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Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

A one-skillet wonder that brings together tender bowtie pasta, juicy ground beef, a rich garlic butter base, and loads of melted cheese. Quick, comforting, and endlessly customizable — this dish is weeknight-friendly and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine American / Comfort Food
Servings 6
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet or sauté pan (nonstick or cast iron)
  • Pasta pot
  • Strainer
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Cheese grater
  • Garlic press (optional)
  • Measuring cup (for pasta water)

Ingredients
  

For the Pasta Skillet:

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
  • 3 tbsp butter
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 ½ cups shredded cheese (mozzarella, cheddar, and/or Parmesan)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ tsp red chili flakes (optional, for heat)
  • Chopped parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook Pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente (firm to the bite). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set pasta aside.

Make Garlic Butter:

  • In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook 1–2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden (not brown).

Brown the Beef:

  • Add ground beef to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat if needed.

Combine with Pasta:

  • Add the drained pasta to the beef and garlic butter mixture. Stir well to combine.
  • Add Cheese:
  • Reduce heat to low. Gradually stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Add splashes of pasta water if needed to loosen and emulsify the sauce.

Finish and Serve:

  • Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley or extra cheese. Serve hot and enjoy!

Optional Add-Ins

  • Vegetables: Mushrooms, bell peppers, spinach
    Spicy twist: Jalapeños or hot sausage instead of beef
    Tomato fusion: Stir in ½ cup marinara for a garlicky red sauce combo

Notes

  • Freshly grated cheese melts better and prevents grainy texture.
  • Don’t overcook pasta — it continues to cook in the skillet.
  • Add reserved pasta water gradually for a silkier sauce.
  • Want a crispy top? Place under broiler for 2–3 minutes with extra cheese on top.
Keyword beef and cheese, bowtie beef skillet, cheesy pasta, easy pasta recipe, garlic butter pasta, one-pan dinner