If you’re craving something that’s rich, comforting, and packed with flavors that hug you from the inside out, look no further than this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. This dish combines tender bowtie pasta with a luscious, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce and perfectly seasoned ground beef, making each bite a delightful dance of textures and tastes. It’s the kind of meal that feels special yet comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners when you want to impress without stress.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients might seem simple, but they come together to create a symphony of flavor, texture, and color that makes the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta truly shine. Each item plays a crucial role—from the aromatic garlic and savory ground beef to the creamy Parmesan and buttery sauce base, every element brings something special to the table.

1 lb ground beef: Provides hearty protein and rich flavor to balance the creamy sauce.
3 teaspoons olive oil: Used to brown the beef and sauté aromatics, adding depth.
5–6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with its signature fragrant and savory notes.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Adds sweetness and texture to complement the beef.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Boosts umami and adds subtle complexity to the beef mixture.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Blends herbs that enhance the overall Mediterranean vibe.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Gives a gentle smoky warmth without overpowering.
3 tablespoons butter: Adds indulgent richness to the sauce base and helps create creaminess.
3 cups beef broth: Builds a flavorful, savory foundation for the sauce.
8 oz bowtie pasta: The perfect pasta shape to soak up every bit of sauce and provide satisfying bites.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts seamlessly for that signature creamy, cheesy punch.
3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk): Lightens the sauce while keeping it luxuriously creamy.
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the other flavors without overwhelming.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle heat and earthiness.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Gives a gentle kick that wakes up the palate.
1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Provides a fresh, vibrant color and flavor contrast.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Browning the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat so it’s hot but not smoking. Add your ground beef, breaking it apart as it cooks. Browning the beef thoroughly not only locks in flavor but also provides a savory base that’s essential for the sauce’s richness. Once browned, drain any excess fat so the dish stays luscious, not greasy.

Step 2: Sautéing Aromatics

Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions are soft and translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step adds wonderful depth and a subtle sweetness that balances the beef’s savory notes perfectly.

Step 3: Building Flavor with Spices

Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. These ingredients layer in umami, herbaceous hints, and a faint smokiness that makes the dish complex and interesting. Let it cook for another minute to marry all those flavors beautifully.

Step 4: Creating the Sauce Base

Add butter to the skillet and let it melt, enriching the mixture with its creamy, silky texture. Then pour in the beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes so it reduces slightly, concentrating the meaty flavors while prepping the perfect base for your creamy sauce.

Step 5: Cooking the Pasta

While the broth is reducing, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Properly cooked pasta is key here because it absorbs the sauce just enough without getting mushy. Drain it and set it aside while the sauce finishes up.

Step 6: Adding Cream and Cheese

Once the broth has reduced, stir in the half and half (or whole milk), followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. This is the heart of the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, where all the magic melds together.

Step 7: Seasoning and Finishing

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to your taste. Let everything simmer together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors fuse and the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 8: Combining Pasta and Sauce

Finally, add your cooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything gently but thoroughly until every piece of pasta is coated with the creamy, flavorful sauce. This step ensures each bite is packed with that signature cheesy, garlicky goodness you’re craving.

Step 9: Garnishing and Serving

Serve your dish piping hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley. This not only adds a burst of color but also a fresh note to balance the rich, creamy textures perfectly.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is a classic finishing touch that brightens up the plate visually and adds a gentle herbal flavor. For a little extra color and zest, sprinkle some lemon zest or a light drizzle of good olive oil. If you love cheese, a fresh dusting of Parmesan just before serving never hurts.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple green sides like a crisp Caesar salad or steamed broccoli to introduce a fresh, crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or warm focaccia also complements the rich flavors and is perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, serve the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta in individual shallow bowls garnished with a bit of extra Parmesan and herb sprigs. Layer it with grilled vegetables or roasted cherry tomatoes for both a visual and flavor upgrade. You can even bake it briefly with breadcrumbs on top for a golden crust that’s irresistible.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta should be cooled to room temperature before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The flavors tend to deepen overnight, making leftovers almost as good as fresh!

Freezing

While the cream sauce can change texture slightly when frozen, you can freeze this pasta if necessary. Pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

When ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the pasta on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Avoid high heat to prevent the cream from curdling, stirring often until warmed through and creamy once again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is great for holding onto the creamy sauce, penne, fusilli, or farfalle would also work wonderfully. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! You can substitute the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or hearty mushrooms like cremini or portobello. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a fully vegetarian version.

What can I use if I don’t have half and half?

If you don’t have half and half, whole milk works just fine, or you can combine equal parts milk and cream for closer results. For a lighter option, use milk, but the sauce may be a bit less rich.

How spicy is this dish?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat that wakes up your taste buds without overpowering the creaminess. You can easily adjust the amount to suit your preference, even leaving them out if you prefer no spice.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, swap butter for a plant-based margarine and substitute the Parmesan and half and half with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast and coconut or almond milk, though the flavor profile will change slightly.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta has quickly become one of my absolute favorite go-to meals because it strikes the perfect balance of indulgence and simplicity. It’s approachable enough for any home cook yet special enough to wow your family and friends. Once you try this comforting dish, I guarantee it will earn a permanent spot in your kitchen rotation as it has in mine!

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 14 reviews

Author: Ella
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

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Description

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta combines savory ground beef with a rich, creamy Parmesan and garlic sauce tossed with tender bowtie pasta. Enhanced with herbs and a hint of heat, it’s a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

Instructions

Brown the ground beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
Sauté onions and garlic: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef mixture. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Add seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let it cook for another minute to blend all flavors well.
Create the base sauce: Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely. Then, pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate flavors.
Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain once cooked and set aside.
Make the creamy sauce: Stir in the half and half or whole milk into the skillet. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese melts completely.
Season the sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and allow the sauce to simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
Toss pasta in sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce.
Garnish and serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a bright, fresh finish. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
For a lighter version, substitute half and half with whole milk or a lower fat milk alternative.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields better melting and flavor than pre-grated varieties.
Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish from being too greasy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Sautéing and Simmering
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 550 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 650 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 12 g
Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 42 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 32 g
Cholesterol: 95 mg

Keywords: Creamy Parmesan, Garlic Beef Pasta, Bowtie pasta recipe, Comfort food, Weeknight dinner