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This hearty pasta combines buttery garlic cream, flavorful beef, and butterfly-shaped farfalle. You'll love how the chewy pasta works with the meaty bits to make a dinner that hits the spot any weeknight.
The first time this hit our table, my children begged for extra helpings - it's now become our start-the-week tradition every Monday.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Farfalle: Go for better pasta brands that grab sauce nicely
- Ground Beef: The 80/20 mix gives you the tastiest results
- Garlic: Only use whole cloves you mince yourself
- Cheese: Block cheese you shred at home melts way better
- Butter: Try to get unsalted European brands if you can
Cooking Instructions
- Step 1: Pasta Cooking (12 minutes)
- Make water as salty as the ocean. Give pasta a good stir right after dropping it in. Keep checking for that slight bite. Save some cooking water before you drain.
- Step 2: Beef Preparation (10 minutes)
- Get your pan nice and hot first. Crumble the meat into even little chunks. Add seasoning with each batch. Pull it off when barely browned.
- Step 3: Sauce Creation (8 minutes)
- Let butter melt gently. Cook garlic just until you smell it. Mix flour with quick wrist action. Pour milk in slowly while stirring.
- Step 4: Assembly (5 minutes)
- Mix in cheese away from heat. Fold everything together carefully. Make sauce thinner or thicker as needed. Taste and add more salt if wanted.
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My nonna always told me to keep more pasta water than I thought I'd need - that's what makes your sauce so smooth and silky.
Mastering Heat Levels
Keeping the heat down stops your cheese from getting all grainy.
Prep-Ahead Pointers
Cook each part on its own ahead of time.
Warming It Up Later
Stir in a bit of milk when you're heating leftovers.
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This meal shows how basic stuff from your pantry makes the most comforting food. Just remember to give extra attention to the garlic butter sauce and you'll nail it.
Common Questions
- → Can I swap for other pasta types?
- Sure thing, medium shapes like rotini, shells, or penne will work just as well in this dish.
- → How can I make sure the sauce stays smooth?
- Keep some of your pasta cooking water and add a little bit at a time until you get the right thickness.
- → Is this good for leftovers?
- Definitely, but the sauce might get thicker in the fridge. Just warm it up with a splash of milk to make it creamy again.
- → What veggies can I throw in?
- You can mix in spinach, peas, or mushrooms to get more veggies on your plate.
- → Will ground turkey work instead of beef?
- Absolutely, ground turkey or chicken makes a nice lighter option if you don't want beef.