Get ready to fall in love with the ultimate comfort food combo when you dive into this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. This dish is a luscious blend of tender ground beef cooked to perfection, silky bowtie pasta, and a decadently creamy Parmesan-garlic sauce that wraps every bite in pure savory bliss. The harmonious blend of spices and fresh parsley not only amps up the flavor but also gives it a vibrant, inviting look that’s perfect for family meals or impressing friends. Once you try this recipe, the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta will become your new go-to whenever you want something hearty, cheesy, and totally satisfying.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because of a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each playing a pivotal role in the taste, texture, and overall magic of the dish. From the savory ground beef to the creamy Parmesan cheese, everything comes together in perfect harmony.

Ground beef: Use fresh, lean ground beef for a juicy, flavorful base.
Olive oil: This helps to brown the beef perfectly and adds subtle richness.
Garlic: Adds a fragrant punch that’s absolutely essential in any garlic lover’s pasta.
Onion: Provides sweetness and depth when softened to translucent perfection.
Worcestershire sauce: A touch of umami to boost the meatiness and overall flavor.
Italian seasoning: Brings the classic herb flavors that tie the dish together beautifully.
Smoked paprika: Adds a warm, smoky undertone without overpowering the other spices.
Butter: Helps create the luscious cream sauce and rounds out the flavors.
Beef broth: The liquid base that enhances the meaty richness in the sauce.
Bowtie pasta: Its shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly for a delightful bite every time.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: The star cheese that melts into a velvety, sharp finish.
Half and half (or whole milk): Creates the silky texture that makes this pasta irresistibly creamy.
Salt: Adjusts seasoning to your personal liking.
Black pepper: Adds just the right amount of mild heat and complexity.
Red pepper flakes: For a subtle kick that wakes up the dish without stealing the show.
Fresh parsley: Brightens and freshens everything with a lovely pop of color and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until perfectly browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it sizzles. This step builds the base flavor, so make sure the meat gets a nice color without burning. If there’s excess fat, drain it to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and turns translucent, releasing its natural sweetness, while the garlic infuses the mixture with its aromatic charm that you’ll love from the first whiff.

Step 3: Add Seasonings

Sprinkle in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Stir well and let the mixture cook for another minute to marry these delicious flavors. This blend adds layers of complexity, giving the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta its signature depth.

Step 4: Melt Butter and Add Broth

Drop in the butter and let it melt completely, stirring it into the beef mixture to create a rich base. Then pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly, which intensifies the flavors and thickens the foundation of your sauce.

Step 5: Cook Bowtie Pasta

While your sauce simmers, cook the bowtie pasta in a separate pot according to package instructions. The bowtie shape catches the sauce perfectly, so don’t skip this! Drain and set the pasta aside once it’s tender but still firm.

Step 6: Make it Creamy

After your broth has reduced, pour in the half and half (or whole milk) and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts into the sauce, transforming it into a silky, creamy dream that coats every surface of your pasta beautifully.

Step 7: Season the Sauce

Now it’s time to customize the seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Give it a final stir to blend. This step brings the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta to life by balancing the creaminess with just the right amount of spice and savory notes.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure every bowtie is thoroughly coated with that luscious sauce. Keep stirring gently until the pasta and sauce are perfectly united.

Step 9: Garnish and Serve

Serve your masterpiece piping hot, sprinkled generously with freshly chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. This final touch isn’t just pretty; it adds a burst of herbaceous flavor that brightens the whole dish.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the classic garnish here, adding a pop of green and a hint of freshness to balance the richness. If you want to elevate things further, a little extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top just before serving never fails to impress. A few cracked black pepper flakes add subtle heat and texture as well.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, bright sides to contrast its creaminess. Think a simple mixed green salad with a tangy vinaigrette, roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, or even garlic bread for more indulgence. These sides offer texture and freshness, rounding out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls topped with a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a drizzle of chili oil for a gourmet touch. Alternatively, layering the pasta in a baking dish topped with extra cheese and broiling for a few minutes creates a bubbling, golden crust everyone will rave about!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta keep beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken overnight, so a quick stir with a splash of milk or broth when reheating brings it right back to silky perfection.

Freezing

While freezing creamy pasta dishes can be tricky, this recipe fares well if you pop it into a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stovetop to preserve that signature creaminess and flavor.

Reheating

Reheat the pasta slowly over low heat, stirring occasionally, adding a touch of milk or broth as needed to loosen the sauce. Using the stovetop rather than a microwave prevents the creamy sauce from separating and keeps the texture smooth and dreamy as on day one.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for capturing the sauce, penne, rotini, or fusilli all work wonderfully as alternatives. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose.

Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?

You can swap the half and half for a lower-fat milk option and use lean ground beef or even ground turkey. Adding more veggies like spinach or mushrooms also boosts the health factor without sacrificing flavor.

Can I prepare this dish vegetarian-friendly?

Yes! Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or mushrooms to keep that meaty texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and you’ll have a creamy vegetarian pasta everyone will love.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

The key is to add the Parmesan cheese slowly and stir continuously off the heat or on low. High heat can cause the cheese to clump, so gentle melting is essential for the smoothest sauce.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a crowd?

Definitely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, then combine and toss everything just before serving. This keeps the pasta perfectly coated and fresh when it’s time to eat.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is truly a heartwarming meal that blends comforting flavors with simple ingredients in a way that feels special every time. Whether you’re serving a weeknight family dinner or impressing guests, it’s a recipe that delivers joy in every bite. Give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a favorite on your dinner table too!

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

Author: Andria
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a deliciously rich and comforting dish combining tender ground beef with a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, served over perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. Enhanced with aromatic spices and fresh parsley, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Instructions

Brown the Beef: 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 to avoid greasiness.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrance.
Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture cook for another minute to blend the flavors well.
Create the Sauce Base: Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt fully. Then pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavor.
Cook Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot. Drain well and set aside once cooked al dente.
Make it Creamy: Once the broth has reduced a bit, stir in the half and half or whole milk, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese has fully melted.
Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the sauce. Stir everything together and allow the flavors to meld for another 2-3 minutes over low heat.
Combine Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet. Toss and stir well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta hot and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a refreshing pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute half and half with whole milk or use a low-fat milk alternative.
You can prepare the pasta one minute less than package instructions for a firmer texture before tossing in the sauce.
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a mild flavor.
Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides superior flavor compared to pre-grated varieties.
Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for added nutrition and texture.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Skillet cooking and stovetop boiling
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 460 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Fat: 21 g
Saturated Fat: 9 g
Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
Trans Fat: 0.3 g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 28 g
Cholesterol: 65 mg

Keywords: Creamy beef pasta, Parmesan garlic pasta, Bowtie pasta recipe, Ground beef pasta dish, Comfort food pasta