Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta combines tender ground beef with a rich, flavorful sauce that coats perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It’s a comforting dish that comes together quickly, ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.

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

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. Step 3: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
4. Step 4: Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, then pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain once cooked and set aside.
6. Step 6: Stir in the half and half (or whole milk) and freshly grated Parmesan cheese into the skillet. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese has melted.
7. 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.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Mix well.
9. Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips & Variations

• Use half and half for a richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
• Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes to taste.
• Grate your own Parmesan for the best melting quality and fresh flavor.

Storage

Store 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

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works well with this creamy sauce.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 80 reviews

This creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta is a rich and comforting dish combining savory ground beef with a luscious garlic Parmesan sauce. Featuring tender bowtie pasta coated in a velvety cream sauce infused with Italian seasoning and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

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

Liquids and Dairy

• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups beef broth
• 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Dry and Seasonings

• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 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

Instructions

1. Brown the 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.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook the mixture for another minute to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Add Butter and Broth: Add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Then pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
5. Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, in a separate pot, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
6. Create Creamy Sauce: Stir the half and half (or whole milk) into the skillet with the reduced broth. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth, with the cheese fully melted.
7. Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the sauce, stirring well. Allow it to cook for another 2-3 minutes so the flavors can meld.
8. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
9. Garnish and Serve: Serve the creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, colorful finish.

Notes

• You can substitute half and half with whole milk or a milk alternative for a lighter version, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture.
• Drain excess fat after browning the beef to avoid a greasy sauce.
• If you want to add extra veggies, consider sautéing mushrooms or spinach with the onions and garlic.

Keywords: Parmesan beef pasta, creamy pasta recipe, garlic beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner