This dish is the ultimate comfort food—tender bowtie pasta coated in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, studded with savory ground beef and aromatic herbs. It’s a one-skillet meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties. The creamy sauce clings to every fold of the pasta, while the beef adds a hearty, satisfying depth. Whether you’re cooking for family or treating yourself, this pasta delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups (200g) uncooked bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional, for depth)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef and cook until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up with a spatula. Drain excess fat if needed. - Build the Flavor Base:
Push the beef to one side of the skillet. Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the empty side. Once melted, sauté the chopped onion for 2–3 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. - Season It Up:
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Mix everything together so the beef is coated in the aromatic base. - Add Pasta and Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and uncooked bowtie pasta. Stir well, ensuring the pasta is submerged. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid is absorbed. - Make It Creamy:
Once the pasta is cooked, stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Let it simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens and becomes luxuriously creamy. - Final Touches:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen it. Garnish with chopped parsley or basil and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan. - Serve and Savor:
Serve hot, straight from the skillet. Pair it with garlic bread or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.
Tips & Variations:
- Add Veggies: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition and color.
- Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a twist.
- Spice It Up: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat that balances the creaminess.
- Make It Ahead: This dish reheats beautifully—just add a splash of cream or milk when warming up.
This pasta is a celebration of flavor and texture—creamy, garlicky, cheesy, and deeply satisfying. Let me know if you’d like a tropical twist or a nostalgic variation next! 🍝✨
You can also check out the original inspiration for this dish on Tasty Simply or Full ReciPY.