Go Back
For this creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta, you will need: - 8 oz bowtie pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese - 1 cup beef broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - Chopped fresh parsley for garnish Choosing fresh ingredients makes a difference in taste. Here are some tips: - Bowtie Pasta: Look for brands that use high-quality durum wheat. - Ground Beef: Choose lean beef (80/20) for flavor and less fat. - Garlic: Pick firm, dry bulbs with no soft spots. Fresh garlic has a strong smell. - Heavy Cream: Select cream with a high-fat content for a rich sauce. - Parmesan Cheese: Opt for block cheese to grate fresh. This gives better flavor. - Beef Broth: Use low-sodium broth for more control over salt. If you can’t find an ingredient, here are some substitutes: - Bowtie Pasta: Any pasta shape works, like penne or fusilli. - Ground Beef: Ground turkey or chicken is a leaner option. - Heavy Cream: Substitute half-and-half for a lighter sauce. - Parmesan Cheese: Grana Padano or Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan. - Beef Broth: Vegetable broth can work if you want a lighter flavor. - Italian Seasoning: Use a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme. These tips and alternatives help create a delicious dish, even if you need to swap ingredients! Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add 8 oz of bowtie pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside. It should be firm but soft enough to eat. Next, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes until it turns brown. Use a spatula to break the beef apart. If there is too much fat, drain it off. This step ensures your beef is nice and tasty. Now, it’s time to make the sauce! Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic into the beef. Cook it for 1-2 minutes. You want it fragrant but not burnt. Then, pour in 1 cup of beef broth and 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir well. Add 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to taste. Bring this mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes. This will help thicken the sauce. After the sauce thickens, stir in 1 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. Finally, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. Serve this dish hot, topped with chopped fresh parsley for a nice touch! To get great pasta, always use boiling salted water. This step adds flavor. Cook the bowtie pasta until it is al dente. This means it should be firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for timing. After cooking, drain the pasta well. Toss it with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. To boost the flavor, use fresh garlic. Mince it finely and add it just before the beef is done. This keeps the garlic fragrant. Consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Fresh parsley not only adds color but also freshness. You can also sprinkle extra Parmesan on top for richness. One common mistake is overcooking the pasta. This makes it mushy and less enjoyable. Another is not draining the beef fat. Excess fat can make the sauce greasy. Be careful not to burn the garlic when sautéing. Lastly, always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. This ensures the flavors pop! {{image_2}} You can easily swap the beef for a plant-based option. Use lentils or mushrooms instead. They bring a rich flavor and a nice texture. You can also try chickpeas for protein. They add a nutty taste and fill you up. Replace the heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version. This will give you a creamy sauce without the dairy. While bowtie pasta is great, you can use other shapes. Fusilli or rotini works well for holding sauce. Penne or rigatoni is also a good choice. Their hollow shapes catch the creamy sauce nicely. You can even use spaghetti if you prefer long noodles. Just adjust the cooking time based on the pasta type you choose. To change the flavor, try different spices. Add red pepper flakes for heat. You can also use smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can brighten up the dish. If you want a tangy twist, add lemon zest or juice. This will lift the flavors and make it refreshing. Mix and match to find your perfect taste! To keep your creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta fresh, let it cool. Transfer it to an airtight container. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure to seal it tightly to avoid drying out. You can freeze this dish for later. First, cool the pasta completely. Then, place it in a freezer-safe container. It can last in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Reheat the pasta on the stove for the best results. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to keep it creamy. Warm it over low heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the pasta from drying out. To thicken the sauce, you can add more cheese. Parmesan cheese melts well and adds creaminess. Another way is to let the sauce simmer longer. This reduces the liquid and makes it thicker. If you want a quick fix, mix a bit of cornstarch with water. Stir this into the sauce while it simmers. It will thicken quickly without changing the taste. Yes, you can use different meats. Ground turkey or chicken works great in this recipe. You can also use diced steak or pork. Just adjust the cooking time. Make sure to cook any larger pieces until they are fully done. Each type of meat gives a unique flavor to the dish. This pasta pairs well with many sides. A simple green salad adds freshness. Garlic bread is a classic choice for soaking up the sauce. You can also serve steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans. They add color and nutrients to your meal. For a fun twist, try serving it with a side of roasted potatoes. Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. Store them in the fridge for up to two days. When ready to eat, combine them in a pan and heat through. You may need to add a splash of cream or broth to loosen it up. This dish tastes great even after a day or two! In this post, we covered every step to make creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta. You learned about fresh ingredients, cooking methods, and tasty variations. I shared tips to avoid common mistakes and ensured your dish stands out. Remember, the right ingredients and techniques turn any meal into a delight. Experiment with flavors and enjoy the process of cooking. With these strategies in mind, you can create a dish everyone will love.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Indulge in a delicious bowl of creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta that's perfect for a weeknight dinner! This easy recipe combines tender bowtie pasta, hearty ground beef, and a rich garlic-cream sauce topped with melted Parmesan cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a comforting meal the whole family will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and bring this tasty dish to your table tonight!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Ingredients
  

8 oz bowtie pasta

1 lb ground beef

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese

1 cup beef broth

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

    Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula, approximately 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.

      Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.

        Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

          Add Parmesan: Stir in the shredded Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Adjust seasoning if needed.

            Combine: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss until coated in the creamy sauce.

              Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately.

                Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4