Description
Creamy cheesy beef and bowtie pasta blends rich ground beef with al dente pasta in a comforting Italian-inspired dish. Quick weeknight dinners become delightful culinary experiences you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
Pasta and Dairy:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie pasta
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Seasonings and Garnish:
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook bowtie pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
- Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, allowing butter to melt and create a silky base for cooking.
- Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and browning thoroughly for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.
- Sprinkle minced garlic into the meat, releasing its aromatic essence and cooking for roughly 1 minute.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, gently stirring to integrate with the seasoned beef and create a luxurious foundation.
- Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, continuously stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce spanning 3-5 minutes.
- Fold the cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the rich sauce.
- Season the dish with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
- Add remaining butter, allowing it to melt and enhance the sauce’s richness.
- Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while piping hot.
Notes
- Pasta Perfection: Cook bowtie pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
- Beef Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled for maximum flavor and even texture throughout the dish.
- Cheese Melting Hack: Reduce heat when adding cheese and stir continuously to prevent clumping and create a smooth, silky sauce.
- Dietary Modifications: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option or use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 740
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 320 mg
- Fat: 48 g
- Saturated Fat: 26 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg