I can’t resist sharing one of my all-time favorite dinner hacks: Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef! This dish is the epitome of comfort food, weaving together tender ground beef and a lush, garlicky Parmesan sauce that clings to every twist of bowtie pasta. Savor the rich flavors of garlic and Parmesan in this creamy bowtie pasta dish with hearty beef! Whether you’re looking for an easy dinner after a busy day or a crowd-pleasing meal for friends and family, this recipe has your name written all over it.
Dive into a luscious bowl of bowtie pasta coated in a savory garlic Parmesan sauce with tender ground beef. Perfect for dinner with family or friends! In under an hour—15 minutes of prep, 25 minutes of cooking, and a quick 2-minute rest—you’ll have a one-pan meal that feels both indulgent and homey. Clocking in at around 620 calories per serving, it strikes the ideal balance between hearty satisfaction and manageable portioning. As someone who’s always on the lookout for beginner-friendly recipes, I love how straightforward each step is, yet the end result tastes like you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for hours.
Sometimes I sneak in a handful of fresh spinach or sliced mushrooms when I’m feeling adventurous, but even on its own, this creamy beef pasta shines. The combination of garlic powder and onion powder layers in extra savory depth, while the parsley garnish adds a pop of color and fresh zing. Trust me, once you’ve tasted that silky sauce hugging each bowtie, you’ll be planning to double the batch next time—so don’t say I didn’t warn you!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN GARLIC PARMESAN BOWTIE PASTA WITH CREAMY BEEF
Every recipe shines brightest when each component plays its part. Let’s break down the key players in this creamy beef pasta masterpiece.
- Bowtie Pasta
This playful shape, also known as farfalle, holds onto the creamy sauce in every crevice and ruffle. Its sturdy texture ensures a delightful al dente bite that contrasts beautifully with the velvety sauce.
- Ground Beef
Provides hearty, savory depth and protein, making this dish feel substantial. Browning it releases flavorful juices, which become the base of our rich sauce.
- Olive Oil
A quality extra-virgin olive oil is the starting point for sautéing garlic, offering a smooth mouthfeel and a subtle fruity note that complements the beef.
- Garlic
Fresh minced garlic infuses the oil with intense, aromatic heat. It’s the backbone of that signature garlic parmesan flavor.
- Heavy Cream
Delivers the luxurious, silky texture that makes this a comfort-food dream. It also balances the savory beef and cheese with a touch of sweetness.
- Parmesan Cheese
When stirred in, it melts into the sauce, creating that irresistible tangy, nutty flavor that defines a true Parmesan sauce.
- Beef Broth
Adds an extra layer of meaty richness and thins the cream just enough to turn it into a saucy, spoonable consistency.
- Garlic Powder
A pantry staple that boosts the garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce. It layers seamlessly with the fresh garlic.
- Onion Powder
Deepens the savory profile with a mild, sweet onion note, enhancing the overall umami experience.
- Salt
Crucial for seasoning every element, from the pasta water to the final sauce. It heightens the natural flavors of beef and dairy.
- Black Pepper
Freshly ground pepper introduces a gentle bite that cuts through the creaminess and brightens the dish.
- Butter
Enriches the sauce with an extra velvety sheen and rounds out any sharp edges from the cheese.
- Fresh Parsley
A simple garnish that adds a burst of color and a hint of herbal freshness, making each serving look as good as it tastes.
HOW TO MAKE GARLIC PARMESAN BOWTIE PASTA WITH CREAMY BEEF
Ready to roll up your sleeves and get cooking? Follow these steps to create a comforting, flavor-packed dinner that’s deceptively simple and incredibly rewarding.
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Once tender but still firm, drain the pasta and set it aside, keeping it warm for the final toss.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, pour in the olive oil and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about one minute, stirring constantly until the garlic becomes fragrant and just begins to turn golden.
3. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned, stirring occasionally. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off to keep the sauce from becoming greasy.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, then sprinkle in the garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently, bring the mixture to a simmer, and let it cook for 5–7 minutes. The sauce will start to thicken and coat the back of a spoon.
5. Reduce the heat to low, then add the Parmesan cheese and butter. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce reaches a rich, creamy consistency that clings to the spoon.
6. Return the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, making sure each bowtie is generously coated in the creamy beef sauce.
