This Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef is a mix of tasty flavors that will comfort your belly! With tender beef and delicious garlic butter, it’s a meal that feels special yet is easy to make.
You know it’s a winner when the smell of garlic fills your kitchen. I like to serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan for that cheesy magic. Trust me, you’ll want seconds—just don’t blame me if you get hooked! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: This fun shape holds sauce well, but you can swap it out for any other pasta like penne, farfalle, or even spaghetti. Just adjust cooking time according to the package.
Beef: I love using sirloin or ribeye for their tenderness. If you’re looking for something leaner, you can try chicken breast or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist.
Butter: Unsalted butter is best for control over saltiness. You could use olive oil entirely if you’re trying to cut back on butter, but it won’t have that rich flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs more flavor, but garlic powder is a quick substitute (1/8 tsp per clove). Adjust to your taste!
Heavy Cream: For a lighter option, substitutes like half-and-half or even whole milk work, but the sauce may not be as rich and creamy.
How Do I Sear Meat Properly?
Searing meat gives it great flavor and texture. Here’s how to do it right:
- Heat your skillet on medium-high until it’s hot. This helps get a nice brown crust.
- Add a splash of olive oil to the pan, making sure to coat the bottom.
- When the oil shimmers, add the beef cubes in a single layer, avoiding overcrowding.
- Don’t touch the meat for a few minutes—this lets it brown. Flip it only once to get that perfect sear.
- Remove the beef but leave those delicious brown bits in the pan; they add great flavor to your sauce!
Follow these tips, and your beef will be perfectly caramelized, adding tons of flavor to your dish!
Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Beef Perfection
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 12 oz (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) beef sirloin or ribeye, cut into bite-size cubes
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 25-30 minutes in total. It includes around 10 minutes for prep and about 15-20 minutes for cooking. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. Remember to save a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later!
2. Prepare the Beef:
While the pasta is cooking, take your beef cubes and season them generously with salt and pepper. This will add flavor to the meat.
3. Sear the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the beef cubes in a single layer. Sear them for about 3-4 minutes until they become browned on all sides but aren’t fully cooked through. After browning, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Garlic:
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Let it melt, and then throw in the minced garlic and the chopped onion if you’re using it. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and the onion is translucent. Be careful not to let the garlic burn!
5. Make the Sauce:
Pour in the beef broth and stir to release any browned bits stuck to the pan. This adds lots of flavor! Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add Cream and Butter:
Stir in the heavy cream and the last tablespoon of butter. Allow the sauce to simmer gently until it thickens a bit, which should take another 3-4 minutes.
7. Combine the Beef:
Return the beef to the skillet and let it cook in the sauce for 2-3 more minutes until the meat is fully cooked and well-coated with the sauce.
8. Toss in the Pasta:
Now, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Gently toss everything together so that the pasta gets nicely coated in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
9. Add Parmesan:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines with the sauce. At this point, taste your dish and add any extra salt or pepper if needed.
10. Serve and Enjoy:
Once everything is mixed and heated through, serve the pasta right away! Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese on top. Enjoy your hearty, creamy Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with tender beef chunks—comfort food at its best!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is fun to use, you can substitute it with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the type of pasta you choose!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. You may want to add a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce when reheating.
Can I Substitute the Beef?
If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can replace the beef with chicken breast or shrimp. Alternatively, for a vegetarian version, try using mushrooms or even tofu to soak up the delicious sauce!
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No worries! You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce might be less rich. If you want to keep a creamy texture, you could also add a little cream cheese or use coconut milk for a dairy-free alternative.