If you’re searching for a dinner that’s both satisfying and a little bit special, you need to try Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. This dish brings together tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a luscious Parmesan-garlic cream sauce that hugs every noodle. It’s the kind of meal that feels fancy but comes together quickly, making weeknights feel totally indulgent. The flavors are rich and garlicky with hints of Italian herbs, yet the whole thing is surprisingly approachable — even picky eaters usually ask for seconds!

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta plays a starring role, creating a harmony of flavors and textures. With kitchen staples like pasta and beef combined with a few simple upgrades, this recipe brings incredible results with minimal fuss.

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta (12 ounces): These cheerful, pinched shapes hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly in every bite.
Ground beef (1 pound): Adds hearty, comforting flavor and protein that makes this pasta a complete meal.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Just a splash is enough to brown the beef and build the base flavor for the sauce.
Garlic (4 cloves, minced): Fresh garlic makes the cream sauce fragrant and deeply savory — don’t skimp!
Heavy cream (2 cups): This is what gives the sauce its irresistible silky, creamy texture.
Beef broth (1 cup): A punch of beefy flavor that enhances the sauce without feeling too heavy.
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1 cup): Using fresh Parmesan really pays off with ultra-melty, salty-nutty richness.
Italian seasoning (1 teaspoon): Blends classic herbs to round out the savory notes.
Crushed red pepper flakes (1/2 teaspoon, optional): For a gentle kick of warmth — add as much or little as you like.
Salt and pepper (to taste): Essential for brightening every flavor in the dish.
Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish): A final sprinkle of freshness and color that wakes up the whole bowl.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta just until it’s al dente. Be sure to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining — this starchy liquid is your secret weapon for a silky sauce later!

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper, and cook until browned and crumbly, breaking it up as you go. This takes about 6-7 minutes. After browning, carefully drain off any excess grease so the sauce stays rich but not oily.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic

With the beef still in the pan, toss in the minced garlic and give it a quick stir for about a minute. The goal is to make the kitchen smell amazing and infuse the beef with garlicky goodness, but don’t let the garlic brown too much.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, mixing with the beef and garlic. Reduce the heat to low, then add the freshly grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, and the red pepper flakes if you like things spicy. Stir well and let the sauce simmer for 3-4 minutes, until it thickens just enough to coat a spoon.

Step 5: Toss Pasta and Finish

Add the drained pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together until the noodles are blissfully coated in sauce. If needed, splash in a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen things up and get every bowtie glossy. Taste and adjust with more salt and pepper if you’d like.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat and sprinkle on a generous handful of chopped fresh parsley. Dish up your Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta right away while it’s piping hot and positively irresistible.

How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t underestimate the power of a beautiful garnish! A shower of fresh parsley looks bright and tastes even better with every bite. For extra flair, add a sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few twists of black pepper just before serving. If you want, a few chili flakes tossed on top deliver a pop of color and gentle heat.

Side Dishes

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is rich and savory, so I love pairing it with a crisp green salad or garlicky roasted vegetables for contrast. Classic garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for sopping up the extra sauce, while a side of steamed broccoli or sautéed spinach can help round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy family-style feel, serve this pasta straight from the skillet at the table. If you’re entertaining, twirl servings onto plates in tall pasta “nests” and top with fresh parsley and Parmesan for a restaurant-worthy effect. Little ramekins or small bowls also make it easy for everyone to help themselves at casual gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, transfer it to an airtight container once cooled. The dreamy sauce tends to thicken as it sits, but a quick reheat with a splash of broth, milk, or water brings it right back to life. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing

This dish can be frozen, although the creamy sauce may change texture slightly. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to one month. For the best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

Reheating

To reheat Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, place it in a skillet or saucepan with a splash of milk or broth over low heat. Stir gently as it warms to keep the sauce smooth and silky. Microwave reheating works too; just use short intervals and stir often to prevent the sauce from separating.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Absolutely! Chicken, turkey, sausage, or even plant-based ground “meat” all work beautifully in Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. Just keep an eye on cook times, as leaner options may brown more quickly.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, you can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half, or even whole milk in a pinch. Keep in mind the sauce will be a bit less thick and decadent, but still delicious.

What can I add for extra flavor or texture?

Sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted red peppers all make fantastic additions to Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. Stir them in when adding the cream and broth for a tasty twist!

Can I make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta ahead of time?

This pasta is at its most luscious right after you make it, but you can assemble everything (except garnishes) a day in advance. Store covered in the refrigerator, then gently reheat before serving and add fresh parsley as a final touch.

Which pasta shapes can I use instead of bowties?

Farfalle are wonderfully suited for creamy sauces, but penne, rotini, or rigatoni also soak up all that wonderful flavor if that’s what you have on hand. Choose sturdy shapes with good surface area for maximum saucy bites!

Final Thoughts

I hope you feel as excited as I do to dig into a big bowl of Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta! It’s that kind of cozy, craveworthy meal that brings everyone running to the table. Give it a try soon, and watch how quickly it disappears — there’s a reason it’s a family favorite!

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a savory and satisfying Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta dish that’s perfect for a cozy dinner at home. This creamy pasta is loaded with tender ground beef, flavorful garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Beef Mixture:

1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce:

2 cups heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef: Brown ground beef in olive oil, add garlic, then pour in cream and broth.
Make the Sauce: Stir in Parmesan, seasonings, and simmer until thickened.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until coated.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!