7. Remove the skillet from the heat and allow the pasta to rest for two minutes. This final pause helps the sauce adhere even more tightly to the pasta for maximum flavor in every bite.
8. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy the comforting combination of creamy, cheesy sauce and savory beef.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GARLIC PARMESAN BOWTIE PASTA WITH CREAMY BEEF
Bringing this dish to the table is half the fun—presentation and pairings can elevate it to dinner-party status or cozy weeknight brilliance. Whether you’re plating for a crowd or scooping heaping bowls for the family, these ideas will help you serve your creamy beef pasta like a pro.
- Garlic Bread & Salad Combo
Offer slices of crusty garlic bread on the side to soak up every last drop of sauce. Pair with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness and add refreshing crunch.
- Herb-Drizzled Presentation
After plating, give each bowl a light drizzle of extra-virgin olive oil and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley. This not only brightens the visual appeal but adds a fragrant, herbal note with every forkful.
- Red Wine Pairing
Complement the savory depth of the creamy beef sauce with a glass of medium-bodied red wine, like a Merlot or Chianti. The wine’s soft tannins and fruity undertones play nicely against the garlic parmesan flavors.
- Spice-It-Up Bar
For guests who crave heat, set out a small bowl of red pepper flakes or chili oil. This customizable kick lets everyone dial up the spice level to their liking, adding an exciting layer to the comfort-food profile.
HOW TO STORE GARLIC PARMESAN BOWTIE PASTA WITH CREAMY BEEF
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or saving leftovers for a quick lunch, proper storage will keep your creamy beef pasta tasting fresh and delicious. With just a few simple steps, you can preserve the sauce’s silky texture and maintain balanced flavors.
- Refrigerate in Airtight Containers
Transfer cooled pasta into a sealed container and store in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Make sure to press a layer of plastic wrap directly against the surface of the pasta to minimize air exposure, which helps prevent the sauce from separating.
- Freeze in Portion Sizes
For longer-term storage, divide the cooled pasta into individual, freezer-safe bags or containers. Squeeze out any excess air, then label each portion with the date. Frozen pasta can last up to 2 months—perfect for grab-and-go meals.
- Reheat Gently
To revive leftovers, warm the pasta in a skillet over low to medium heat with a splash of beef broth or milk. Stir frequently to restore the sauce’s creaminess. If using a microwave, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even warming.
- Avoid Overcooking Later
Be cautious not to overheat, as high temperatures can cause the dairy to break and the pasta to become mushy. Keeping the heat moderate and stirring often will maintain that ideal creamy consistency.
CONCLUSION
Thank you for joining me on this flavorful journey through Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef! From the playful bowtie shapes capturing every drop of sauce to the comforting richness of garlic and cheese, this recipe has become a staple in my home kitchen. With just a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients and straightforward steps, even beginner cooks can master this dish in under an hour. It’s the ideal comfort food for busy weeknights, dinner parties, or whenever you need a warm, satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and approachable. Don’t forget—this is a perfect recipe to print and save in your family cookbook, or keep this article bookmarked for meal-planning inspiration. You’ll also find a helpful FAQ section below to tackle any troubleshooting questions before they arise.
I hope this article inspires you to roll up your sleeves and dive into a bowl of creamy beef pasta that’s destined to become a new favorite. I’d love to hear how it turns out for you: Did you add spinach or mushrooms? Did you spice it up with red pepper flakes? Please leave any comments, questions, or feedback if you try the recipe or need help along the way. Your stories and tips always make this community feel like we’re sharing a meal around the same table—so let’s keep the conversation going!
Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
Description
Dive into a luscious bowl of bowtie pasta coated in a savory garlic Parmesan sauce with tender ground beef. Perfect for dinner with family or friends!
Ingredients
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet. Cook until browned, breaking up the meat with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
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Stir in the heavy cream, beef broth, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
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Reduce heat to low, then add the Parmesan cheese and butter to the skillet. Stir continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is well coated in the creamy beef sauce.
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Remove from heat and allow the pasta to rest for a couple of minutes. This will allow the sauce to further thicken and adhere to the pasta.
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Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Note
- The dish can be enhanced with fresh spinach or chopped mushrooms, added at the same time as the beef.
- For a spicier version, consider adding red pepper flakes alongside the garlic.
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad and garlic bread.
