Name: 30-Minute Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta Bliss
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz bowtie pasta; 1 lb beef sirloin, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 4 tbsp butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp chopped parsley

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Oh my gosh, let me tell you about my absolute weakness – Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta. This dish became my go-to comfort food during college when my roommate and I needed something quick, filling, and ridiculously delicious after late-night study sessions. There’s just something magical about how the butter and garlic coat every single bowtie pasta, hugging those tender beef slices in creamy, cheesy goodness. And the best part? It comes together faster than you can say “seconds please!” Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll become your new favorite weeknight lifesaver too. The flavors are so rich and satisfying, yet it’s simple enough that even kitchen newbies can nail it perfectly.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta - detail 1

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Let me count the ways this dish will steal your heart (and probably become your new addiction):

30 minutes flat – From fridge to table before takeout could even arrive

That addictive sauce – Creamy, garlicky, buttery perfection that coats every noodle
Total crowd-pleaser – Kids devour it, adults swoon over it, everyone asks for seconds
Endlessly adaptable – Swap proteins, add veggies, or kick up the spice however you like

Leftovers magic – Somehow tastes even better reheated the next day

Seriously, this recipe checks all the boxes for busy weeknights when you want something special without the fuss.

The Key Ingredients for That Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Okay, let’s talk about what makes this dish sing – and I’m not kidding when I say quality matters here! I’ve made this pasta more times than I can count, and these are the exact ingredients that give it that “can’t-stop-eating-it” magic:

8 oz bowtie pasta – Those little ruffles hold onto the sauce beautifully
1 lb beef sirloin, sliced thin against the grain (your butcher can do this!)
3 cloves garlic, minced fine – no lazy garlic powder here!

4 tbsp real butter – none of that margarine business
1 cup heavy cream – makes the sauce luxuriously smooth
1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan – packed firmly, and please grate it yourself

1/2 cup mozzarella – the melty, stretchy superstar
1 tsp salt & 1/2 tsp black pepper – season as you go
1 tbsp fresh parsley – that pop of green makes it pretty

See? Nothing fancy, just good ingredients treated right. Now let’s make some magic!

Equipment Needed

Grab these kitchen essentials – you probably have most already! A large pot for the pasta, a 12-inch skillet (I like cast iron for even cooking), a trusty wooden spoon for stirring that creamy sauce, and basic measuring cups. That’s it – no fancy gadgets required for this one-pan wonder!

How to Make Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Alright, let’s get cooking! This recipe comes together in three simple stages – but oh boy, the flavors will make it taste like you slaved away for hours. Follow these steps and you’ll have restaurant-quality pasta right at home.

Cooking the Pasta

First things first – get that pasta water boiling! Cook your bowties in well-salted water (it should taste like the sea) for exactly 1 minute less than the package says. We want al dente – that perfect bite with just a little resistance. Drain it, but here’s my secret – save about 1/2 cup of that starchy pasta water! It’s liquid gold for adjusting your sauce later.

Preparing the Beef and Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt your butter in that skillet over medium heat – don’t let it brown! Toss in the minced garlic and stir for just 30 seconds until fragrant – any longer and it’ll burn. Now add those thin beef slices in a single layer (crowd the pan and they’ll steam instead of brown). Cook for 2 minutes per side until you get nice caramelization. Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently for 2 minutes – this thickens it slightly and mellows the dairy taste.

Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta - detail 2

Combining Everything

Here comes the magic! Reduce heat to low and sprinkle in your cheeses gradually, stirring constantly until they melt into silky perfection. Now toss in the drained pasta and stir gently – those bowtie crevices will trap all that cheesy goodness. If the sauce seems thick, splash in some reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time. Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and serve immediately while it’s gloriously gooey!

Tips for Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Listen, I’ve made every mistake with this recipe so you don’t have to! Here are my hard-earned secrets:

Grate your own cheese – Pre-shredded stuff has anti-caking agents that make sauces grainy
Taste as you go – That first bite of beef should make your eyes roll back in pleasure
Slice beef thin and cold – Pop it in the freezer for 15 minutes first for cleaner cuts

Don’t walk away from the garlic – It goes from golden to burnt in seconds!
Undercook the pasta slightly – It’ll keep cooking when you mix it with the hot sauce

Follow these and you’ll have people begging for your recipe!

Variations of Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

One of the best things about this recipe? It’s like a blank canvas for your cravings! Here are my favorite ways to switch it up:

Chicken instead of beef – Use boneless thighs for extra juiciness (cook to 165°F)
Veggie-loaded version – Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers

Spice it up – Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for heat
Different pasta shapes – Penne or rotini work great if you’re out of bowties
Lighter option – Swap half the cream for chicken broth (still creamy but less rich)

The possibilities are endless – make it your own!

Serving Suggestions

This pasta deserves the perfect sidekicks! I love serving it with garlic bread for maximum sauce-sopping potential – bonus points if it’s toasted with extra butter. A simple crisp green salad cuts through the richness beautifully. For drinks? A chilled Pinot Grigio or sparkling water with lemon makes the meal sing. Easy, elegant, and oh-so-satisfying!

Storing and Reheating Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Okay, confession time – I rarely have leftovers because we gobble this up too fast! But when I do, here’s how to keep it delicious: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream while warming gently on the stove – it brings that creamy sauce right back to life. Microwave works in a pinch too, just stir every 30 seconds and watch for hot spots. Pro tip: The flavors actually deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (about 1 cup): approximately 580 calories, 32g protein, and 35g carbs. Remember, these values are estimates and may vary based on your specific ingredients and portion sizes. Enjoy every delicious bite!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowties are my favorite for catching all that cheesy sauce, penne, rotini, or fusilli work great too. Just stick with shapes that have nooks and crannies to hold the creamy garlic butter sauce. Adjust cooking time according to the pasta package directions.

How can I make this dish spicier?
Oh, I love kicking up the heat! Try adding 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes with the garlic, or stir in a dash of cayenne pepper when you add the cream. For serious spice lovers, a tablespoon of chopped jalapeños works wonders too!

Can I prepare this ahead of time?
While it’s best fresh, you can prep components in advance! Cook the pasta al dente, toss with a little oil, and refrigerate. Slice the beef and store it separately. When ready, just sauté the garlic and beef, then add the cream and cheeses – dinner in 10 minutes flat!

What’s the best cut of beef to use?
I swear by sirloin for its perfect balance of flavor and tenderness, but flank steak or ribeye work beautifully too. Just remember to slice it thin against the grain – this makes even less tender cuts melt-in-your-mouth perfect!

Share Your Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Did this recipe become your new favorite too? Snap a pic and tag me – I’d love to see your cheesy masterpiece! Leave a comment with your tweaks and tips so we can all learn from each other. Happy cooking, friends!

Hi, I’m Judy!

I’m a passionate home chef who finds joy in creating delicious meals and sharing them with friends and family. My love for cooking began at a young age, and there’s nothing quite like seeing someone’s face light up after trying one of my dishes.

About Me

Why You’ll Love Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

The Key Ingredients for That Perfect Cheesy Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Equipment Needed