Description

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a rich, comforting dish combining savory browned ground beef with a luscious Parmesan and garlic-infused cream sauce. Bowtie pasta is tossed in the velvety sauce and garnished with fresh parsley, making it a perfect hearty meal that’s quick and easy to prepare on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat and Vegetables

1 lb ground beef
5–6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped

Spices and 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
1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

Oils and Fats

3 teaspoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter

Liquids

3 cups beef broth
3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)

Pasta and Dairy

8 oz Bowtie Pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary to avoid greasiness.
Cook Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft, translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant, enhancing the flavor base.
Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Allow the mixture to cook for another minute to meld the flavors together thoroughly.
Create Sauce Base: Add butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Then pour in the beef broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.
Cook Pasta Separately: While the sauce simmers, cook the bowtie pasta in a separate pot according to the package instructions. Once cooked al dente, drain and set aside.
Make Creamy Sauce: Stir the half and half (or whole milk) into the skillet, followed by the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy with the cheese fully melted.
Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to taste. Stir the sauce and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow all the flavors to blend perfectly.
Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated with the rich, creamy sauce evenly.
Garnish and Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley to add a refreshing color and subtle herbaceous note.

Notes

You can substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter version, but the sauce will be less rich.
Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor.
Drain excess fat after browning the beef to keep the dish from becoming too oily.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Creamy Parmesan Pasta, Garlic Beef Pasta, Bowtie Pasta Recipe, Easy Dinner Recipe, One-Pot Pasta