Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Intro
If you’re craving comfort food with a gourmet twist, this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is the perfect weeknight dinner. Tender ground beef is simmered in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with Parmesan cheese, then tossed with bowtie (farfalle) pasta for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of flavor — perfect for family dinners or even meal prep.
Timing
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 lb (450g) ground beef (lean preferred)
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely diced
1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter)
1 cup beef broth
1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 tsp Italian seasoning
½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Boil bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef and onion, cook until beef is browned and onion is soft. Drain excess fat.
Make the Sauce:
Add butter and garlic to the beef mixture, sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stir well.
Mix in Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Add Cheese:
Reduce heat to low. Stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Combine:
Toss in the cooked pasta and stir until fully coated in sauce.
Serve:
Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
Q/A
Q1: Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or fusilli also hold the creamy sauce well.
Q2: Can I make this lighter?
Use half-and-half or evaporated milk instead of heavy cream, and reduce cheese slightly.
Q3: Can I use chicken or turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely, ground chicken or turkey are great leaner alternatives.
Q4: Does it reheat well?
Yes, store in the fridge up to 3 days. Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to loosen the sauce.
Tips
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta cooking water or broth.
- Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- For more depth, use a splash of white wine before adding broth.
Nutrition (per serving, approx. 1 of 6)
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
(Values may vary based on portion size and substitutions.)