Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. It combines tender ground beef with a rich, garlicky sauce and al dente bowtie pasta for a satisfying meal the whole family will enjoy.

Ingredients

• 1 lb 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 oz bowtie pasta
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and chopped onion, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
4. Step 4: Add the butter and allow it to melt, stirring into the beef mixture.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Add the bowtie pasta, cover, and cook according to the pasta package instructions (usually 10-12 minutes), stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Once the pasta is tender and the liquid has reduced slightly, stir in the half and half and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce is creamy and coats the pasta well.
7. Step 7: Adjust seasoning to taste, then sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute half and half with whole milk, but reduce the cooking time after adding to prevent curdling.
• Try swapping ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
• If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and maintain creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust accordingly to ensure the pasta is al dente.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can add mushrooms or plant-based protein crumbles to mimic the texture and flavor.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 128 reviews

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a rich and comforting dish combining savory ground beef with a creamy garlic-parmesan sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. Hearty and flavorful, it makes a delicious weeknight dinner that’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy the whole family.

• Author: Matteo
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Aromatics

• 1 lb ground beef
• 3 teaspoons olive oil
• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely chopped

Seasonings

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Dairy and Liquids

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)

Pasta

• 8 oz bowtie pasta

Garnish

• 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: Heat 3 teaspoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Sauté Aromatics and Seasonings: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté until the onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to combine the flavors.
3. Add Butter and Broth: Stir in 3 tablespoons of butter until melted, then pour in 3 cups of beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta: Add 8 oz bowtie pasta directly to the simmering beef broth mixture. Stir occasionally and cook until the pasta is tender and has absorbed much of the broth, about 10-12 minutes. Make sure the pasta is al dente and the liquid has reduced to a creamy consistency.
5. Finish with Dairy and Cheese: Lower the heat and stir in 3/4 cup half and half and 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley over the finished pasta for color and extra freshness. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

• You can substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter sauce or use heavy cream for extra richness.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit if you want a milder dish.
• Be sure to stir the pasta frequently while cooking in broth to prevent sticking.
• This dish pairs well with a side salad or steamed vegetables to add freshness.
• Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat nicely in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk.

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, garlic parmesan pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, ground beef pasta