Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a rich, hearty dish packed with bold garlic flavor, tender ground beef, and al dente bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a velvety Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a comforting, one-pan meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Rich and Flavorful: The combination of garlic, Parmesan, and seasoned beef makes every bite satisfying.
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Quick and Easy: Uses simple pantry staples and comes together in under 30 minutes.
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Family-Friendly: A guaranteed crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will enjoy.
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Customizable: Adapt the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.
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Perfect One-Pan Meal: Easy cleanup with everything cooked in one skillet.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb ground beef
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3 teaspoons olive oil
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5–6 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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10 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
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2 cups beef broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
directions
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Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. -
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and chopped onion, sautéing until softened and fragrant, about 2–3 minutes. -
Brown the Beef
Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary. -
Season the Beef
Stir in Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine. -
Make the Cream Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 3–5 minutes to thicken slightly. -
Add the Parmesan
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese and mix until the sauce is creamy and smooth. -
Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce. -
Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Yield: Serves 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
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Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños for heat.
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Vegetable Add-In: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrients.
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Cheese Swap: Use Asiago, Pecorino Romano, or a blend of Italian cheeses for variety.
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Chicken Alternative: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter option.
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Baked Pasta: Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra Parmesan or mozzarella, and broil until bubbly and golden.
storage/reheating
Storage:
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. You can also microwave in short intervals, stirring between each.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, penne, rotini, or shells all work well in this recipe.
What kind of Parmesan should I use?
Freshly grated Parmesan melts best and adds superior flavor compared to pre-shredded.
Is this dish spicy?
No, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if you prefer a kick.
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Whole milk can be used, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat when adding cream and cheese, and stir continuously until smooth.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it up to a day in advance and reheat before serving.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
You can substitute with soy sauce or omit it entirely, though it adds depth of flavor.
Can I freeze this pasta?
It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently.
How do I thicken the sauce?
Let it simmer a few extra minutes, or add more cheese for a thicker consistency.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can make it gluten-free by using gluten-free pasta and flour-thickened broth.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a satisfying, flavorful meal that brings together the richness of a creamy sauce and the savory taste of seasoned beef. Simple to prepare and endlessly adaptable, it’s a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or comforting family dinners. Whether served as-is or elevated with creative additions, this pasta dish will quickly become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Print
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-servings
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a quick, hearty meal packed with savory flavor. With tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce, it’s the perfect comfort food for weeknight dinners or satisfying leftovers.
Ingredients
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1 lb ground beef
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3 teaspoons olive oil
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5-6 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small onion, finely chopped
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1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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2 cups heavy cream
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1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
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Cook the Pasta:
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Boil bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Brown the Beef:
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add ground beef, breaking it apart, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
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Add Aromatics:
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Stir in minced garlic and chopped onion. Cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
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Add Worcestershire sauce and Italian seasoning. Stir to combine.
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Make the Creamy Sauce:
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Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.
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Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce thickens. Season with salt and pepper.
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Combine:
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Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
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Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.
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Notes
Substitute ground beef with Italian sausage or ground turkey for a different flavor. You can add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra depth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
