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Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta With Beef

A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring perfectly browned beef and garlic butter sauce, capturing every drop of flavor in bowtie pasta.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 500 g 80/20 ground beef Use high-quality beef for the best flavor.
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes Optional for heat.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
  • 5 tablespoons unsalted butter Brown the butter for added flavor.
  • 8 cloves garlic, very finely minced or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1/3 cup dry white wine or beef broth For deglazing.
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water Reserve before draining pasta.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
Now For the Pasta
  • 350 g bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 tablespoon salt for pasta water
To Finish
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Grate fresh for best results.
  • 3 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
  • Extra Parmesan and parsley for serving
  • Squeeze of fresh lemon juice (optional) For brightness.

Method
 

Cook the Bowtie Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and salt it generously.
  2. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, pulling it out 1 minute before recommended time.
  3. Before draining, scoop out a generous cup of the pasta cooking water.
  4. Drain the pasta and toss it with a tiny drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Brown the Beef
  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  2. Add the ground beef and let it cook undisturbed for 2–3 minutes before breaking it apart.
  3. Season the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  4. Cook for another 3–4 minutes until deeply browned.
  5. Drain most of the rendered fat, leaving about a tablespoon to build the sauce.
Build the Garlic Brown Butter Sauce
  1. Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the center of the pan.
  2. Allow butter to melt and become golden and nutty, about 2–3 minutes.
  3. Add minced garlic and stir for 60–90 seconds until fragrant and lightly golden.
  4. Add Italian seasoning, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes and stir for 10 seconds.
  5. Pour in wine or beef broth, stir, and let simmer for 2 minutes.
  6. Stir the browned beef back into the sauce.
Combine With Pasta and Finish
  1. Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss well.
  2. Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
  3. Once coated, add Parmesan and toss again.
  4. Serve immediately with parsley and optional lemon juice.

Notes

For best flavor, brown the butter and beef thoroughly. Can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.