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Mixing velvety garlic sauce, well-seasoned beef, and bow-tie pasta creates a truly comforting meal. You'll enjoy how the soft noodles contrast with the meaty bits for a dinner that hits the spot any weeknight.
When I whipped this up the first time, my children begged for extra helpings - it's now our go-to Monday meal.
Key Components Breakdown
- Farfalle: Go for top-notch pasta that grabs onto sauce nicely
- Ground Beef: Pick 80/20 mix for tastiest results
- Garlic: Only use whole cloves you mince yourself
- Cheese: Shred it at home for smoother melting
- Butter: Try unsalted European varieties if possible
Cooking Instructions
- Step 1: Pasta Cooking (12 minutes)
- Water should taste as salty as ocean water. After dropping pasta in, stir right away. Check often for slight firmness. Save some cooking water before you drain.
- Step 2: Beef Preparation (10 minutes)
- Get your pan hot first. Crumble meat into tiny chunks. Add spices to every batch. Cook just until no pink remains.
- Step 3: Sauce Creation (8 minutes)
- Let butter melt on low heat. Cook garlic until you smell it. Mix flour with quick whisking. Pour milk in slowly while stirring.
- Step 4: Assembly (5 minutes)
- Mix cheese in with heat turned off. Fold everything together carefully. Thin sauce if needed. Taste and add final seasonings.
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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.
Heat Management
Keeping the heat down stops your cheese from getting gritty.
Prep Beforehand
Cook each part on its own first.
Warming It Up
Pour in a bit of milk when you heat leftovers.
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This meal shows how basic stuff can make the tastiest food. Just pay attention to each part you're cooking - especially when you're making that garlicky butter sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch the pasta type?
- Absolutely, any pasta in medium sizes like penne, shells, or rotini will be great.
- → How do I avoid an overly thick sauce?
- Save some water from boiling the pasta to mix in until it’s the perfect texture.
- → Is it possible to make this in advance?
- Sure, but the sauce thickens as it cools. Reheat slowly with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
- → Which veggies can I add to this?
- Spinach, peas, or mushrooms are great choices for an extra veggie boost.
- → Can I swap the beef for turkey?
- Yes, turkey or even chicken works if you’re looking for something lighter.