Description
A quick and comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender seared beef and bowtie pasta tossed in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 pound sirloin or flank steak, sliced thin against the grain
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 6–8 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup reserved starchy pasta water
- Pinch of red pepper flakes
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add generous salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions (8-10 minutes). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set pasta aside.
- While water heats, slice beef against the grain into thin strips and season generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet (12-inch) over medium-high heat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Sear beef in a single layer (in batches if necessary) for 1-2 minutes per side until browned. Remove beef and set aside, leaving fond in the pan.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Stir constantly for 30 seconds, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Pour in heavy cream and simmer for 1 minute. Gradually whisk in the reserved pasta water to emulsify the sauce.
- Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and seared beef back into the skillet. Toss gently to combine. Add more pasta water if the sauce is too thick. Cook for 1 minute to meld flavors.
- Remove from heat. Stir in half of the fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or pepper. Serve immediately topped with remaining parsley and extra Parmesan.
Notes
Slice beef thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness. Do not overcrowd the pan when searing beef to ensure a good crust. Use reserved starchy pasta water to help emulsify the sauce. If using gluten-free pasta, be careful not to overcook as it can become mushy. For a lighter option, swap heavy cream for more pasta water and Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate per serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 35
- Saturated Fat: 18
- Carbohydrates: 55
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 30
Keywords: garlic butter pasta, bowtie pasta, beef dinner, quick dinner, 15 minute meals, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, farfalle recipe