Picture this: tender bowtie pasta swirled in a silky, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, studded with juicy, perfectly seasoned ground beef, and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter mingles with the richness of Parmesan cheese and the deep umami notes of Worcestershire sauce it’s the kind of smell that makes everyone run to the kitchen before you even call them.
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is everything you want in a weeknight dinner: hearty, satisfying, easy to make, and loaded with flavor. It’s a dish that feels a little indulgent but still down-to-earth enough to serve on a casual Tuesday night.
This pasta dish also carries a touch of nostalgia if you grew up eating Hamburger Helper or creamy skillet pastas, this is the grown-up, from-scratch version that tastes ten times better. It’s versatile, kid-friendly, and guaranteed to become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Whether you’re making it for family dinner, a cozy date night, or meal prep lunches, this pasta is a creamy, cheesy hug in a bowl.
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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 oz Bowtie Pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot, draining once cooked and setting it aside.
- Once the broth has reduced a bit, stir in the half and half (or whole milk), and add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese has melted.
- Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld together for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Continue stirring until the pasta is evenly coated and everything is well mixed.
- Serve the creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the half and half with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pot wonder – Fewer dishes, more flavor!
- Balanced flavors – Garlic, Parmesan, smoky paprika, and tender beef bring depth and richness.
- Crowd-pleaser – A dish that kids and adults both devour without complaint.
- 30-minute dinner – Fast enough for busy weeknights.
- Customizable – Add veggies, spice, or swap pasta shapes.
💡 Best thing about this recipe: It tastes like restaurant-quality creamy pasta, but it’s made with simple pantry ingredients in under an hour.
FOR MORE RECIPES:
- Crock Pot Chicken Pot Pie
- Shrimp Caesar Salad
- Cheesy French Onion Meatballs
- Creamy Rotel Pasta & Ground Beef
- Cheesy Cajun Garlic Butter Steak with Creamy Rigatoni
- Creamy Chicken Broccoli Alfredo Pasta Recipe
Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s everything you’ll need for this pasta dish, with tips and substitutions:
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef – Use lean (85/15) for flavor without too much grease. Ground turkey or chicken also work.
- 3 teaspoons olive oil – Helps sauté the aromatics and adds richness.
Aromatics & Flavor Base
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is a must; don’t substitute with powder if possible.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds sweetness and depth.
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – Boosts umami and ties everything together.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – A mix of oregano, basil, and thyme.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds subtle smokiness and warmth.
Sauce & Pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter – For velvety richness.
- 3 cups beef broth – Infuses pasta with beefy flavor as it cooks.
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle) – Holds sauce beautifully in its ridges.
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Don’t use the green can; fresh Parmesan makes the sauce creamy.
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk) – Adds body and creaminess without being too heavy.
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1/2 teaspoon salt – Adjust at the end since Parmesan and broth already add salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Enhances flavor balance.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Optional kick of heat.
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped – Freshness and color.
Ingredient Fun Facts
- Parmesan Cheese: Authentic Parmigiano Reggiano is aged for 12–36 months, giving it nutty, umami-rich complexity.
- Bowtie Pasta: Known as farfalle in Italian, meaning “butterflies,” it originated in Northern Italy.
Tools & Equipment Needed
- Large deep skillet or Dutch oven (wide enough for pasta to cook evenly)
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Sharp knife & cutting board
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Cheese grater (for fresh Parmesan)
👉 Pro Tip: A cast iron or enameled Dutch oven holds heat well and deepens flavor, but any large nonstick skillet will do.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
- Heat 3 tsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the onion and cook until softened and translucent (about 3 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic, sautéing just until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
✨ Smell cue: The kitchen should be filled with warm, nutty garlic aroma.
2. Brown the Beef
- Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon.
- Season with Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook until beef is browned and no longer pink (6–7 minutes).
⚠️ Mistake to avoid: Don’t overcrowd the pan—otherwise the beef steams instead of browns.
3. Create the Sauce Base
- Stir in 3 tbsp butter until melted.
- Pour in 3 cups beef broth and bring to a simmer.
4. Cook the Pasta
- Add the bowtie pasta directly to the skillet. Stir well.
- Cover and simmer on medium-low for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and liquid is mostly absorbed.
💡 Tip: If pasta isn’t cooked yet but liquid is gone, add 1/4 cup water or broth.
