Rich, savory, and ultra-satisfying, this one-pan pasta dish combines ground beef, garlic, and a creamy parmesan sauce with tender bowtie pasta. It’s comfort food with bold flavor and simple ingredients — perfect for a cozy dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes.
Quick Description
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, family-friendly dinner made with seasoned ground beef, a garlic-packed creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. With just one skillet and a handful of pantry staples, this recipe is ideal for quick weeknights or casual entertaining.
Servings & Timing
Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Beef & Garlic Base
- 1 lb (≈ 450 g) ground beef
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 5–6 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)
For the Sauce
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter option)
- ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (for deeper flavor)
For the Pasta
- 12 oz (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- Salt for boiling water
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for richness)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Toss with a bit of olive oil or butter to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked through (about 6–8 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning if using. Remove excess grease if needed.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Add the minced garlic directly to the cooked beef. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Simmer gently for 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until sauce is smooth and slightly thickened.
Step 5: Combine & Finish
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce. If needed, add a splash of reserved pasta water or more cream to loosen the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Step 6: Serve
Serve hot, garnished with extra parmesan and chopped parsley.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve with garlic bread or a simple side salad
- Pair with roasted vegetables for a balanced meal
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach directly to the skillet for extra greens
Tips for Success
- Freshly grated parmesan melts best and gives better flavor than pre-shredded
- Don’t overcook the garlic — it should be fragrant, not browned
- For an extra creamy sauce, stir in 1 tablespoon cream cheese at the end
- Bowtie pasta can be swapped with penne, rotini, or fusilli
Health & Nutrition Notes
- High in protein from beef and cheese
- Easily adaptable to lower-carb diets by using keto-friendly pasta
- Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version
- Can be made gluten-free with gluten-free pasta
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of cream or milk to rehydrate the sauce
- Not ideal for freezing due to the dairy-based sauce, but possible if needed
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use milk instead of cream?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner. Whole milk works best. You can add a bit of flour or cream cheese to thicken it.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. Cook everything and store in the fridge. Reheat with a bit of added liquid to revive the sauce.
Can I add vegetables?
Absolutely. Try mushrooms, spinach, peas, or steamed broccoli.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick, creamy, and packed with flavor
- Uses simple ingredients
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Easily customizable for different diets or preferences
- Ready in just 30 minutes
Final Thought
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is the kind of cozy, satisfying dish you’ll want to add to your regular dinner rotation. Whether you serve it on a weeknight or for a casual gathering, it’s sure to hit the spot every time.
