Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, penne, rotini, or fusilli would all be good substitutes for bowtie pasta.

Is it possible to make this dish spicier?

Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.

Can I use ground beef instead of sirloin?

While sirloin is preferred for its tenderness, you can use lean ground beef. Brown it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.

Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta

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Looking for a comforting yet exciting weeknight meal? This Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! Tender slices of beef sirloin are seared to perfection and tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. The addition of cheddar and Parmesan cheese takes it to the next level, while a touch of smoked paprika adds a delightful smoky depth. This recipe is surprisingly easy to make and delivers restaurant-quality flavor right in your own kitchen. Get ready to experience pasta night like never before!

What You’ll Need

300g (10.5oz) Beef Sirloin, thinly sliced: We’re using beef sirloin for its tenderness and flavor. Thinly slicing it ensures it cooks quickly and absorbs all the delicious sauce. Look for a well-marbled cut for the best results.
250g (9oz) Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta: Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is the perfect shape to capture all the creamy sauce and bits of beef. Its unique shape also adds a fun visual element to the dish.
3 Tbsp (42g) Unsalted Butter: Unsalted butter forms the base of our rich and flavorful sauce. Using unsalted allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
2 Tbsp (30ml) Olive Oil: Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and searing the beef, adding a healthy fat and enhancing the flavors.
4 Cloves Garlic, minced: Garlic is essential for that classic garlic butter flavor! Freshly minced garlic provides the most potent aroma and taste.
1 Small Onion (≈80g / 2.8oz), finely diced: The onion adds a subtle sweetness and depth of flavor to the sauce. Dicing it finely ensures it cooks evenly and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
1 Red Bell Pepper (≈150g / 5.3oz), thinly sliced: Red bell pepper adds a pop of color, a touch of sweetness, and a satisfying crunch to the pasta.
240ml (1 cup) Low-Sodium Vegetable Broth: Vegetable broth is used to deglaze the pan, lifting up all the flavorful browned bits and creating a delicious sauce base. Opting for low-sodium allows you to control the salt content.
120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: Heavy cream adds a luxurious richness and silky texture to the sauce. It helps bind everything together and creates a truly decadent experience.
100g (1 cup) Grated Cheddar Cheese (halal-certified): Cheddar cheese provides a classic cheesy flavor and melts beautifully into the sauce. Using halal-certified cheese ensures it meets specific dietary requirements.
50g (½ cup) Grated Parmesan Cheese (halal-certified): Parmesan cheese adds a sharp, salty, and umami-rich note to the dish. Like the cheddar, using halal-certified Parmesan caters to specific dietary needs.
5g (1 tsp) Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor that complements the beef and enhances the overall complexity of the dish.
2.5g (½ tsp) Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and enhances the other flavors.
2.5g (½ tsp) Sea Salt, adjust to taste: Sea salt is used to season the dish and bring out the flavors. Adjust the amount to your preference.
15ml (1 Tbsp) Fresh Lemon Juice: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the sauce and adds a refreshing acidity that balances the richness.
2 Tbsp (≈6g) Fresh Parsley, chopped: Fresh parsley is used as a garnish, adding a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
1 Tbsp (≈6g) Toasted Pine Nuts (optional): Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor to the dish. They’re a great optional addition for extra texture.

Optional (plan-ahead): If you’re shopping for the week, I put this into a 4-Week Meal Plan + Grocery Lists so dinner’s already decided before your day gets busy.

Let’s Build the Perfect Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta: Step-by-Step

Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Adding enough salt is crucial – it seasons the pasta from the inside out! Add the bowtie pasta and cook for 10-12 minutes, or until al dente. ‘Al dente’ means ‘to the tooth’ in Italian, indicating the pasta should be firm to the bite. Reserve about ½ cup (120ml) of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water is liquid gold – it helps bind the sauce and create a creamy texture.
Sear the Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron is ideal!) over medium-high heat. The skillet needs to be hot to get a good sear on the beef. Add the thinly sliced beef strips, season with half of the salt and pepper, and sear for 2-3 minutes per side. You want a nice brown crust, but the beef should still be slightly pink inside for maximum tenderness. Remove the beef from the skillet and set aside, covering loosely to keep it warm.
Sauté the Aromatics: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic, diced onion, and thinly sliced red bell pepper. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are softened and fragrant. Don’t rush this step – properly sautéed aromatics are the foundation of a flavorful sauce.
Build the Sauce: Stir in the smoked paprika, adding a beautiful smoky depth to the sauce. Deglaze the skillet with the vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These browned bits (fond) are packed with flavor! Simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the broth to reduce slightly. Pour in the heavy cream and lemon juice, stirring gently to combine. The lemon juice adds a brightness that cuts through the richness of the cream and butter.
Combine and Creamify: Return the seared beef to the skillet. Add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired consistency. This is where the pasta water really shines!
Cheese It Up: Sprinkle the grated cheddar and Parmesan cheese over the pasta-beef mixture. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is uniformly creamy and smooth. Don’t be afraid to add a little more cheese if you’re a cheese lover!
Broil for Golden Perfection: Transfer the pasta-beef mixture to a shallow, oven-safe dish. Top with a thin, extra layer of cheddar cheese. Place under a preheated broiler (200°C / 390°F) for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch carefully to prevent burning!
Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Plate on a white ceramic plate to make the colors pop. Mound the pasta in the center, drizzle the remaining butter sauce around the edge, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and toasted pine nuts (if using), and finish with a light dusting of smoked paprika for a beautiful contrast.

Why This Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta Works

This recipe isn’t just about throwing ingredients together; it’s about layering flavors and textures. The key is the balance between the rich, savory beef, the creamy, cheesy sauce, and the bright, acidic lemon juice. The smoked paprika adds a subtle smokiness that elevates the entire dish. Using thinly sliced beef ensures it cooks quickly and remains tender. The bowtie pasta’s shape is perfect for capturing all that delicious sauce!

Tips for the Best Beef Sear

Achieving a good sear on the beef is vital for flavor. Here are a few tips: ensure your skillet is very hot before adding the beef, don’t overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary), and avoid moving the beef around too much – let it develop a crust before flipping. Patting the beef dry with paper towels before searing also helps it brown better.

Cheese Choices & Substitutions

While cheddar and Parmesan are a classic combination, feel free to experiment with other cheeses! Gruyere, Monterey Jack, or even a little bit of provolone would all work well. For a spicier kick, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. Ensure all cheeses are halal-certified if required.

Make-Ahead & Storage

While this dish is best served immediately, you can prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently before adding the cooked pasta and beef. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but the sauce may thicken upon cooling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, penne, rotini, or fusilli would all be good substitutes for bowtie pasta.
Is it possible to make this dish spicier? Absolutely! Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
Can I use ground beef instead of sirloin? While sirloin is preferred for its tenderness, you can use lean ground beef. Brown it thoroughly before adding it to the sauce.

This Garlic Butter Beef & Cheesy Bowtie Pasta is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser! It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest so you can easily find it later!