Creamy 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
Scale
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
