Description
This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Ground Beef is the ultimate weeknight comfort food — quick, flavorful, and oh-so satisfying. With tender farfalle pasta, juicy ground beef, and a buttery garlic-Parmesan sauce, it’s a simple dinner that feels like a cozy hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy nights when you want big flavor with minimal effort!
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 lb ground beef (80/20 or 85/15)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, finely diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
¼ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside — do not rinse.
Sauté the aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook until softened and golden. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Brown the beef: Add ground beef and cook until fully browned, breaking it apart into small crumbles. Drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
Build the sauce: Pour in beef broth and stir, scraping up any browned bits. Add red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Let it simmer 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly.
Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat evenly in the garlic-butter sauce.
Finish and serve: Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
For a creamier texture, add ¼ cup heavy cream or a tablespoon of butter when mixing the pasta.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator — reheat with a splash of broth or olive oil.
Want extra flavor? Add a pinch of Italian seasoning or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 460 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 52 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg