There are some dishes that just stick with you, weaving themselves into the fabric of your life like a delicious, comforting memory. For me, one such dish is this incredible garlic butter beef bowtie pasta. It’s a meal that instantly transports me back to those cozy, bustling weeknights when my mom, with seemingly effortless grace, would whip up something spectacular in under an hour.

I remember the irresistible aroma of garlic and seared beef filling our kitchen, a scent that promised pure indulgence after a long day at school. The anticipation of twirling those beautiful bowtie pasta shapes, coated in a rich, buttery sauce, was always the best part. It felt like a gourmet meal, yet it was always so accessible and comforting.

This particular recipe for garlic butter beef bowtie pasta has become my go-to for recreating that same sense of warmth and simple elegance. It’s the kind of dish you can pull together on a Tuesday, yet it feels special enough for a casual dinner party with friends. It perfectly balances speed with sophistication, making it a true kitchen hero. Just like finding a hidden gem, like the rich and decadent Peanut Butter Butterfinger Pie, this recipe is a delightful discovery for any home cook.

Why you’ll love this Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Seared Beef with Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

**Effortlessly Elegant:** This dish looks and tastes incredibly sophisticated, yet it comes together in under 40 minutes, making it perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.
**Flavor Bomb:** The combination of tender, perfectly seared beef slices with a luscious garlic butter sauce is an absolute explosion of savory, aromatic flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
**Comfort in a Bowl:** Al dente bowtie pasta catches every drop of that rich sauce, creating a deeply satisfying and comforting meal that feels like a warm hug.
**Customizable Creations:** Easily adapt this recipe with your favorite vegetables or a touch of cream to make it uniquely yours, catering to different tastes and dietary needs.
**Simple Ingredients, Big Impact:** You’ll find most of the ingredients already in your pantry, proving that you don’t need exotic items to create an unforgettable garlic butter beef bowtie pasta.
**Impress Guests with Ease:** Serve this to friends or family, and they’ll be convinced you spent hours in the kitchen, when in reality, it was a breeze to prepare.

Ingredients

1 lb (450g) lean sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced against the grain
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1/2 cup (113g) unsalted butter
6 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium)
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Garlic butter beef bowtie pasta makes every moment feel lush. Pat the thinly sliced beef dry with paper towels; this step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear. In a medium bowl, toss the beef with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until every piece is evenly coated, ensuring maximum flavor penetration.

Step 2

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for searing. Add half of the seasoned beef in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan, which would steam the meat instead of searing it. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until beautifully browned and caramelized, then remove to a plate and repeat with the remaining beef and 1 tablespoon of olive oil, setting all the seared beef aside.

Step 3

While the beef is searing, bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture, offering a slight bite. Drain the pasta, but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water; it’s a secret weapon for achieving the ideal sauce consistency.

Step 4

In the same skillet where you seared the beef (those browned bits add incredible depth of flavor, so no need to clean it), melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for just 1 minute until they become wonderfully fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic, which can turn bitter.

Step 5

Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer, actively scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate them into the sauce. Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet, along with the chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Toss everything well to thoroughly coat the pasta in the rich sauce. If the sauce seems a bit too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you achieve your desired silky consistency.

Step 6

Gently fold the perfectly seared beef slices back into the pasta, warming them through without overcooking. Serve this magnificent garlic butter beef bowtie pasta immediately, ensuring every guest gets a generous portion. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a final flourish.

Variations, pairings, and serving ideas

Variations

This garlic butter beef bowtie pasta is wonderfully versatile, allowing for numerous creative twists. For a richer, more luxurious sauce, consider stirring in a splash of heavy cream along with the beef broth in step 5. This addition elevates the creaminess and mouthfeel, making the dish even more indulgent and decadent.

If you’re looking to sneak in some extra vegetables, sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach are fantastic additions. Simply add them to the skillet after the garlic has become fragrant and cook until softened before adding the broth. This boosts the nutritional content and adds more texture and flavor dimensions to your meal.

You can also experiment with different types of pasta if bowties aren’t your favorite; penne, fettuccine, or even rigatoni would work beautifully. Each shape offers a unique way to capture that incredible garlic butter sauce. Don’t be afraid to make this recipe truly your own with a few simple tweaks.

Pairings

To complement the richness of this garlic butter beef bowtie pasta, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice. The fresh, zesty flavors provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta and beef, cleansing the palate beautifully. This creates a balanced and satisfying meal that feels complete.

Garlic bread or crusty artisan bread is always a welcome companion, perfect for soaking up any leftover sauce from your plate. Imagine dipping a warm slice of bread into that fragrant garlic butter, it’s pure bliss. It adds an extra layer of comfort and ensures no drop of that delicious sauce goes to waste.

