Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce and combined with savory ground beef for a satisfying dish the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 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, for heat)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Step 3: Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly and deepen the flavor.
6. Step 6: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta in the garlic butter mixture evenly.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier sauce, stir in 1/4 cup of heavy cream after adding the beef broth.
• Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to boost the veggie content.
• If you like more heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rotini, or rigatoni works well in this recipe and will hold the sauce nicely.

How do I prevent the ground beef from drying out?

Cook the ground beef over medium heat without rushing and add the beef broth to keep it moist and flavorful.

Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef Recipe

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4.6 from 51 reviews

A comforting and flavorful Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef, combining tender bowtie pasta tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce with savory ground beef and aromatic herbs. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare and packed with satisfying flavors.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta:

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Ground Beef Mixture:

• 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, for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Toppings and Garnish:

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water.
2. Sauté onion and garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Cook the ground beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
4. Add beef broth and seasonings: Stir in the beef broth, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and allow the flavors to meld.
5. Combine pasta and beef mixture: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the ground beef mixture. Toss to combine, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce and coat the pasta evenly.
6. Finish with Parmesan and parsley: Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• For extra flavor, add a splash of white wine with the beef broth.
• Red pepper flakes are optional; adjust heat level to your preference.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best taste and texture.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.

Keywords: garlic butter pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, Italian comfort food