Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef

This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is a cozy, one-skillet comfort meal that blends savory browned beef with tender farfalle tossed in buttery garlic-scented sauce. Each bite delivers a pleasing contrast of textures: chewy bowtie pasta, slightly crisped edges of browned ground beef, and a silky coating from the reserved pasta water and beef broth. The aroma of sautéed onion and garlic fills the kitchen, while a hint of red pepper flakes adds a gentle warming note if you like a touch of heat. This dish is ideal for busy weeknights, casual family dinners, or when you want a satisfying meal that comes together quickly without fuss. It reheats well for lunches and makes a great potluck or meal prep option. Simple to scale and forgiving, this recipe highlights everyday pantry ingredients and delivers big, familiar flavors that everyone at the table will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta, dry — the base of the dish; cooks to a tender, slightly chewy texture.
• 1 lb ground beef — provides savory, meaty flavor and protein. Use your preferred lean percentage.
• 2 tbsp olive oil — for sautéing the onion and helping brown the beef.
• 1 small onion, finely diced — adds sweetness and depth when softened.
• 3 garlic cloves, minced — gives bright, aromatic garlic flavor throughout.
• 1/2 cup beef broth — adds savory liquid to build a light sauce and deglaze the pan.
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) — a small pinch brings gentle heat, skip if you prefer no spice.
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (for topping) — salty, nutty finish to sprinkle on top when serving.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste — essential for seasoning the pasta and beef mixture.
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) — fresh herb note and color when sprinkled on top.

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of pasta cooking water if desired. Tip: reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water to loosen the sauce later.
2. 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 cooks evenly.
3. Add the minced garlic and ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking the beef into pieces with a spoon, until the beef is browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Stir in the beef broth and red pepper flakes, if using. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld flavors and reduce slightly.
5. Combine the cooked pasta with the beef mixture in the skillet, mixing well so the pasta is evenly coated. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if you need a looser, silkier consistency.
6. Season the combined dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning carefully, since Parmesan adds salt when serving.
7. Serve hot topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy immediately for best texture.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: approximately 700 kcal per serving

Tips, Storage & Variations

• Tips: Brown the ground beef well to develop deeper flavor. Use reserved pasta water sparingly to adjust the sauce texture. Taste and adjust salt after adding Parmesan.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.
• Freezing: This dish freezes, but texture may change slightly. Cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Flavor variations using existing ingredients only:
  • Make it spicier by increasing the red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp.
  • Boost cheesiness by stirring a small handful of grated Parmesan into the pasta before serving.
  • Add extra herb freshness by doubling the chopped parsley as a garnish.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use a different type of pasta?
  Yes. Any short pasta like penne or rotini works; cooking times may vary so follow package directions.
• Do I have to drain the beef fat?
  If there is a lot of fat after browning, drain some for a lighter dish. A little fat helps flavor and mouthfeel.
• How can I make the sauce creamier without cream?
  Use reserved pasta water and stir in a bit of grated Parmesan to create a silkier coating.
• Is this recipe good for meal prep?
  Yes. It reheats well and keeps for about 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Can I skip the red pepper flakes?
  Absolutely. They are optional and only used if you want a hint of heat.

People Also Ask

• What is the best way to prevent pasta from sticking together?
  Cook pasta in plenty of boiling, salted water and stir a few times during the first minute and occasionally while cooking.
• How do I know when ground beef is fully cooked?
  Ground beef is done when it is no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 160 F.
• Can I use homemade beef broth instead of store bought?
  Yes. Homemade beef broth will add rich flavor and works well in this recipe.
• Should I rinse pasta after cooking?
  Do not rinse if you plan to toss it with sauce, as the starch helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
• What type of Parmesan is best for topping?
  Freshly grated Parmesan from a wedge offers the best flavor and texture for topping.
• How can I reheat this pasta without drying it out?
  Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water to restore moisture.
• Can I make this gluten free?
  Yes, swap in a gluten free bowtie pasta and follow the same method, checking the package cook time.
• Is it better to cook pasta al dente for this dish?
  Al dente works well because the pasta will hold up when mixed with the beef and sauce.

Conclusion

This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is an easy, satisfying meal that brings together simple ingredients for big flavor. If you enjoy a creamy, garlicky pasta with savory beef, you may also like the similar take in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta – Crazy Busy Mama and another comforting version at Creamy Ground Beef and Bowtie Pasta – The Recipe Life. Try the recipe tonight, tweak the heat or cheese to your taste, and share your results with friends or family for a cozy meal everyone will appreciate.