Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe
A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef, aromatic garlic, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, served over bowtie pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- 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 Calorie
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
Produce
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Pantry
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned throughout. Drain any excess fat if necessary to keep the dish from being greasy.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its fragrance, building a flavorful base.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Cook the mixture for another minute to meld the flavors and deepen the savory profile of the dish.
- Create the Creamy Sauce: Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Then pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Allow it to cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly, concentrating the flavors.
- Cook the Pasta: In a separate pot, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, ensuring the pasta retains a slight bite to hold the sauce well.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in half and half (or whole milk) into the reduced broth mixture. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese is fully melted.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let the flavors meld for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat, adjusting seasoning if needed.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss gently but thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the creamy Parmesan sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or pasta water to loosen it.
- Serve: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with finely chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness that balances the rich sauce.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- Substitute half and half with milk or non-dairy alternatives like almond milk for a lighter or dairy-free option.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a fresh green side salad or warm garlic bread.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creaminess.
- Reserve some pasta cooking water to help adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- For added nutrition and flavor, consider incorporating vegetables like spinach or bell peppers.
Keywords: Creamy Parmesan pasta, garlic beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, easy stovetop pasta, comfort food, Italian-American dinner
