Introduction

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Combining tender ground beef with a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce, it’s sure to become a family favorite in no time.

A white bowl filled with a creamy pasta dish featuring three main layers: the bottom layer of soft, smooth cream sauce, the middle layer of small, browned ground beef bits scattered throughout, and the top layer of yellow bow-tie pasta coated in the sauce. The pasta has a shiny, slightly glossy texture with a few freshly cracked black pepper specks and small green parsley pieces sprinkled over the entire dish, adding color contrast. 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 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 garlic to the beef. 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 combine the flavors.
Step 4: Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain once cooked and set aside.
Step 6: 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 and the cheese has melted.
Step 7: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and allow the flavors to meld for another 2-3 minutes.
Step 8: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated and well mixed.
Step 9: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, substitute the half and half with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.
Try adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.
Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
If you like it spicier, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a white bowl filled with farfalle pasta mixed with ground beef in a creamy sauce, sprinkled evenly with small green parsley pieces and black pepper dots. The pasta is yellowish with a smooth, saucy texture, and the ground beef appears brown and crumbly, spread throughout the bowl. The dish looks warm and rich, placed on a white marbled surface. 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 pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or any other pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, omit the ground beef and replace beef broth with vegetable broth. You can also add mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat substitutes for added texture and protein.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 57 reviews

This creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta is a rich and flavorful one-pan dish featuring tender ground beef, aromatic garlic and onions, and a silky Parmesan-infused sauce. Cooked bowtie pasta is tossed into the savory sauce to create a comforting and satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Aromatics

1 lb ground beef
5–6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped

Seasonings

1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
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

Liquids and Fats

3 teaspoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
3 cups beef broth
3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)

Pasta and Cheese

8 oz bowtie pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

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 with a spatula as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary to prevent greasiness.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrant aroma.
Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture cook for about a minute so the flavors meld together.
Create Sauce Base: Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
Cook Pasta: While the sauce simmers, cook the bowtie pasta separately according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Finish the Creamy Sauce: Once the broth has reduced, stir in the half and half (or whole milk) followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.
Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the sauce. Stir well and let it cook for another 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. Ensure everything is well combined and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of freshness. Serve the creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta hot and enjoy immediately.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half and half with whole milk or use low-fat dairy options.
Adjust the red pepper flakes to your spice preference; omit for a milder taste.
You can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time, but combine them just before serving for the best texture.
Freshly grated Parmesan is essential for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
Serve with a side salad or garlic bread to complement the rich pasta dish.

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, Parmesan garlic pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, easy beef pasta, one-pan pasta dish, comfort food, garlic Parmesan sauce