Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter

This comforting dish combines tender bowtie pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich garlic butter sauce for a dinner that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. The balance of flavors, from the aromatic garlic to the perfect blend of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses, makes this dish irresistible for every pasta lover. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe brings gourmet flavors to your table without spending hours in the kitchen. The ingredients are budget-friendly and versatile, allowing for substitutions that match your unique taste preferences.

I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed something quick but satisfying. My family couldn't believe how rich and flavorful it was despite the minimal prep time. Now it's our go-to comfort meal that everyone requests at least once a week. The leftovers (if there are any!) taste even better the next day when all the flavors have melded together overnight.

Ingredients You'll Need

• 12 oz Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The unique shape catches sauce in its crevices, making every bite flavorful. Look for pasta with ridges for the best sauce-holding capability.
• 1 lb Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 90/10 ground sirloin for the perfect balance of flavor and leanness. The fat content ensures juiciness without making the dish greasy.
• 1 Whole Bulb Garlic, Chopped: Fresh garlic provides an aromatic foundation that dried substitutes simply can't match. Don't be afraid of this amount—it mellows beautifully when cooked in butter.
• 3 Tbsp Butter: Use unsalted butter so you can control the salt level yourself. The butter creates the rich, silky base for your sauce.
• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil: Choose a good quality extra virgin olive oil for its fruity undertones that complement the garlic butter perfectly.
• 1½ Cups Shredded Mozzarella: Fresh mozzarella provides the best melt and creaminess. Pre-shredded works in a pinch, but it contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture.
• ½ Cup Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan has a more pronounced flavor than the pre-grated variety. The slight nuttiness balances the richness of the dish.
• 24 oz Jar Vodka Sauce: This specialized sauce offers a unique tangy creaminess. If unavailable, a good quality marinara with a splash of cream makes a suitable replacement.
• 3 Cups Unsalted Beef Stock: Homemade stock provides the deepest flavor, but a good quality store-bought version works well too. Using unsalted allows you to control the final seasoning.

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Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Prepare the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous tablespoon of salt (the water should taste like seawater). Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water - this is crucial for adjusting your sauce later. Drain the pasta but don't rinse it; the starch helps the sauce adhere better. Toss with a tiny bit of olive oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the rest of the dish.

Create the Garlic Butter Base:

In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, melt the butter with olive oil over medium heat. Once the butter has melted completely and starts to foam slightly, add all the chopped garlic. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently. You want the garlic to become fragrant and slightly golden but not brown or burned, which would make it bitter. The combination of butter and oil prevents burning while maximizing flavor extraction from the garlic.

Brown the Beef Perfectly:

Increase the heat back to medium and add the ground beef to the garlic butter mixture. Use a wooden spoon to break the meat into small, even pieces. Let it cook undisturbed for about 30 seconds to get some caramelization before stirring. Continue cooking until all pink is gone, about 5-7 minutes total. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. If there's excess fat, tilt the pan and spoon it out, leaving just enough to keep the dish moist and flavorful.

Develop the Sauce:

Pour in the vodka sauce and beef stock, stirring well to incorporate with the beef mixture. Bring to a gentle simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low. Let the sauce reduce and thicken for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You're looking for a sauce that coats the back of a spoon but isn't too thick - it will continue to thicken when you add the cheese and pasta. If it reduces too much, add some of the reserved pasta water to achieve the perfect consistency.

Combine and Create Cheesy Goodness:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat with the sauce. Make sure every piece of pasta is well-coated. Reduce heat to low and sprinkle in the mozzarella cheese in three batches, stirring between additions to ensure it melts evenly throughout the dish rather than clumping. Once the mozzarella is fully incorporated and melted, gently fold in half of the Parmesan cheese, saving the rest for topping.

Finish with Finesse:

Turn off the heat and let the pasta rest for 2-3 minutes - this allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld. Transfer to a serving dish or individual plates. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top and garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a bright contrast in both color and flavor. Serve immediately while the cheese is still gooey and the pasta is at its peak deliciousness.

I discovered the magic of combining mozzarella and Parmesan years ago when experimenting in my kitchen. My grandmother always used this cheese combination in her Sunday lasagna, and I've found it works beautifully in nearly any pasta dish. The mozzarella provides that irresistible stretch while the Parmesan adds a savory depth that takes this dish from good to unforgettable.

Perfect Pairing Suggestions

Creating a complete meal around this hearty pasta dish is simple with the right accompaniments. A light, crisp salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides refreshing contrast to the rich pasta. Try mixing arugula, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion with a lemon vinaigrette for a perfect balance. For bread lovers, a warm crusty Italian bread or garlic bread is ideal for sopping up every last bit of the delicious sauce.

Make-Ahead Options

This pasta dish actually improves with time as the flavors continue to develop. You can prepare it up to a day in advance, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it gently on the stovetop with a splash of beef stock or water to revive the sauce. For meal prep, you can also freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to three months - a perfect solution for busy weeknights when cooking from scratch isn't possible.

Customization Opportunities

One of the best features of this dish is how easily it can be customized to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef. Vegetarians can replace the meat with sautéed mushrooms and the beef stock with vegetable broth for an equally satisfying meal. Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra nutrition and color.

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Troubleshooting Common Issues

If your sauce seems too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach the desired consistency. Conversely, if it's too thin, allow it to simmer uncovered for a few more minutes to reduce. If the cheese becomes stringy rather than creamy, it may have been added to a sauce that was too hot - always reduce the heat before adding cheese and stir constantly while incorporating it.

After years of making this dish, I've found that the quality of ingredients truly makes a difference. While budget-friendly options work well, splurging occasionally on a high-quality Parmesan or using freshly ground beef from your local butcher elevates this simple pasta to restaurant quality. My family particularly loves when I add a splash of heavy cream right at the end for extra richness on special occasions – it's not an everyday addition, but it turns this reliable favorite into something truly special for celebrations or Sunday dinners.

Recipe Tips & Questions

→ Can I substitute the vodka sauce with something else?

Yes, you can substitute vodka sauce with marinara sauce, tomato cream sauce, or even Alfredo sauce for a different flavor profile. Each will give the dish a unique taste while maintaining its creamy texture.

→ How can I make this dish healthier?

To make this dish healthier, use whole wheat pasta, lean ground turkey instead of beef, reduce the amount of cheese, and add more vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini. You can also use low-sodium beef stock to reduce salt content.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook everything as directed but slightly undercook the pasta. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef stock or water to loosen the sauce and heat gently until warmed through.

→ What can I use if I don't have beef stock?

If you don't have beef stock, you can substitute with chicken stock, vegetable broth, or even water with beef bouillon cubes or paste. In a pinch, you can use water, but the flavor won't be as rich.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or stock to restore moisture, or microwave on medium power, stirring halfway through heating time.