Description
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a rich and satisfying dish combining tender ground beef with a luscious Parmesan garlic cream sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, it features flavorful spices, savory beef broth, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta all tossed together and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Seasonings and Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Dairy and Fats
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
Other
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute to allow the flavors to meld together thoroughly.
- Create the Sauce Base: Add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook for 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce and thicken the broth.
- Cook the Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the bowtie pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside once done.
- Add Cream and Cheese: Stir the half and half (or whole milk) into the reduced broth mixture. Gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy with melted cheese fully incorporated.
- Season the Sauce: Season the creamy sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Allow the sauce to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to blend the spicy notes evenly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly, ensuring every piece is coated well with the rich, creamy sauce.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Parmesan garlic beef pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for an added fresh flavor and vibrant color.
Notes
- For a lighter version, use whole milk instead of half and half or substitute with a plant-based milk, though the flavor will be slightly different.
- If you prefer spicier food, increase the amount of red pepper flakes to taste.
- Ensure to drain excess fat from the beef after browning to keep the sauce clean and creamy.
- Bowtie pasta can be substituted with other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini if desired.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts more smoothly than pre-grated, enhancing the sauce’s texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently to prevent the cream sauce from separating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Pasta
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 680 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 14 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, beef pasta, Parmesan garlic pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, quick dinner, weeknight meal
