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This soul-warming pasta combines buttery garlic sauce, flavorful beef, and bow-tie pasta cooked just right. When the velvety sauce meets the meat and pasta, you get two amazing textures that make this dinner something special.
The first time this landed on our table, my children begged for more helpings - it's now our start-the-week dinner tradition.
Key Ingredients Breakdown
- Farfalle: Go for good bow-tie pasta that grabs all that sauce
- Ground Beef: Pick 80/20 mix for the tastiest results
- Garlic: Only use whole cloves you mince yourself
- Cheese: Skip pre-shredded and do it yourself for smooth melting
- Butter: Try to get unsalted European stuff if you can
Step-by-Step Guide
- Step 1: Pasta Cooking (12 minutes)
- Make water super salty. Give pasta a good stir right after dropping it in. Keep checking for that perfect bite. Save some cooking water before you drain.
- Step 2: Beef Preparation (10 minutes)
- Get your pan nice and hot first. Crumble meat into tiny chunks. Add seasoning as you go. Pull it off when it's just turned brown.
- Step 3: Sauce Creation (8 minutes)
- Let butter melt gently. Cook garlic until you smell it. Mix flour quickly and well. Pour milk in bit by bit.
- Step 4: Assembly (5 minutes)
- Mix cheese in after taking pan off heat. Fold everything together carefully. Make sauce thinner or thicker as needed. Taste and add more seasoning if needed.
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My nonna always told me to save more pasta water than I thought I'd need - that's what makes your sauce so smooth and silky.
Heat Management
Keeping heat gentle stops your cheese from turning grainy.
Prep Ahead Advice
Make each part on its own ahead of time.
Warming Up Leftovers
Pour in a little milk while you're heating it up.
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This meal shows how basic ingredients can become something amazing. The magic happens when you pay attention to details, especially how you handle that buttery garlic sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch out the pasta shape?
- Sure! Any short pasta like shells, rotini, or penne will do just fine.
- → How do I keep the sauce smooth?
- Reserve a bit of pasta water and stir it in if the sauce feels too thick.
- → Is this meal ok to prep ahead?
- Absolutely! Just reheat with a splash of milk to make the sauce creamy again.
- → What veggies can I add?
- Toss in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra goodness.
- → Can I swap out the meat?
- Yep! Ground turkey or chicken works as a great leaner choice.