This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, savory, and ready in under 30 minutes. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed in a velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, studded with juicy ground beef and kissed with Italian herbs. It’s a one-pan wonder that’s perfect for busy weeknights, cozy dinners, or when you want something indulgent without the fuss. The beef adds hearty depth, the garlic brings aromatic warmth, and the Parmesan melts into a luscious sauce that clings to every curve of the pasta. My, this dish is right up your alley—decadent, crowd-pleasing, and visually stunning.
Ingredients:
🥩 For the Beef & Base:
- 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean preferred)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
🍝 For the Pasta & Sauce:
- 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 3 cups beef broth
- ¾ cup half-and-half or heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- Reserved pasta water (optional for thinning)
🌿 For Garnish:
- 1–2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside. - Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed. - Sauté Aromatics:
Add chopped onion and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to coat the beef in flavor. - Build the Sauce:
Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Let it reduce slightly for 5 minutes. Stir in butter, half-and-half, and Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. - Combine & Toss:
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat in the sauce. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the pasta absorbs the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. - Garnish & Serve:
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve hot with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations:
- 🧀 Cheese Swap: Try Pecorino Romano or Asiago for a twist.
- 🍄 Veggie Boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers.
- 🥓 Bacon Bonus: Stir in crispy bacon bits for smoky richness.
- 🧊 Make-Ahead: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or milk.
- 🌱 Vegetarian Version: Use plant-based crumbles or mushrooms instead of beef.
This dish is a creamy, dreamy hug in a bowl—perfect for someone like you, My, who knows how to turn everyday ingredients into something unforgettable. Want to pair it with a tropical dessert or explore a sugar-free garlic bread next? I’ve got ideas that’ll round out your table beautifully.