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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

A comforting and indulgent dish that combines hearty ground beef with bowtie pasta in a rich, creamy sauce, perfect for family dinners or weeknight meals.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb ground beef For a richer flavor, choose beef with a higher fat content.
  • 8 oz Bowtie Pasta Can substitute with any pasta shape.
  • 3 cups beef broth Can substitute with vegetable broth for a lighter option.
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese Freshly grated melts better than pre-grated.
  • 3/4 cup half and half Can also use whole milk.
Aromatics and Seasonings
  • 3 teaspoons olive oil
  • 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes Add more for extra heat.
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped For garnish.

Method
 

Cooking the Beef
  1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil.
  2. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.
Adding Aromatics
  1. Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté until the onion is soft and translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
Building Flavor
  1. Mix in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Allow those flavors to meld together for another minute.
Making the Sauce
  1. Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Pour in the beef broth, bringing it to a gentle simmer for 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly.
Cooking the Pasta
  1. While the broth simmers, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot. Drain and set aside.
Creating Creaminess
  1. Stir in the half and half (or whole milk) and add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the sauce is creamy and the cheese has melted into every nook and cranny.
Final Touches
  1. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir continuously for another 2-3 minutes to let those flavors harmonize.
Combining and Serving
  1. Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet to coat it thoroughly in the creamy sauce. Give it a gentle stir to ensure everything is mixed well.
Garnishing
  1. Serve piping hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a beautiful finish.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. When reheating, add a splash of beef broth or milk to return creaminess. You can freeze for up to three months, though the pasta texture may alter slightly upon reheating.