If you’re looking for a dish that combines comfort, flavor, and ease, look no further than Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. This rich and creamy pasta dish will quickly become a favorite in your household, perfect for any night of the week. With a delightful balance of savory beef, aromatic garlic, and the richness of Parmesan cheese, it’s a meal that hits all the right notes.
Whether you’re preparing a cozy weeknight dinner or need something hearty for a family gathering, this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is sure to satisfy every craving.
Table of Contents
What is This Recipe?
This recipe is a creamy, savory pasta dish made with beef, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and bowtie pasta. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility—it’s easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and can be customized to suit various preferences. Rich, velvety Parmesan sauce beautifully enhances the hearty flavor of the beef, while the bowtie pasta brings a playful texture to every bite. It’s a complete meal that can be served for lunch, dinner, or even as a crowd-pleasing dish at a party.
The combination of flavors makes it the perfect comfort food, and it’s a great option for anyone who loves creamy pasta dishes with a bit of a savory kick.
Essential Ingredients
To make this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- Bowtie pasta: The pasta’s shape helps hold the creamy sauce and beef, making each bite perfect.
- Ground beef: This is the main protein for the dish, providing savory flavor and richness.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are key for adding an aromatic depth to the sauce.
- Heavy cream: This forms the creamy base for the sauce, giving it a smooth, rich texture.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan brings a nutty, salty flavor that makes the dish truly unforgettable.
- Butter: For sautéing the garlic and creating the base for the sauce.
- Olive oil: For cooking the beef and preventing it from sticking.
- Salt and pepper: To season the dish and balance the flavors.
Alternative Ingredients
If you’d like to customize this recipe, here are some alternatives you can use:
- Ground turkey or chicken: For a lighter version, you can substitute the beef with ground turkey or chicken.
- Half-and-half or milk: If you don’t have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or milk for a lighter sauce, though it won’t be as rich.
- Parmesan alternatives: You can use Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese if you’re looking for a different flavor profile.
- Gluten-free pasta: If you’re on a gluten-free diet, simply swap the bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta options.
(Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Servings, Yield)
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
| Servings | 4-6 servings |
| Yield | 4-6 servings |
Key Features
- Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese creates a silky, indulgent sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a last-minute meal.
- Family-Friendly: The flavors are mild yet satisfying, making it a great option for both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Swap out ingredients to make this dish your own, whether you want a lighter version or a vegetarian option.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish holds up well in the fridge and is perfect for preparing ahead of time for lunch or dinner throughout the week.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 30 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Carbohydrates | 40 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Directions (Step-by-Step Guide to Making Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta)
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Fill a large pot with water, generously salt it, and bring it to a rolling boil. Toss in the bowtie pasta and let it cook until al dente, following the time on the package ,typically around 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a little pasta water to thin the sauce if necessary.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
As your pasta simmers away, place a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in a tablespoon of olive oil. Toss in the ground beef and cook it thoroughly, using a spatula to crumble it into small bits. Let it brown evenly and cook through completely, which should take around 7 to 8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Once fully cooked, transfer the beef to a plate and set it aside for later.
Step 3: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
In that same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and let it cook for about a minute, just until it releases its rich, aromatic scent. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Add the heavy cream to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the cream to a simmer and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add Parmesan and Beef
Gently fold in the freshly grated Parmesan, letting it melt and blend smoothly into the creamy base. If the sauce thickens more than you’d like, loosen it up with a splash of the reserved pasta water until it’s just right. Return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef mixture. Toss to coat the pasta thoroughly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes to heat everything through and let the flavors meld together.
Step 6: Serve
Serve the creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked black pepper, if desired.
Pro Tips: for a Perfect Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente for the best texture. If the pasta is overcooked, it turns soft and soggy, making it unable to stand up to the richness of a creamy sauce.
- Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh garlic will provide a more intense flavor than garlic powder. If you don’t have fresh garlic, minced garlic from a jar will work as a substitute.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water can help thin the sauce if it gets too thick and helps the sauce stick better to the pasta.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Always use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor. Pre-grated Parmesan often contains fillers that can affect the texture and taste of your sauce.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- Flavorful and Indulgent: The creamy Parmesan sauce and savory beef create a rich, satisfying flavor profile that will leave you craving more.
- Comfort Food at Its Best: This dish is the definition of comfort food—creamy, hearty, and oh-so-delicious.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something hearty but don’t have time for elaborate preparation.
- Family-Friendly: With a mild yet flavorful taste, this recipe is a hit with both kids and adults. It’s a dish that everyone can enjoy!
What Makes This Recipe Unique?
The combination of ground beef with a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce is a unique twist on traditional pasta dishes. The richness of the cream and the boldness of the garlic bring an irresistible flavor to the beef, while the bowtie pasta adds a touch of fun and elegance. The balance between creamy, savory, and slightly garlicky flavors makes this dish truly one-of-a-kind.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the pasta and the sauce separately ahead of time. Store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator, and when you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the beef and sauce mixture, then toss it with the cooked pasta.
Can I make this recipe without beef?
Absolutely! You can substitute the beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like sautéed mushrooms or plant-based protein for a different twist.
Can I freeze Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta?
While pasta dishes with cream-based sauces don’t freeze as well as others, this dish can be frozen for up to 2 months. Be sure to cool the dish completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
You’ll Also Love:
- Creamy Spinach and Mushroom Orzo
- Chicken Alfredo with Garlic Bread
- Garlic Parmesan Shrimp Pasta
Conclusion
There you have it—a delicious and easy recipe for Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta that is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. With its rich, creamy sauce and tender beef, this dish is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy nights or special occasions.
Give this recipe a try, and don’t forget to share your creations with #BeesRecipes on Instagram. We can’t wait to see your delicious take on this creamy, savory pasta dish!
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz. bowtie pasta – uncooked
- 1 tablespoon olive oil – for sautéing
- 1 lb ground beef – lean preferred
- 4 garlic cloves – minced
- 2 tablespoons butter – unsalted
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream – for sauce
- 1 cup Parmesan cheese – freshly grated
- Salt – to taste
- Black pepper – to taste
- ¼ cup reserved pasta water – optional to thin sauce
Instructions
- Boil the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving ¼ cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and season with salt and pepper. Cook until browned and cooked through (about 7-8 minutes). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream, stir, and bring to a light simmer for 2-3 minutes. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until fully melted and sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Beef and Sauce: Add cooked beef back into the skillet. Stir to combine with the sauce. If needed, use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Mix with Pasta: Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce.
- Serve: Serve immediately with extra Parmesan and freshly cracked pepper if desired.
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