5. Add Cream & Cheese
- Lower heat to low. Stir in half and half and freshly grated Parmesan until creamy.
- Add red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
🧀 Texture cue: Sauce should coat the pasta luxuriously without being watery.
6. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.
- Pair with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.
Tips, Variations & Tricks
- Make it lighter: Use ground turkey and low-fat milk.
- Make it vegetarian: Swap beef for sautéed mushrooms and vegetable broth.
- Make it spicier: Add a pinch of cayenne or sliced jalapeños.
- Boost nutrition: Stir in spinach, peas, or roasted red peppers.
👉 Reader Challenge: Try one of these variations and comment below with your favorite twist!
Flavor Profile & Pairings
This pasta is:
- Creamy – thanks to Parmesan and half & half.
- Savory & umami-packed – from beef, Worcestershire, and broth.
- Garlicky & slightly smoky – with paprika and garlic.
Best Pairings
- Wine: A medium-bodied red like Chianti or Merlot.
- Non-alcoholic: Sparkling water with lemon or iced tea.
- Sides: Garlic knots, Caesar salad, or roasted broccoli.
Nutritional Overview (per serving, approx. 4 servings)
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 27g
- Carbs: 48g
- Fat: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
⚠️ Contains dairy and gluten.
Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips
- Cook the pasta a bit underdone, then reheat with a splash of broth.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freeze in portions without the parsley garnish (up to 2 months).
FAQs & Troubleshooting
Q: My sauce is too thick. What should I do?
A: Add a splash of warm broth or milk.
Q: Can I use pre-shredded Parmesan?
A: Fresh is best—it melts creamier and has richer flavor.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Yes, just use a larger skillet or Dutch oven.
Q: Can I use another pasta shape?
A: Absolutely—penne, rotini, or shells work well.
Cooking Timeline (At a Glance)
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep & chopping | 10 min |
| Sauté aromatics & beef | 10 min |
| Simmer pasta | 12 min |
| Add cream & cheese | 3 min |
| Garnish & serve | 2 min |
⏱️ Total: ~35 minutes
Serving Suggestions & Plating Ideas
- Garnish with extra Parmesan curls.
- Serve in shallow bowls with toasted garlic bread.
- Pinterest video idea: A slow-motion shot of Parmesan being grated over steaming pasta.
Recipe Variations & Creative Twists
- Tex-Mex Style: Add chili powder, black beans, and corn. Top with cheddar.
- Mushroom Lovers: Swap beef for mushrooms and add truffle oil.
- Bacon Upgrade: Stir in crispy bacon bits for extra smoky crunch.
- Creamy Tomato Fusion: Add 1/2 cup tomato sauce for a rosé-style pasta.
Ingredient Spotlight: Garlic & Parmesan
- Garlic: Known as “the stinking rose,” garlic has been used for thousands of years as both food and medicine. Roasting garlic brings out its natural sweetness.
- Parmesan: A hard cheese made from cow’s milk, aged to perfection—rich in calcium and protein. Always store tightly wrapped in parchment and foil.
Pro Cooking Tips & Techniques
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce.
- Toast spices (like paprika) briefly in oil to release aroma.
- Don’t skip resting pasta for 2 minutes before serving—it thickens the sauce.
Storage & Freezing Guide
- Fridge: Store in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled pasta in portions. Reheat with a splash of broth.
- Avoid freezing with parsley garnish—it wilts.
Nutrition Estimate Table (per serving, ~4 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbs | 48g |
| Fat | 24g |
| Fiber | 3g |
Engagement Boosters
- 💬 Comment below: Would you make this pasta spicier or creamier?
- 📌 Save this recipe to Pinterest for later!
- 🔗 If you loved this recipe, check out:
- [Garlic Steak and Potato Foil Packs]
- [Creamy Crack Chicken Gnocchi]
- [Ground Beef Teriyaki Stir Fry]
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is comfort food at its best rich, garlicky, and packed with flavor. It’s the perfect blend of homestyle cooking and restaurant-worthy flair. Whether you’re cooking for picky kids, hungry teens, or just yourself on a cozy night in, this dish delivers every time.
So grab your skillet, pour yourself a glass of wine, and treat yourself to this creamy, cheesy delight. Don’t forget to snap a photo and share it I’d love to see your version!
