Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a rich and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef with a creamy Parmesan and garlic sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. Infused with aromatic herbs and spices, this comforting meal is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
- Author: Lisa
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Salt
Meat and Oils
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups beef broth
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté aromatics: 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.
- Add seasonings: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
- Create the sauce base: 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.
- Cook pasta: Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot, drain once cooked, and set aside.
- Make it creamy: 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: Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for another 2-3 minutes.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce. Continue stirring until well mixed.
- Serve: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
- For a lighter version, substitute half and half with milk or a non-dairy milk alternative.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Parmesan pasta, garlic beef pasta, creamy pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, quick dinner, Italian-American pasta