Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

Name: Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta, dry; 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, finely diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Warm, comforting, and surprisingly quick to make, this Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef brings rich, savory flavors to the weeknight table. Tender bowtie pasta carries a silky garlic butter and beef-infused sauce, while a touch of Parmesan adds a salty, nutty finish. The texture is a pleasing mix of firm pasta and crumbly browned beef, and the aroma of sautéed garlic and onion fills the kitchen, inviting everyone to the table. This dish works beautifully for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or when you want a satisfying one-skillet meal without fuss. If you like this style of hearty pasta, you might also enjoy a similar take on garlic butter and beef in other recipes, such as garlic butter beef cheesy bowtie pasta.

Ingredients

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta, dry. Standard package size, cooks quickly and holds sauce well.
1 lb ground beef. Use your preferred lean-to-fat ratio; browning builds deep flavor.
2 tbsp olive oil. For sautéing the onion and preventing sticking.
1 small onion, finely diced. Adds sweetness and depth when softened.
3 garlic cloves, minced. Fresh garlic gives bright, aromatic punch.
1/2 cup beef broth. Adds savory moisture and helps make a light sauce.
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional). Adds a gentle heat if you like some spice.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese. Stirred in or sprinkled on top for salty, umami richness.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Essential for balancing flavors.
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish). Adds a fresh, herbal finish.

For a related comfort-food idea, try this slow cooker variation on garlic butter beef at slow cooker garlic butter beef potatoes.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Reserve a splash of pasta cooking water if needed to loosen the sauce later. Tip: Salt the pasta water generously for better flavored pasta.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 4 to 5 minutes. Stir occasionally so the onion sweats and becomes translucent.
Add the minced garlic and the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed to avoid a greasy sauce.
Stir in the beef broth and the optional red pepper flakes. Let simmer for a few minutes so the broth reduces slightly and concentrates flavor.
Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture in the skillet. Mix well to coat the pasta, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems dry or you want a looser sauce. Tip: A tablespoon of pasta water can help the sauce cling to the bowties.
Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Serve topped with the grated Parmesan and garnished with chopped parsley for color and brightness. For another creamy beef and pasta idea, see this creamy beef pasta.

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4 generous portions
Calories: Approximately 700 kcal per serving

If you want a different protein profile while keeping similar flavors, consider recipes such as the cowboy butter chicken pasta recipe for inspiration.

Tips, Storage & Variations

Tips

Use reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
If your ground beef is very lean, you can add a bit more olive oil when sautéing to keep the mixture from drying out.
Taste and adjust salt just before serving since Parmesan adds saltiness.

Storage

Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to bring back some moisture.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked pasta and beef mixture in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating on the stove.

Flavor variations using only the listed ingredients

Spicy version: Increase the red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp for more heat.
Extra cheesy: Stir an additional tablespoon of Parmesan into the pasta before serving for creamier texture.
Herb-forward: Add the parsley into the pasta while tossing for a more integrated herb flavor and use the garnish sparingly.

For a similar garlic butter steak and creamy sauce idea, take a look at garlic butter steak parmesan cream sauce.

FAQ

Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes. Any short pasta will work, but cooking times may vary, so follow package instructions.

Q: Do I need to rinse the pasta after draining?
A: No. Do not rinse. Rinsing removes starch that helps the sauce cling to the pasta.

Q: How do I prevent the beef from becoming dry?
A: Drain excess fat if needed, but avoid overcooking. Add a splash of broth or reserved pasta water to restore moisture.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Store in the refrigerator and reheat gently with a little water or broth to refresh the sauce.

Q: Is low-sodium beef broth okay to use?
A: Yes. Use low-sodium if you want more control over final salt levels, then season to taste.

Q: Can I use pre-grated Parmesan?
A: Yes. Pre-grated works, though freshly grated melts and flavors slightly better.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a reliable, comforting meal that comes together quickly and satisfies a hungry household. If you want a creamier variation with a similar flavor profile, check out Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta – Crazy Busy Mama for inspiration. For another simple, creamy ground beef and bowtie pasta idea, see Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Recipe Life. Give this recipe a try, adjust it to your taste, and share how it turned out with friends or family for a cozy meal.