If you’re craving a dish that brings the comforting richness of creamy sauce, bold garlic flavor, and hearty ground beef all wrapped in delicate bowtie pasta, you’re in for a real treat. This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner — satisfying, flavorful, and surprisingly simple to pull together. The luscious Parmesan and garlic create a silky, dreamy sauce that perfectly clings to every piece of pasta, while the seasoned beef adds just the right kick of savory goodness you’ll keep coming back for.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to nailing this dish. Each element plays an important role, from the tender bowtie pasta that holds the sauce so well to the fragrant garlic that lifts the whole flavor profile. These simple staples come together beautifully to create a dish that’s both classic and comforting.

Ground beef: Use fresh, lean ground beef for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Olive oil: Provides a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef evenly.
Garlic: Five to six cloves give the dish that signature aromatic punch.
Onion: Finely chopped for sweetness and depth.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds umami-rich complexity.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs to brighten and enhance the beef.
Smoked paprika: Lends a gentle smoky warmth.
Butter: Creates a luscious base for the sauce, enriching the texture.
Beef broth: Adds savory depth and forms the sauce’s liquid foundation.
Bowtie pasta: Its unique shape traps sauce for every bite.
Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for that irresistible creamy sharpness.
Half and half (or whole milk): Gives the sauce a smooth, velvety consistency.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing flavors.
Red pepper flakes: A touch of heat to keep things interesting.
Fresh parsley: Adds brightness and a pop of color at the end.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart as it cooks, letting it brown evenly. This step is crucial as it builds the savory base for your sauce. Once browned, drain excess fat if needed to avoid greasy richness.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Throw in the chopped onion and minced garlic directly into the beef. Cook them together for 2 to 3 minutes until the onions soften and become translucent, releasing their natural sweetness. That wonderful garlic aroma developing here is a sign you’re on the right track!

Step 3: Layer in the Seasonings

Next, stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. These bring in umami, herbaceous notes, and smoky undertones that deepen the overall flavor. Let everything cook together for about a minute so the spices bloom.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Add butter to your skillet and let it melt fully, giving the dish that silky gloss. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to reduce for several minutes — this concentrates the flavor and forms the base of your creamy sauce.

Step 5: Prepare the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your bowtie pasta in boiling salted water according to package instructions. Bowtie pasta is fabulous here because its shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully in every fold, making each mouthful a delight.

Step 6: Make it Creamy with Cheese and Dairy

Once the broth has reduced slightly, stir in the half and half along with the freshly grated Parmesan. Stir gently but continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce takes on that signature creamy texture you’re aiming for in your Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta.

Step 7: Season and Spice

Season the sauce with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and sprinkle in red pepper flakes for just the right amount of heat. Let these flavors marry for a few more minutes, giving your sauce an irresistible balance of creamy, savory, and spicy.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the cooked pasta and add it straight into the skillet with your luscious sauce. Toss everything together so every curve of bowtie pasta gets coated in that heavenly creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. Stir well until the dish looks creamy, luscious, and ready to serve.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Finish with a generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately so you can enjoy the sauce at its silky best!

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the perfect finishing touch, adding a vibrant splash of green and a light herbal note that cuts through the richness. You can also grate extra Parmesan on top for a cheesy boost that fans of the dish will adore.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted broccoli. These sides bring freshness and crunch that complement the creamy texture and robust beef flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a dinner party, try serving the pasta in individual shallow bowls with an extra sprinkle of red pepper flakes and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can even fold in sautéed mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes for a gourmet twist that adds another layer of flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta left, cool it completely before storing in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing that creamy texture.

Freezing

This pasta is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers if needed. Place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the creamy consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and to bring back that just-cooked vibrancy.

FAQs

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

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully to hold the sauce, you can swap in penne, rotini, or farfalle for a similar effect. Just make sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

Is there a vegetarian alternative for the beef in this dish?

Yes! You can replace the ground beef with cooked mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat alternative. Just sauté them with the garlic and onion to build that same rich flavor base for your Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta.

Can I make this dish dairy-free?

To make it dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil and use a plant-based milk paired with a nutty vegan cheese alternative. Keep in mind the texture and flavor will be a bit different but still delicious.

How spicy is the dish with red pepper flakes?

The red pepper flakes add just a gentle hint of heat that enhances the savory flavors without overwhelming the palate. You can always adjust the amount to suit your heat preference.

What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

If your sauce thickens too much, simply stir in a little extra beef broth, half and half, or milk while reheating. This will loosen it up to a perfect creamy consistency.

Final Thoughts

If you’re on the hunt for a recipe that combines comfort, flavor, and ease, give this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta a try. It’s the kind of dish that feels like a warm hug after a busy day and is guaranteed to become one of your go-to favorites. Enjoy every delicious forkful!

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 15 reviews

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

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Description

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a rich and comforting dish featuring tender ground beef sautéed with garlic and onions, simmered in a flavorful broth, and finished with a creamy Parmesan sauce. Perfect for a hearty weeknight dinner, it’s a delightful fusion of savory and creamy flavors with a hint of spice and freshness from parsley.

Instructions

Cook the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrance, enhancing the flavor base.
Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture cook for another minute to allow the spices to blend thoroughly with the beef and onions.
Prepare Sauce Base: Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt completely. Then pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavors.
Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. Drain once cooked and set aside.
Create Creamy Sauce: Once the broth has reduced, stir in the half and half (or whole milk) and add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy, smooth, and the cheese has fully melted.
Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the sauce. Stir to combine and let the flavors meld together for another 2-3 minutes on low heat.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet. Toss and stir continuously to coat each piece of pasta evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta hot. Garnish with fresh parsley to add a pop of color and fresh herbaceous aroma.

Notes

You can substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter sauce, but the creaminess will be slightly reduced.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference or omit for a milder dish.
If you prefer, use fresh egg pasta for a more tender texture.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and to ensure it melts smoothly.
Drain excess beef fat after browning to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine before adding the beef broth.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to avoid curdling the sauce.

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

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approximately 1/4 of recipe)
Calories: 590 kcal
Sugar: 3 g
Sodium: 580 mg
Fat: 32 g
Saturated Fat: 14 g
Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 34 g
Cholesterol: 105 mg

Keywords: parmesan beef pasta, creamy beef pasta, garlic beef bowtie pasta, easy dinner recipe, one skillet pasta, creamy Italian pasta