Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe: Comfort in a Bowl

Comfort meets culinary delight in this creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Rich, velvety sauce coats perfectly cooked pasta shells with savory beef throughout.

Robust garlic notes dance alongside smooth parmesan cheese, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.

Each forkful delivers a satisfying combination of tender meat and silky pasta.

The dish comes together quickly, making it an ideal weeknight dinner solution.

Hearty and indulgent, this pasta transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Prepare to savor every delectable bite of this irresistible pasta creation.

Parmesan Garlic Bowtie Pasta Magic

• Streamline Your Dinner: Enjoy a one-pan wonder that simplifies cooking by combining beef, pasta, and creamy sauce in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and maximizing flavor.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by playing with red pepper flakes or swap ground beef for turkey, making this recipe adaptable to different taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Deliver a rich, satisfying meal that appeals to both kids and adults, featuring familiar ingredients and a luxurious creamy texture that feels like a restaurant-quality dish at home.
• Quick Family Favorite: Prepare a delicious dinner in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something tasty and substantial without spending hours in the kitchen.

Parmesan Bowtie Pasta Ingredients

• Ground Beef: A rich and hearty protein that forms the main foundation of this delicious pasta dish.

• Bowtie Pasta: A fun and playful pasta shape that captures the creamy sauce perfectly.
• Beef Broth: Provides depth of flavor and helps cook the pasta directly in the skillet.

• Parmesan Cheese: A sharp and salty cheese that adds luxurious flavor and creamy texture to the sauce.
• Half and Half: Creates a smooth and rich base for the creamy sauce.
• Butter: Enhances the richness and helps create a silky sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor builders that provide a savory foundation for the dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: Adds a tangy and complex depth to the beef mixture.
• Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes: A blend of spices that brings warmth and complexity to the recipe.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Used to brown the beef and start the cooking process.

Steps to Creamy Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle The Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat.

Toss ground beef into the pan and break it apart using a wooden spoon.

Cook until the meat transforms into a beautiful golden brown color and loses all pink traces, which takes about 5-7 minutes.

Drain excess fat, keeping a small amount in the pan for extra flavor.

Step 2: Awaken Aromatic Flavors

Lower the heat to medium and introduce finely chopped onions to the browned beef.

Let them dance in the pan for 2 minutes until they start softening.

Add minced garlic and continue cooking for another minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Worcestershire sauce
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Red pepper flakes

Stir thoroughly to distribute these flavor bombs evenly across the beef mixture.

Allow everything to mingle for an additional minute.

Step 4: Transform With Pasta

Pour beef broth into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

Drop bowtie pasta into the liquid, ensuring complete submersion.

Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Follow pasta package instructions for perfect texture.

Step 5: Create Luxurious Cream Sauce

Once pasta reaches al dente perfection, reduce heat to low.

Melt butter into the mixture, then introduce half and half.

Gradually sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until a silky, smooth sauce develops.

Step 6: Fine-Tune Seasoning

Taste and adjust salt and pepper levels.

The ideal seasoning depends on your broth and cheese’s saltiness.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in extra half and half or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Remove skillet from heat.

Shower chopped fresh parsley over the pasta.

Plate immediately and offer additional grated Parmesan on the side for cheese lovers.

Tips for Beef Bowtie Pasta

• Drain excess fat to prevent a greasy dish, leaving just a tablespoon for rich flavor development.
• Stir frequently and add garlic after onions to ensure a fragrant, golden base without bitter notes.
• Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent pasta from sticking and ensure even liquid absorption.
• Adjust sauce thickness by adding small amounts of half and half or beef broth for perfect texture.
• Taste and season carefully at the end, considering the natural saltiness of Parmesan and beef broth.

Fun Twists for Bowtie Pasta

• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or cooked lentils for a meat-free version that maintains the creamy, garlicky flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Option: Substitute bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities while keeping the dish's rich taste.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that still delivers the creamy Parmesan garlic essence.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap half and half with coconut milk or cashew cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a dairy-free version that preserves the dish's creamy texture.

Serving Bowtie Pasta Dishes

• Cheese Lover's Dream: Sprinkle extra Parmesan cheese on top for a rich, tangy flavor boost that melts perfectly into the creamy sauce.
• Herb Garden Freshness: Garnish with additional chopped parsley or add fresh basil leaves to bring a bright, aromatic touch to the dish.
• Crunch Factor: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy fried onions to add a delightful textural contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Veggie Power-Up: Serve alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables to balance the richness of the beef and cheese sauce.

Storing Parmesan Bowtie Pasta

• Cool the pasta completely before storing. Transfer leftovers to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal freshness.
• Keep the pasta sealed in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. The creamy sauce might slightly separate, so gently stir before reheating to restore its original texture.
• Freeze the pasta in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing if the sauce contains dairy, as it might become grainy or separate upon thawing.
• Warm refrigerated pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or half and half to restore moisture and creaminess. Stir frequently to prevent scorching and ensure even heating.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rotini. Just adjust cooking time according to the pasta package instructions.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild heat from red pepper flakes. You can reduce or omit them for a less spicy version, or add more for extra kick.

• Can I make this dish with ground turkey?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative to beef. The cooking method remains the same, though the flavor profile might be slightly different.

• How can I make this recipe more budget-friendly?

Use regular milk instead of half and half, and opt for a more affordable cheese like pre-grated Parmesan or a blend. These substitutions can help reduce the overall cost without compromising taste.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta brings comfort and Italian-inspired richness to dinner tables. Pasta lovers will savor each forkful of this hearty, cheesy dish that combines tender beef, perfectly cooked noodles, and a luxurious garlic sauce.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 cup (100 grams) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Pasta and Dairy:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) half and half (or whole milk)
• 3 tablespoons (42 grams) butter

Seasonings and Aromatics:

• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Additional Liquid:

• 3 cups (710 milliliters) beef broth
• 3 teaspoons (15 milliliters) olive oil

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 5-7 minutes, breaking into crumbles until completely browned. Drain excess fat, reserving approximately 1 tablespoon.
2. Lower heat to medium, introduce finely chopped onions and cook for 2 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
3. Incorporate Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly throughout the meat mixture.
4. Pour beef broth into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer. Add dry bowtie pasta, ensuring complete liquid coverage. Reduce heat, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring periodically to prevent sticking.
5. Once pasta reaches al dente and liquid reduces, lower heat. Melt butter into the mixture, then introduce half and half. Gradually fold in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed. If sauce appears too thick, thin with extra half and half or beef broth to achieve desired consistency.
7. Remove from heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately, offering extra Parmesan cheese as an optional topping.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting red pepper flakes for spice-sensitive diners or those craving extra kick.
• Choose lean ground beef or ground turkey for healthier protein alternative without compromising flavor profile.
• Use gluten-free bowtie pasta to transform recipe into celiac-friendly meal while maintaining creamy texture.
• Quickly enhance leftovers by adding fresh vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers for increased nutrition and variety.

• Prep Time: 7 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 610
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 850 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg