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Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta – Easy Creamy Beef Dinner

garlic parmesan bowtie pasta - featured image

This creamy garlic parmesan bowtie pasta with beef is a quick, comforting dinner that’s rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor. It’s a family-friendly meal that comes together in under 40 minutes using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/4 cup pasta water, then drain.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion to the beef and cook for 3 minutes until soft. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
  4. Pour in chicken or beef broth, scraping any browned bits from the pan. Lower heat to medium. Add heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  5. Gradually sprinkle in parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and thickened. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  6. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce. Add more cream or pasta water if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Serve hot with extra parmesan on the side.

Notes

For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken and substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream. Gluten-free pasta and dairy-free alternatives work well for dietary needs. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Add spinach or peas for extra veggies. Leftovers keep well and can be reheated with a splash of cream or broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic parmesan pasta, creamy beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, easy dinner, family meal, Italian pasta, comfort food, weeknight dinner