Name: Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American/Italian-inspired
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 3 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a delicious and comforting dish that combines tender ground beef, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich, garlicky Parmesan cream sauce. It’s a perfect meal when I want something hearty yet easy to prepare, with a smooth, flavorful sauce that brings everything together beautifully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it strikes the perfect balance between creamy and savory. The garlic and Parmesan create a luscious sauce that coats every bite of pasta and beef. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but fancy enough to impress guests. Plus, bowtie pasta adds a nice texture and looks great on the plate!

Ingredients

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

Ground beef
Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Garlic cloves
Butter
Heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning (optional)
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by cooking the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then draining it and setting it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and add the ground beef, seasoning it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I cook it until browned and fully cooked, then remove excess fat if needed.
Next, I add butter and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt.
I pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine, and bring it to a gentle simmer.
Then, I stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt and thicken the sauce.
Finally, I toss the cooked pasta into the skillet, mixing everything so the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
I garnish with fresh parsley for a bit of color and extra freshness before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes roughly 25 to 30 minutes from start to finish, making it a great option for a quick, satisfying meal.

Variations

I sometimes switch up this recipe by adding sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies. You can also swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken if you want a lighter protein. For a bit of heat, I like adding red pepper flakes into the sauce. If I want to make it extra cheesy, I sprinkle some mozzarella on top before serving.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. While bowtie pasta works perfectly, I’ve also used penne, rotini, or fettuccine with great results.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! I swap the ground beef for sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives to keep the creamy flavor while making it vegetarian-friendly.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

I find it best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately a day ahead. Just combine and warm everything up before serving.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

Half-and-half or whole milk with a little cornstarch can work, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

If the sauce is too thin, I let it simmer a little longer to reduce. Adding more Parmesan cheese also helps thicken it up nicely.

Conclusion

I really enjoy making this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta whenever I want a comforting, flavorful meal that’s simple to prepare. The creamy Parmesan sauce paired with savory beef and tender pasta makes it a satisfying dinner that my whole family loves. It’s versatile, easy to customize, and perfect for any occasion—definitely a go-to recipe in my kitchen.