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. Combining savory ground beef with a rich, cheesy sauce and tender bowtie pasta, it’s sure to become a family favorite.

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 ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Step 2: Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef. 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. Let the mixture cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Step 4: Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot, draining once cooked and setting it aside.
- Step 6: Once the broth has reduced a bit, stir in the half and half (or whole milk), and add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese has melted.
- Step 7: Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld together for another 2-3 minutes.
- Step 8: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Continue stirring until the pasta is evenly coated and everything is well mixed.
- Step 9: Serve the creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Tips & Variations
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half with whole milk or use low-fat cheese.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and flavor.
- If you prefer less heat, reduce or omit the red pepper flakes.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth melting.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta instead of bowtie?
Yes, this recipe works well with many pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or farfalle. Choose your favorite or what you have on hand.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the beef ahead, then store separately from the pasta. Reheat and combine just before serving for the best texture.
PrintCreamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring browned ground beef simmered in a fragrant garlic and onion sauce with Italian seasonings. Bowtie pasta is tossed in a rich and creamy Parmesan sauce made with half and half and beef broth for an indulgent yet easy weeknight meal. Finished with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes, this pasta offers a perfect balance of creamy texture, savory taste, and a touch of spice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Pantry Items and Seasonings
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 oz Bowtie Pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
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. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
- Add seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Create the sauce base: Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot, drain once cooked, and set aside.
- Make creamy sauce: Once the broth has reduced a bit, stir in the half and half (or whole milk), and add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese has fully melted.
- Season the sauce: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for another 2-3 minutes.
- Toss pasta and sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Continue stirring until the pasta is evenly coated and well mixed.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Use half and half for richer sauce or whole milk for a lighter version.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Drain excess fat after browning the beef to reduce greasiness.
- Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-grated for a creamier sauce.
- Add extra parsley or basil for more fresh herb flavor.
- This recipe can be doubled for larger groups and still maintain great flavor.
Keywords: Creamy pasta, Parmesan, ground beef, bowtie pasta, garlic pasta, one skillet pasta, weeknight dinner, comfort food

