Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

There is something truly irresistible about the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta that makes it a beloved comfort food staple in my kitchen. This dish perfectly balances tender, savory ground beef with luscious Parmesan cheese and a fragrant garlic-infused cream sauce, all tossed with charming bowtie pasta that holds onto every bit of flavor. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleaser for guests, this recipe delivers rich, hearty satisfaction with every bite—and it comes together faster than you might expect!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting the ingredients right for this recipe is key, yet you’ll find that each one is straightforward and easy to find. These simple components combine effortlessly, contributing their unique tastes and textures to create a dish that feels both homey and indulgent.

• 1 lb ground beef: Adds savory richness and protein to anchor the dish.
• 3 teaspoons olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften aromatics with gentle flavor.
• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced: Gives the sauce a fragrant, slightly spicy kick.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Provides sweetness and depth.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Introduces an umami boost that deepens the beef flavor.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that adds warmth and complexity.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Imparts a subtle smokiness balancing the creamy sauce.
• 3 tablespoons butter: Enriches the sauce with silky smoothness.
• 3 cups beef broth: Forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
• 8 oz Bowtie Pasta: Perfect for catching sauce in its charming shape.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, creating luscious creaminess.
• 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk): Tenderizes and lightens the sauce just enough.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Enhances all the flavors beautifully.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that rounds out the dish.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Brings a subtle zip to awaken the palate.
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Brings a fresh, vibrant note to finish.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Start by heating that olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat—it’s the aromatic foundation of your dish. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart so it cooks evenly. You want it nicely browned, not steamed, to unlock those deep, meaty flavors. If there’s too much fat, drain some off so your sauce doesn’t turn greasy.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once the beef looks golden and cooked through, stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook this mixture for about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent and soft, while the garlic fills the kitchen with its heavenly aroma.

Step 3: Spice It Up

Next, it’s time to add your Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. These seasonings do wonders for deepening the sauce’s flavor profile. Let everything mingle together over the heat for another minute so their flavors really start to blend.

Step 4: Add Butter and Broth

Drop in the butter and allow it to melt slowly in the skillet’s warmth. Once melted, pour in the beef broth, bringing it gently to a simmer. This step helps create a rich, flavorful base and reduces slightly to concentrate those wonderful meaty notes.

Step 5: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

While your sauce simmers, boil the bowtie pasta in salted water following the package’s instructions. The bowtie shape is perfect for holding onto every bit of that creamy, garlicky sauce, making each bite full of flavor.

Step 6: Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

Once the broth has thickened a little, stir in the half and half or whole milk, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and your sauce turns luxuriously creamy—a luscious coating for your pasta.

Step 7: Season the Sauce

Enhance your sauce further by seasoning with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Adjust these flavors to your preference; the hints of heat complement the creamy richness perfectly. Let the sauce meld on low heat for 2 to 3 more minutes.

Step 8: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Drain the cooked bowtie pasta and add it straight into your skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together, making sure every bowtie shell is generously coated. This combination ensures each bite bursts with flavor.

Step 9: The Finishing Touch

Serve your Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta piping hot, scattered with fresh, chopped parsley. This final flourish adds a pop of green and a fresh taste that balances the richness beautifully.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

The easiest way to elevate this dish is with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or even a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. A grating of lemon zest can also add a surprising burst of brightness that contrasts the creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This pasta pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad dressed lightly with vinaigrette or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. Roasted vegetables also complement the hearty beef and creamy elements nicely.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve your Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta in small individual bowls topped with a few whole basil leaves or toasted pine nuts. Alternatively, layering the pasta with sauce in a clear glass baking dish before serving makes for an inviting presentation.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to deepen, but the sauce might thicken—just add a splash of milk when reheating.

Freezing

You can freeze portions for up to 2 months. When freezing, it’s best to keep the pasta and sauce together for convenience. Thaw thoroughly overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to maintain its creamy texture.

Reheating

Reheat your pasta gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave with a bit of added half and half or broth to bring back the creaminess. Stir often so the sauce heats evenly without separating.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding onto the sauce, other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle will work beautifully in this recipe.

What can I substitute for half and half?

If you don’t have half and half, whole milk works as a substitute, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. For an even creamier texture, you can mix milk with a little cream or use heavy cream sparingly.

Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a gentle kick from red pepper flakes but is not overwhelmingly spicy. You can adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to make it milder or add more for extra heat.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make a vegetarian version, substitute the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the sauce.

How do I get the Parmesan cheese to melt smoothly?

Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than pre-grated for the best melting quality and flavor. Stir it into the warm sauce off the heat to prevent clumping and ensure a silky texture.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you make this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, it’s going to become your go-to hearty meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. It’s simple to prepare, packed with bold flavors, and perfect for any occasion. So gather your ingredients, warm up your skillet, and treat yourself to something truly special—you’ll be so happy you did!

Print