Dinner

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

ByMarina Montclair October 22, 2025October 22, 2025

Introduction

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for any weeknight dinner. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed in a rich, garlicky sauce with ground beef and Parmesan cheese, creating a satisfying meal everyone will love.

The image shows a bowl filled with farfalle pasta layered with ground meat sauce. The farfalle pasta is light yellow, each piece bow-shaped with slightly rough texture. The ground meat sauce is brown and spread evenly among the pasta, creating small pockets of meat. The dish is topped with finely grated cheese that adds a creamy white layer, lightly melting into the sauce. Small pieces of green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding color contrast. The bowl is white and set on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
Step 2: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook the mixture for another minute to combine the flavors.
Step 4: Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
Step 6: Once the broth has reduced, stir in half and half (or whole milk) and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce is creamy and the cheese is melted.
Step 7: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well and let the sauce meld for 2–3 minutes.
Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly with the creamy sauce.
Step 9: Serve hot, garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley for a fresh finish.

Tips & Variations

For extra creaminess, add a splash more half and half or a spoonful of cream cheese to the sauce.
Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.
Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for added veggies and flavor.
Use crushed red pepper flakes sparingly if you prefer less heat.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with about two layers of farfalle pasta mixed with ground beef. The pasta is creamy light yellow with a smooth texture and peppered with small bits of dark brown cooked beef. The dish is topped with a sprinkle of finely chopped green herbs and black pepper, creating small specks of color across the surface. The creamy sauce coats the pasta evenly, shining slightly in the light. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini works well with this creamy beef sauce.

Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth. You can add sautéed mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives for texture.

Marina Montclair