For those who enjoy a vegetable side, roasted asparagus or steamed green beans offer a lovely counterpoint to the dish. Their slightly crisp texture and earthy flavors harmonize well with the savory notes of the beef and garlic. A simple side can elevate the entire dining experience, making each bite even more enjoyable. If you’re looking for another robust pasta dish, you might enjoy this Garlic Steak Tortellini Recipe from Fork Haven, which shares a similar flavor profile and heartiness.

Serving ideas

When serving, presentation can truly enhance the dining experience. Dish the garlic butter beef bowtie pasta into warm, shallow bowls, allowing the beautiful colors of the pasta, beef, and parsley to shine. A thoughtful presentation can make even a weeknight meal feel like a special occasion.

Always have extra fresh parsley, finely chopped, and a bowl of grated Parmesan cheese available at the table for garnishing. Guests love the option to customize their plate with an additional sprinkle of freshness and cheesy goodness. This small detail adds a touch of elegance and allows for personal preference.

Consider serving this dish family-style on a large platter for a more communal and inviting feel. Seeing the generous portions and vibrant ingredients piled high can be incredibly appealing. This approach encourages sharing and conversation, making the meal about more than just the food.

Storage and make-ahead tips

Storage

Leftovers of this garlic butter beef bowtie pasta are absolutely delicious and store well for future meals. Ensure any remaining pasta and beef are transferred to an airtight container as soon as they have cooled down. Proper storage helps maintain freshness and prevents spoilage.

You can safely store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of beef broth or water. This helps to rehydrate the pasta and sauce, preventing it from drying out and ensuring a lovely texture.

While it’s generally best enjoyed fresh, if you must freeze, keep the beef and pasta separated if possible. Freezing pasta can sometimes alter its texture slightly, making it a bit softer upon reheating. If freezing the combined dish, ensure it’s in a freezer-safe container for up to 1-2 months and thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Make-ahead

For convenient meal prepping, you can prepare the seared beef slices in advance. Cook the beef according to the directions, let it cool completely, and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This significantly cuts down on active cooking time when you’re ready to assemble the meal.

Another helpful make-ahead tip is to mince all your garlic and chop your fresh parsley ahead of time. Store these prepped ingredients in separate containers in the fridge. Having your aromatics ready to go means you can start cooking the sauce almost instantly when dinner time rolls around, streamlining the process.

When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the pasta fresh, prepare the garlic butter sauce, and then gently fold in your pre-seared beef. This prevents the beef from overcooking and ensures it remains tender and flavorful. This method ensures that your garlic butter beef bowtie pasta is always at its best, even on your busiest evenings.

Common mistakes when making Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Seared Beef

**Overcrowding the pan when searing beef:** This lowers the pan temperature, causing the beef to steam instead of sear, resulting in grey, tough meat. Always sear the beef in batches to get that beautiful browned crust.
**Burning the garlic:** Minced garlic can burn very quickly, turning bitter and unpleasant if left too long in hot butter. Keep a close eye on it and sauté for just about a minute until fragrant.
**Overcooking the pasta:** Mushy pasta is never enjoyable; always cook your bowtie pasta to al dente according to package directions. It should have a slight bite to it, as it will absorb a little more sauce later.
**Forgetting to reserve pasta water:** The starchy pasta water is key to emulsifying the sauce and adjusting its consistency. Don’t drain all of it away; save at least 1/2 cup just in case.
**Adding cold beef back to hot pasta:** This can cool down your dish and make the beef less appealing. Ensure the beef is gently warmed through when folded back into the hot pasta and sauce.

Final notes

This garlic butter beef bowtie pasta isn’t just a recipe; it’s an invitation to create something truly special and memorable in your own kitchen. The simplicity of the steps belies the incredible depth of flavor you’ll achieve, making it a reliable favorite for any occasion. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients can come together to form a dish that feels both comforting and luxurious.

I truly hope you give this recipe a try and let its savory warmth fill your home and your stomach. It’s a fantastic example of how a well-loved meal can become a new tradition, bringing joy and deliciousness to your table. Prepare to fall in love with the ease and elegance of this stunning pasta dish.

Remember, cooking should always be an enjoyable and creative process. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the flavors and textures to suit your preferences. Happy cooking, and may every forkful of this garlic butter beef bowtie pasta bring a smile to your face!

Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta Savor The Flavor: Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta With Seared Beef

Why you’ll love this Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Seared Beef with Garlic Butter Beef Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients

Directions

Step 1

Step 2

Step 3

Step 4

Step 5

Step 6

Variations, pairings, and serving ideas

Variations

Pairings

Serving ideas

Storage and make-ahead tips

Storage

Make-ahead

Common mistakes when making Garlic Butter Bowtie Pasta with Seared Beef

Final notes

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Ingredients

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