Dinner

Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

ByElla Hart October 13, 2025October 13, 2025

Introduction

This Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful meal that comes together quickly for busy weeknights. Tender bowtie pasta is coated in a creamy, cheesy sauce with savory ground beef and a hint of garlic. It’s a satisfying dish that the whole family will enjoy.

A white bowl filled with farfalle pasta in a creamy sauce. The pasta is light yellow with a smooth texture, mixed with small pieces of browned ground beef scattered evenly on top and throughout the dish. There is a light sprinkling of finely chopped green herbs and ground black pepper spread over the pasta, adding contrast and detail. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
3 teaspoons olive oil
5–6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 tablespoons butter
3 cups beef broth
8 oz bowtie pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

Step 1: 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. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook for another minute to let the flavors combine.
Step 4: Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Once the broth has reduced, stir in the half and half (or whole milk) and the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted.
Step 7: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir and cook for another 2-3 minutes to meld the flavors.
Step 8: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

For extra veggies, add chopped bell peppers or spinach when cooking the onions and garlic.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
Swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini if preferred.
Adjust red pepper flakes to control the level of spiciness.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with farfalle pasta mixed with a creamy sauce and small pieces of browned ground beef, topped with finely chopped green herbs and freshly ground black pepper. The pasta shapes are visible in pale yellow, coated evenly with the sauce which has a smooth texture. Small specks of herbs and pepper add color contrast, while the beef pieces are scattered throughout in dark brown bits. The bowl is on a white marbled surface, and the image focuses closely on the food showing the texture clearly. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, you can substitute Parmesan with Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a similar sharp, salty flavor.

Is it okay to make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the beef ahead and combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving for best texture.

Ella Hart