry white wine or chicken broth. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up all those delicious browned bits (fond) from the bottom of the pan. This step is called deglazing, and it adds immense depth of flavor to the sauce. Let the liquid simmer and reduce by about half, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
Build the Creamy Base: Stir in the 2 cups of beef broth and 1.5 cups of heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Add the 1/2 teaspoon of dried Italian seasoning. Let it simmer gently for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
Introduce the Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat before adding the cheese. This prevents the cheese from seizing or becoming stringy. Gradually stir in 3/4 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. Stir continuously until both cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and luxurious. If the sauce feels too thick, now is the time to add a splash or two of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The starches in the pasta water also help the sauce emulsify and adhere better.
Season to Perfection: Taste the sauce and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember, the beef and pasta already have some seasoning, and the Parmesan is salty, so always taste as you go! Adjust the seasonings until you are absolutely happy with the flavor profile. This sauce is the heart of our “Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta,” so make it sing!

Assembling the Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Combine Beef and Pasta: Add the seared beef cubes back into the creamy garlic butter cheesy sauce. Gently stir to coat the beef completely.
Add the Pasta: Now, add the drained farfalle pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Using tongs or a large spoon, gently toss everything together until the pasta, beef, and sauce are thoroughly combined. The goal is to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in that luscious sauce. If the sauce seems a little too thick at this stage, feel free to add another splash of the reserved pasta water.
Final Garlic Butter Touch: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over low heat. Once melted, pour this golden garlic butter directly over the pasta and beef mixture in the skillet. This final touch really brings forward that prominent “garlic butter” flavor that makes our Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta so irresistible. Give it one last gentle toss to distribute.
Warm Through: Return the skillet to very low heat for 1-2 minutes, just to warm everything through completely, but avoid boiling the sauce once the cheese is incorporated, as this can cause it to break.

Serving Suggestions and Tips

Immediate Serving is Key: For the best experience, serve your Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta immediately after assembling. The pasta is at its prime, the sauce is wonderfully creamy, and the beef is perfectly tender. Divide the pasta among serving plates or bowls.
Garnish Generously: Sprinkle each serving with a generous amount of chopped fresh parsley or chives for a vibrant pop of color and fresh herbal notes. A final flourish of freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the top is highly recommended for any cheese lover!
Pair with a Simple Side: This dish is quite rich and satisfying on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette, or some steamed asparagus or broccoli. The freshness of the vegetables cuts through the richness of the pasta perfectly.
Make-Ahead Tips: While best fresh, you can prepare the beef and the sauce components separately ahead of time. Store the seared beef and the sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream if needed. Cook fresh pasta, then combine everything as directed in the assembly steps.
Storage and Reheating Leftovers: Leftovers of your delicious Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I recommend gently warming it in a skillet over low heat, adding a small amount of beef broth or heavy cream to help loosen the sauce and restore its creaminess. You can also microwave it, but low and slow on the stovetop often yields better results, preventing the sauce from breaking or the beef from drying out.
Flavor Variations:
- Add Veggies: Feel free to add some spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms to the sauce for extra nutrition and flavor. Stir them in when you add the beef broth and heavy cream.
- Spice It Up: If you love heat, a pinch more red pepper flakes can be added to the garlic when sautéing.
- Different Cheeses: Experiment with other melting cheeses like Gruyere or fontina for a different cheesy dimension.
Don’t Rush the Sauce: The key to a fantastic Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is allowing the sauce to simmer gently and the flavors to meld. Patience here will be greatly rewarded with a deeply flavorful and aromatic sauce that is truly irresistible. Enjoy every single comforting bite!

Conclusion:

And there you have it, my friends! We’ve journeyed through the creation of what I truly believe is one of the most heartwarming, utterly delicious, and surprisingly straightforward dishes you’ll ever have the pleasure of preparing. This isn’t just another weeknight meal; it’s an experience, a symphony of flavors that come together to create something truly magical. The tender, succulent beef, bathed in fragrant garlic butter, melds seamlessly with the rich, gooey embrace of melted cheese, all clinging to those charming, perfectly al dente bowtie pasta shapes. It’s a dish that speaks of comfort, of generosity, and of pure, unadulterated joy. If you’re looking for a recipe that will not only satisfy hungry appetites but also bring a collective sigh of contentment to your dining table, then this masterpiece is absolutely, unequivocally a must-try. It hits all the right notes: savory, creamy, hearty, and incredibly flavorful, making it perfect for a cozy family dinner or even a casual gathering with friends who appreciate genuinely good food. I can honestly say that every time I make this, it disappears faster than I can dish it out, and the requests for seconds (and sometimes even thirds!) are always enthusiastic.

Elevate Your Dining Experience: Serving Suggestions & Creative Variations

While this dish is a complete meal in itself, there are always ways to enhance the experience or adapt it to your preferences. For a wonderfully balanced meal, I love serving this rich pasta alongside a fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. The bright, acidic notes of the salad cut through the richness of the pasta beautifully, offering a refreshing contrast. A basket of warm, crusty garlic bread or a French baguette is also an absolute essential for soaking up every last bit of that luscious, cheesy sauce – trust me, you won’t want to leave a single drop behind! As for drinks, a robust red wine, like a Cabernet Sauvignon or a Merlot, pairs wonderfully with the beef and garlic flavors, while a crisp, dry white wine or even a sparkling water with lemon would offer a refreshing counterpoint.

But don’t stop there! This recipe is incredibly versatile and open to your creative touch. If you’re looking to sneak in some extra vegetables, consider stirring in a handful of fresh baby spinach or chopped kale right at the end; the residual heat will wilt them perfectly. Sautéed mushrooms or bell peppers could also be a fantastic addition, adding more depth and texture. For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into the sauce can elevate the flavor profile. If beef isn’t your preferred protein, you could easily substitute it with ground chicken, ground turkey, or even Italian sausage for a different, yet equally delicious, twist. Experiment with different cheese blends too! While cheddar and mozzarella are fantastic, a little Parmesan or even a touch of smoked Gouda could introduce exciting new dimensions. The beauty of a recipe like this lies in its adaptability, allowing you to tailor it to your specific tastes and whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Your Culinary Adventure Awaits!

Now, it’s your turn! I’ve shared my secrets, my passion, and my absolute adoration for this incredible dish, and my greatest hope is that you’ll embrace the joy of creating it in your own kitchen. There’s something truly fulfilling about seeing a dish like this come together, transforming simple ingredients into a meal that brings smiles and satisfaction. So, please, gather your ingredients, set aside some time, and dive into making this unforgettable Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta. It’s more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create lasting memories around your dinner table. Once you’ve had a chance to whip up this amazing meal, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you add any unique twists? What did your family and friends think? Did it become an instant favorite, just like it has in my home? Share your culinary triumphs, your photos, and your feedback. Your insights and stories inspire me and our entire community of food lovers. Let’s make some delicious food and share the joy!