Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef, garlic, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It’s an easy-to-make weeknight meal that balances savory spices, creamy textures, and cheesy goodness all in one hearty bowl.
- Author: Isabella
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, 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
Liquids and Fats
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
Pasta and Cheese
- 8 oz Bowtie Pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Cook the Ground Beef: In a large skillet or pan, heat 3 teaspoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the pan with the cooked beef. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and garlic is fragrant.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, and 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika. Mix well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Prepare Sauce Base: Add 3 tablespoons butter to the pan and let it melt. Then pour in 3 cups beef broth, stirring to loosen any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Cook Pasta: In a separate pot, cook 8 oz bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Create Creamy Sauce: To the beef and broth mixture, stir in 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk). Bring to a gentle simmer and allow it to thicken slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Add Cheese and Season: Remove from heat and stir in 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season the sauce with 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the dish with 1–2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley before serving for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half with whole milk or use a low-fat milk alternative.
- You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your taste.
- Freshly grated Parmesan dissolves better and delivers richer flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you require a gluten-free dish.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Parmesan garlic beef pasta, creamy beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, quick dinner pasta, Italian beef pasta, creamy garlic sauce