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Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta With Ground Beef

A quick and delicious dish featuring bowtie pasta, ground beef, and a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 12 ounces Bowtie pasta (farfalle) About 3 cups dry
  • 1 pound Ground beef (80/20 blend)
  • 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter Divided
  • 1 tablespoon Olive oil
  • 1 medium Yellow onion, finely diced
  • 5 to 6 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 3/4 cup Beef broth
  • 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated Plus extra for serving
  • to taste Salt and black pepper
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a full, rolling boil. Salt the water generously.
  2. Add the bowtie pasta. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, tasting near the end for that al dente bite.
  3. Before draining, scoop out about a cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside.
  4. Drain the pasta and let it sit in the colander while you prepare the sauce.
Cooking the Beef
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks.
  2. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until no pink remains. Drain off excess grease.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.
Building the Sauce
  1. Push the cooked beef to one side of the skillet or scoop it onto a plate temporarily.
  2. Melt the butter in the empty space over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens.
  3. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Combining Ingredients
  1. Return the beef to the skillet. Pour in the beef broth and red pepper flakes, stirring together.
  2. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 minutes.
  3. Add the drained bowtie pasta directly into the skillet and toss to coat.
  4. If things look dry, splash in some reserved pasta water.
Finishing Touches
  1. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the hot pasta and toss gently.
  2. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper before serving.
  3. Plate and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Notes

For better flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.