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Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef - featured image

A cozy, comforting pasta dish featuring tender bowtie noodles tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with savory ground beef and parmesan. Perfect for chilly evenings, family gatherings, or easy weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz dried bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese, divided
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper to taste (about 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper)
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, break up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Season with salt and pepper, then transfer beef to a plate.
  3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook another 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Pour in beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  5. Return cooked beef to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss gently. If sauce is dry, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until silky.
  6. Stir in 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust salt and pepper. Add another pat of butter for a richer finish if desired.
  7. Divide onto plates, top with remaining parmesan and extra parsley. Serve hot.

Notes

Salt your pasta water generously for best flavor. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Toss pasta gently to avoid breaking bowties. For gluten-free, use GF pasta and check broth. For dairy-free, use plant-based butter and cheese. Add extra veggies or swap proteins for variations.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter pasta, bowtie pasta, beef pasta, comfort food, easy dinner, fall recipe, weeknight meal, family dinner