Name: Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 1 small onion, diced; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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This creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta is the perfect weeknight comfort meal. Tender pasta is tossed with juicy ground beef in a rich, garlicky Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. It’s hearty, flavorful, and comes together fast for those nights when I want something satisfying without too much effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this pasta brings together the richness of Parmesan and the savory taste of ground beef in one creamy, delicious dish. The bowtie pasta gives it a fun, unique texture, and the garlicky flavor is just irresistible. It’s a family-friendly favorite that doesn’t take a lot of work but tastes like I’ve been cooking all day. Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Ground beef
Onion, diced
Garlic cloves, minced
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, grated
Beef broth
Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I start by boiling a pot of salted water and cooking the bowtie pasta until al dente, then I drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until soft.
I add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Then, I stir in the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant.
I pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, letting it simmer gently.
I stir in the grated Parmesan and season with salt and pepper to taste.
I let the sauce thicken slightly, then toss in the cooked pasta, stirring to coat everything evenly.
I garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves about 4 people. It takes around 25–30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Variations

Sometimes I swap ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier flavor.
I add sautéed mushrooms or spinach when I want some extra veggies.
I’ve also used penne or rotini pasta when I don’t have bowtie on hand.
For a lighter version, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I microwave it or warm it on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. I don’t recommend freezing this one, as the cream sauce tends to separate. Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I’ve used penne, rotini, or even spaghetti with great results. Bowtie holds the sauce well, but any pasta works.

How can I make this dish lighter?

I use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream, and I keep the cheese moderate. Lean ground beef helps too.

Can I add vegetables to this?

Definitely. I like stirring in spinach, mushrooms, or even steamed broccoli for added nutrition.

What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?

I reheat it on the stovetop with a bit of milk or broth to bring back the creaminess. Microwave works too for smaller portions.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the sauce and pasta ahead. I store them separately and mix before serving for the best texture.

Conclusion

This creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta is a weeknight hero in my kitchen. It’s simple, satisfying, and loaded with flavor. Whether I’m feeding the family or just want a cozy dish for myself, this recipe always hits the spot.