Garlic butter bowtie pasta with beef made its way into my kitchen on a cozy winter night when I needed something hearty but didn’t want anything too complicated so I pulled out a box of bowtie pasta and some beef tips from the fridge and decided to lean into buttery garlic comfort. As soon as the beef hit the pan and the garlic started sizzling I could tell it was going to be a dish I’d return to again and again.

Now this recipe is one of my go-to favorites when I want bold flavor with minimal effort because it’s rich buttery garlicky and the bowtie pasta soaks up the sauce beautifully making every bite full of flavor and warmth.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

Beef tips or stew meat – Tender and hearty they’re the perfect protein for this pasta
Bowtie pasta – Holds the sauce in its ridges and adds fun texture
Garlic – The main flavor hero bringing warmth and boldness
Butter – Creates a silky base for the sauce and enhances the garlic
Olive oil – Helps sear the beef and balances the richness
Parmesan cheese – Adds a salty nutty layer to the finish
Fresh parsley – Brings brightness and color at the end
Beef broth – Used to deglaze and add savory depth to the sauce
Salt and pepper – Essential seasonings for the beef and sauce

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet – For searing the beef and simmering the sauce
Pot – To boil the bowtie pasta
Knife and cutting board – For prepping the beef and garlic
Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and scraping up flavor bits
Measuring cups – To portion out broth and butter correctly
Colander – To drain the pasta once it’s cooked

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by cooking the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente then I reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water and drain the rest.

Step 2:

In a large skillet I heat olive oil and sear the beef tips on all sides until browned then I remove them from the pan and set aside.

Step 3:

In the same skillet I melt the butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant scraping up any browned bits from the beef.

Step 4:

I pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer then return the beef to the skillet and let it cook gently for about 10–15 minutes until tender and flavorful.

Step 5:

I add the drained pasta directly to the skillet and toss it with the beef and sauce adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen everything up.

Step 6:

To finish I sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley then give it a final toss and serve it warm with extra cheese on top if I’m feeling indulgent.

Tips

I sometimes swap the beef for ground beef when I want something quicker. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to stretch it into a more veggie-forward meal. If you want even more richness stir in a splash of heavy cream before serving—it turns the garlic butter sauce into a dream.

Ways to Serve

With a side of crusty garlic bread for dipping

Paired with a simple green salad with vinaigrette

Alongside roasted veggies like carrots or Brussels sprouts

Sprinkled with red pepper flakes for extra heat

Topped with extra Parmesan and fresh cracked pepper

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta in garlic butter bowtie pasta with beef?

Absolutely any short pasta like penne rigatoni or rotini works great in place of bowties.

How can I make garlic butter bowtie pasta with beef more creamy?

Add a splash of cream or a bit of cream cheese to the sauce while it’s still warm.

Can I make garlic butter bowtie pasta with beef ahead of time?

Yes just reheat gently on the stovetop with a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this garlic butter bowtie pasta with beef a try! It’s the kind of dish that feels special without needing too much effort and it always hits the spot. Let me know how it turns out for you and don’t forget to save it for your next cozy dinner night.

Happy Cooking!