Name: Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup milk; 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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This creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta is one of my favorite comfort meals. It combines tender ground beef with al dente bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something hearty, cheesy, and satisfying without too much fuss.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

8 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

1 lb ground beef

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup milk

½ teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper, to taste

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Directions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta with the creamy sauce and beef mixture.

Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, so the total time is roughly 30 minutes. It’s a great choice for a quick dinner that doesn’t skimp on flavor or comfort.

Variations

I sometimes like to add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies and texture. Swapping ground beef for ground turkey or chicken works well too if I want a lighter version. For a spicier kick, adding red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce really elevates the dish. If I’m short on time, I might skip fresh garlic and use garlic powder instead.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. It also reheats nicely in the microwave—just cover it to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works great because it holds the sauce well, you can use penne, rotini, or any pasta shape you like.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately ahead of time. Just combine and reheat before serving.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

I recommend freezing the sauce separately from the pasta. The cream sauce can sometimes change texture after freezing, so freezing just the beef and sauce mixture is best. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Can I substitute the heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free version, coconut milk might work, but it will change the flavor.

How can I make this dish vegetarian?

Replace the ground beef with sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute to keep it hearty and flavorful.

Conclusion

I find this creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta incredibly comforting and easy to whip up when I want a filling, flavorful meal fast. The creamy sauce and savory beef blend so well with the pasta, making it a go-to recipe for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Whether I stick to the classic version or add my own twists, it’s always a crowd-pleaser in my kitchen.

Recipe:

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Low Salt

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Description

A comforting and creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta combining tender ground beef and al dente bowtie pasta in a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for quick and hearty weeknight meals.

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté until fragrant and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, milk, and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer gently, stirring frequently, until sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
Add cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat well with the sauce and beef mixture.
Adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.