Few things hit the spot quite like a creamy, garlicky pasta dish loaded with tender beef and smothered in cheese. Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is one of those meals that looks fancy but is pure comfort in every bite. With the richness of garlic butter and the fun texture of bowtie pasta, this recipe will quickly become your go-to weeknight dinner or weekend indulgence.

Each forkful delivers that melt-in-your-mouth ground beef coated in a garlicky cream sauce, with gooey cheese strings pulling as you twirl the pasta. It’s hearty, satisfying, and the kind of dish that makes people ask for seconds. Best of all, it doesn’t require a million ingredients or tons of time.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

This pasta recipe is all about flavor without the fuss. The garlic butter gives the beef incredible depth while the cheesy sauce wraps around the pasta like a warm hug. It’s a one-pan dinner idea that the whole family will love, with leftovers that are just as good reheated the next day.

And the best part? It’s totally customizable. Swap in your favorite cheese, add some fresh herbs, or even toss in a handful of spinach to sneak in some greens. You can dress it up or down depending on your mood, and it always delivers.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, brings a bit of whimsy and texture to the dish, but you can definitely use other shapes if you prefer. Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all hold the creamy sauce well. Just make sure to cook your pasta al dente so it doesn’t get too soft when tossed with the cheese and beef.

Ingredients for the Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

The beauty of this recipe is that the ingredients are simple, but they each bring something important to the table. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ground beef – Rich and savory, the base of the dish. Opt for 80/20 for a good balance of flavor and less grease.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) – Holds the sauce well and adds fun texture to every bite.

Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic gives the butter its punch and builds the flavor foundation.

Unsalted butter – Used to sauté the garlic and create that buttery richness.

Cream cheese – Melts into a luscious sauce that clings to every noodle.

Shredded mozzarella – Gives the dish that irresistible cheesy stretch.

Parmesan cheese – Adds sharp, salty depth to balance the creaminess.

Heavy cream – Makes the sauce ultra-smooth and rich.

Salt & pepper – Simple seasonings that bring everything together.

How To Make the Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to the package directions. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Once the beef is cooked through, reduce the heat to low. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted into the beef. Pour in the heavy cream and mix until everything is smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Cheese

Sprinkle in the mozzarella and parmesan cheese, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.

Step 5: Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until well coated. Let it sit for a minute to thicken slightly, then serve hot and melty.

How to Serve and Store Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

This dish is best served straight from the skillet while the cheese is still perfectly gooey. It feeds around 4 to 6 people generously, especially if you’re pairing it with a salad or bread.

To store, let the pasta cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta?

Garlic Bread

The ultimate sidekick for scooping up extra sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crisp, tangy, and refreshing. Perfect contrast to the creamy pasta.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a little char and crunch for balance.

Caprese Salad

Tomato, basil, and mozzarella bring a fresh brightness.

Creamy Tomato Basil Soup

Great for cooler nights and pairs beautifully with the garlic butter notes.

Grilled Asparagus

Elegant, earthy, and quick to make.

Balsamic Glazed Carrots

Sweet and savory with a bit of zing.

Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?

If you love this creamy pasta dish, you’ll enjoy these delicious recipes from the Janet Dishes collection:

Try the Creamy Tomato Spinach Pasta for a veggie-packed twist.
Our One Pot Creamy Sausage Rigatoni is a no-fuss, high-reward dinner.
Get cozy with Creamy Smothered Chicken with Spinach, Potatoes, and Mushrooms on your next chilly night.
For something indulgent, don’t miss the Delicious Ooey Gooey Mac and Cheese.

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s ready whenever comfort food cravings strike.

And when you try it, leave a comment! I love hearing your takes on the dish. Did you go extra cheesy? Swap in turkey? Add veggies?

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting meals, pastas, and hearty dishes on Janet Dishes on Pinterest.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is everything a comfort meal should be: creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but satisfying enough to serve to guests. If you’re craving that perfect mix of cozy and indulgent, this one’s for you. Happy cooking!