Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Few dishes embody the perfect combination of comfort, flavor, and convenience quite like Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. This hearty meal delivers bold flavors in every bite—tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, herbs, and a creamy Parmesan sauce, all clinging to perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It’s a weeknight dinner dream: fast, filling, and indulgent without being fussy.

Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting friends, or just craving something rich and satisfying, this dish hits the sweet spot. It elevates simple ingredients into a gourmet-level experience with minimal effort, making it one of those recipes that quickly earns a spot in your regular meal rotation.

Let’s dive into the full breakdown so you can recreate this irresistible pasta dish at home.

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 (farfalle)

• 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 (for garnish)

Preparation:

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat 3 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula. This usually takes about 6–7 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it carefully to avoid a greasy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Onion

Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic directly into the browned beef. Stir them in well and cook for 2–3 minutes, just until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. The aromatic base you’re building here lays the foundation for the dish’s robust flavor.

Step 3: Season the Beef

Now stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook this mixture for another minute, allowing the spices and sauce to meld with the beef and aromatic vegetables.

Step 4: Create the Sauce Base

Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Once melted, pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 3–4 minutes to concentrate the flavor and give it a richer body.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta Separately

While your sauce simmers, bring a pot of water to a boil. Add salt and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Step 6: Finish the Cream Sauce

Lower the skillet heat to medium. Stir in the half and half (or whole milk) to the simmered broth mixture. Then, gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese has fully melted, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste), 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a gentle kick. Let the sauce simmer for another 2–3 minutes, allowing all the flavors to blend.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the drained bowtie pasta to the creamy beef mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the rich, cheesy sauce. Let it cook for another minute to help everything meld.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the pasta to serving plates or bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and herbaceous freshness. Serve hot and enjoy!

Variation

This dish is wonderfully flexible. Here are a few ways to customize it:

• Protein Swaps: Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef for a different flavor.

• Cheese Lovers: Add mozzarella or cream cheese for a gooier, more decadent sauce.

• Vegetable Boost: Sauté spinach, mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the onion and garlic.

• Make it Spicier: Add a chopped chili or a dash of cayenne pepper.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and check that your broth and Worcestershire sauce are GF-friendly.

Cooking Note:

• Be careful not to overcook the pasta before combining it with the sauce. The residual heat will continue cooking the noodles a bit as they sit in the skillet.

• Always use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-shredded. The latter contains anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce.

• If your sauce thickens too much while sitting, stir in a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen it up again.

Serving Suggestions:

Pair this pasta with:

• A crispy green salad dressed in balsamic vinaigrette

• Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks

• Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts

• A glass of dry white wine or a light red such as Pinot Noir

Tips:

• Double the batch: This pasta is perfect for meal prep. It stores well in the fridge and can be reheated easily.

• Low on time? Skip pre-cooking pasta by adding more broth and letting the pasta cook directly in the sauce—but stir often!

• Leftovers? Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to bring back the original creamy texture.

• Make it fancy: Add truffle oil or sun-dried tomatoes for gourmet flair.

• Cheese blend idea: Try combining Parmesan with Gruyère or fontina for a new depth of flavor.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving, based on 6 servings):

• Calories: 580

• Protein: 27g

• Sodium: 640mg

Note: Values can vary based on specific brands and measurements used.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, shells, or rigatoni all work well. Just make sure the pasta shape holds onto sauce nicely.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! Cook and store the sauce separately, then combine with fresh-cooked pasta when ready to serve for the best texture.

Is this freezer-friendly?

You can freeze it, though the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly. Use whole milk or cream for better results over half and half.

What can I use instead of half and half?

You can substitute with heavy cream for a richer sauce, or whole milk for a lighter one. Plant-based milks can also work, but ensure they’re unsweetened and neutral in flavor.

How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet with a bit of milk or broth.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is one of those wonderfully versatile recipes that combines indulgent flavors with everyday ingredients. It’s the kind of meal that feels like comfort food but still looks and tastes like something you’d get from a cozy Italian bistro. Creamy, savory, cheesy, and just the right amount of heat—every bite is a little celebration.

Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or simply spoiling yourself after a long day, this pasta dish delivers. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a staple in your kitchen.

So grab your skillet, boil that pasta, and let the creamy, garlicky, Parmesan goodness begin!

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