There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta with tender beef, and this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta delivers that comfort in spades. The playful bowtie pasta holds pockets of rich, garlicky sauce while perfectly seasoned ground beef adds heartiness to every bite.
This dish strikes the perfect balance between elegance and simplicity – impressive enough for weekend dinner guests yet straightforward enough for busy weeknights. The combination of aromatic garlic, nutty parmesan, and silky cream sauce transforms everyday ingredients into something truly special.
Why You’ll Love This
- One-pot wonder that minimizes cleanup while maximizing flavor
- Ready in about 45 minutes from start to finish
- Adaptable recipe that works with pantry staples
- Kid-friendly shape and flavors that adults will equally enjoy
- Leftovers reheat beautifully for lunch the next day
Ingredients
- 1 pound 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 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
- 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
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, until it’s well browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain most of it, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking for another 1 minute until fragrant, stirring frequently to prevent the garlic from burning.
- Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix everything well to evenly distribute the seasonings throughout the beef mixture. Cook for an additional minute to allow the flavors to bloom.
- Pour the beef broth into the skillet and bring it to a simmer. Add the dry bowtie pasta, stirring to ensure it’s submerged in the liquid. Reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, or according to the pasta package directions, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed, reduce the heat to low. Add the butter and stir until melted. Pour in the half and half, then gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Taste the pasta and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. The exact amount will depend on the saltiness of your beef broth and Parmesan cheese. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash more half and half or beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta just before serving. Serve hot, with additional grated Parmesan on the side if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream
- Add mushrooms, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for extra vegetables
- Try Italian sausage instead of ground beef for a different flavor profile
- Make it spicier by increasing the red pepper flakes or adding a dash of hot sauce
- For extra richness, stir in 2 tablespoons of cream cheese along with the Parmesan
- Short on time? Use pre-minced garlic and pre-grated Parmesan (though freshly grated melts better)
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish pairs beautifully with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. For a complete meal, serve with garlic bread or warm crusty Italian bread to soak up every last bit of the delicious sauce.
A glass of medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot complements the savory flavors perfectly for an adult dinner, while kids will enjoy it with a side of steamed broccoli or green beans.
Notes
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to revive the sauce if it seems too thick.
- The pasta is done when it’s tender but still has a slight bite (al dente).
- For best flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-packaged.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to a day ahead. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to restore the creamy texture.
What can I substitute for bowtie pasta?
Any medium-sized pasta works well – penne, rotini, or medium shells are all excellent alternatives that will hold the sauce nicely.
Is there a way to make this vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with a plant-based alternative or sautéed mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
My sauce seems too thin. How can I thicken it?
Let the sauce simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes to reduce, or create a slurry with 1 teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon of cold water and stir it in.
[recipe_card]
