Description
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a quick, comforting weeknight dinner featuring tender bowtie pasta, juicy ground beef, and a luscious Parmesan-garlic cream sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a family favorite that’s both hearty and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning (or dried basil/oregano)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups baby spinach (optional)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
- 1/2 tsp lemon zest (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-11 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and break up with a spoon. Cook until browned, about 6-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Push beef to one side of the skillet. Add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in heavy cream and broth. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Stir, scraping up any browned bits. Bring to a gentle simmer.
- Slowly stir in Parmesan cheese, a little at a time, until melted and sauce is smooth. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time.
- Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If using baby spinach, stir it in now to wilt. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat. Garnish with chopped parsley and lemon zest if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
For best results, use freshly grated Parmesan and reserve some pasta water to adjust sauce consistency. Don’t overcook the pasta in the sauce to avoid mushiness. Add spinach or other veggies for extra nutrition. To lighten the dish, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream or substitute ground turkey or chicken for beef. For gluten-free, use GF pasta. The sauce thickens as it sits, so serve immediately or loosen with a splash of milk or broth when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3
- Sodium: 540
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 43
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 26
Keywords: creamy pasta, beef pasta, parmesan garlic pasta, bowtie pasta, weeknight dinner, easy pasta recipe, comfort food, family dinner, 30 minute meal, skillet pasta