Imagine twirling your fork around perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, and studded with tender, savory beef – that’s Garlic Butter Bowtie Beef Pasta, and it’s about to become your new weeknight obsession, guaranteed!
The All-Star Ingredients Lineup
Okay, friend, let’s gather our supplies. This recipe is all about fresh flavors and simple steps. Don’t be intimidated – I’ll walk you through it!
Pasta Power
- 1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Beefy Goodness
- 1 pound beef sirloin, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Dream
- ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (yes, really!)
- ½ cup beef broth
- ¼ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick!)
Gear Up for Garlic Butter Bliss
Before we dive into the cooking, let’s get organized. This makes the whole process smoother, trust me.
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A large skillet or Dutch oven (this is where the magic happens!)
- A cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- A colander to drain the pasta
- A serving dish
Step-by-Step Instructions: Let’s Get Cooking!
Alright, friend, put on your apron and let’s get started! I promise, even if you’re a beginner, you can totally nail this.
Prepping is Key
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- While the water is heating up, cut the beef sirloin into ½-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mince the garlic and chop the fresh parsley. Having everything prepped and ready will make the cooking process flow smoothly.
Cook the Pasta to Perfection
- Add the bowtie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions for al dente. You want it to have a little bite!
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside. Don’t rinse it! We want that starchy goodness to help the sauce cling.
Sear the Beef Like a Pro
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes to the skillet in a single layer (don’t overcrowd the pan – work in batches if necessary). Sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned and cooked through. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
The Garlic Butter Symphony
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic! Nobody likes bitter garlic.
- Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. This adds so much flavor!
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
Marry the Pasta, Beef, and Sauce
- Add the cooked pasta and seared beef back to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and beef are well coated in the sauce.
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
Serve and Savor
- Serve the Garlic Butter Bowtie Beef Pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.
- Enjoy every delicious bite!
Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks
Even the best cooks run into snags sometimes! Here are a few common issues and how to fix them.
- Sauce too thin? Simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it. You can also add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it quickly.
- Sauce too thick? Add a splash more beef broth or heavy cream to thin it out.
- Beef tough? Make sure you’re using a tender cut of beef like sirloin. Also, don’t overcook it! Sear it quickly over high heat to lock in the juices.
- Garlic burned? Start over! Seriously, burned garlic is no fun. Lower the heat and watch it carefully next time.
Variations to Make it Your Own
This recipe is fantastic as is, but feel free to get creative and add your own personal touch!
- Add veggies: Sauté some mushrooms, onions, bell peppers, or spinach along with the garlic for extra nutrients and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
- Cheese lover’s dream: Add some shredded mozzarella, provolone, or Asiago cheese along with the Parmesan.
- Creamy delight: For an extra-creamy sauce, add a dollop of mascarpone cheese or cream cheese.
- Lemon zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest to the sauce for a bright, citrusy flavor.
- If you’re looking for another creamy pasta dish, you might like Creamy Chicken Pasta. You also can’t go wrong with Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta or Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Pasta
What to Serve with Your Pasta Masterpiece
This Garlic Butter Bowtie Beef Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but if you’re feeling fancy, here are some side dish ideas:
- A simple green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Garlic bread or crusty bread for soaking up the sauce
- Roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts
- A Caprese salad with fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil
Storing and Reheating Tips
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Here’s how to store and reheat them properly.
- Storage: Store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta in the microwave or in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much.
- I love pairing pasta dishes with Chicken Spaghetti and similar recipes.
- Freezing: While you *can* freeze this dish, the texture of the pasta and sauce may change slightly. If you do freeze it, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Why This Recipe is a Keeper
Let’s be real, there are a million pasta recipes out there. So why should *this* one be your go-to?
- It’s quick and easy: This recipe comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- It’s packed with flavor: The combination of garlic, butter, beef, and Parmesan cheese is simply irresistible.
- It’s versatile: You can easily customize this recipe to suit your tastes and preferences.
- It’s satisfying: This dish is hearty, comforting, and guaranteed to leave you feeling full and happy.
- If you love garlic butter, you could also try making Garlic Butter Beef Bites.
- Don’t forget to check out Marry Me Chicken Pasta for a creamy, dreamy alternative.
Get Ready to Become a Pasta Pro
So there you have it, friend! Everything you need to make the most amazing Garlic Butter Bowtie Beef Pasta. I know you can do it. Get in that kitchen, get cooking, and get ready to impress your family and friends (or just yourself!). Happy cooking!
Can I use a different type of pasta instead of bowtie pasta?
While the recipe specifically calls for bowtie pasta (farfalle), you can likely substitute it with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or fusilli. Just be mindful of the cooking time and ensure the pasta is cooked al dente.
What can I do if the garlic butter sauce is too thin?
If the sauce is too thin, simmer it for a few more minutes to reduce it. Alternatively, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water) to thicken it quickly.
How long can I store the leftover Garlic Butter Bowtie Beef Pasta?
You can store the leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
What kind of beef is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using beef sirloin, cut into ½-inch cubes, for the best results. It’s a tender cut of beef that cooks quickly.

Garlic Butter Bowtie Beef Pasta
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- While the water is heating up, cut the beef sirloin into ½-inch cubes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mince the garlic and chop the fresh parsley.
- Add the bowtie pasta to the boiling water and cook according to package directions for al dente.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef cubes to the skillet in a single layer. Sear the beef on all sides until nicely browned and cooked through (5-7 minutes).
- Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Pour in the beef broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
- Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using). Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for about 3-5 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta and seared beef back to the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and beef are well coated in the sauce.
- Stir in the chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley, if desired.