This creamy garlic parmesan bowtie pasta is a comforting treat, packed with tasty beef and a rich sauce. It’s like a hug in a bowl that’s sure to please everyone!
No need for fancy dinner plans; this dish comes together easily. I love serving it with a sprinkle of parsley on top—makes it feel a little special every time! 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: This fun shape holds sauce well! If you can’t find bowtie, use other pasta shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni for a similar experience.
Ground Beef: I love using ground beef for its flavor. You could swap it with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option, or even veggie crumbles for a meatless meal.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives a great punch! If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works as well, using about 1/8 teaspoon per clove needed, but fresh really is best.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce creamy! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use half-and-half, or even a plant-based cream if you’re going dairy-free.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated cheese always melts better. But you can replace it with Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version!
How Can I Get My Sauce Creamy and Well-Seasoned?
The secret to a rich, creamy sauce is in the right simmering technique. After adding the cream and cheese, make sure to stir constantly over low heat. This helps blend and thicken the sauce without scalding.
- Keep the heat low to avoid separating the cream.
- Adding the Parmesan a little at a time helps it melt evenly, creating a smooth texture.
- Don’t forget to taste! Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper, or even a touch more garlic if you love that flavor.
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta With Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Pasta and Meat:
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
For The Sauce:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth or beef broth
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish will take about 20 minutes to prepare and cook! In just a short time, you can have a delicious creamy pasta meal ready to serve.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it’s boiling, add your bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Make sure to drain the pasta and set it aside when it’s done.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned. Use a spoon to break it apart as it cooks, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the browned beef in the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute, just until the garlic becomes fragrant—be careful not to let it burn!
4. Add the Broth:
Next, pour in the chicken or beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any tasty brown bits from the bottom of the pan; this adds great flavor!
5. Make It Creamy:
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Slowly stir in the heavy cream and the grated Parmesan cheese until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy. If you’re using Italian seasoning, add it now!
6. Season It Up:
Taste your sauce and season it with salt and pepper to your liking. Remember, a little goes a long way!
7. Combine the Pasta:
Add the cooked bowtie pasta back into the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is coated with that creamy, cheesy goodness.
8. Heat It Through:
Let it all cook together for an additional 1-2 minutes until everything is heated through.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Once ready, serve your creamy garlic Parmesan bowtie pasta hot. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if you like. Dig in and enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! If you don’t have bowtie pasta, you can substitute it with other shapes like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time as needed based on the pasta you choose.
What If I Don’t Have Heavy Cream?
No problem! You can use half-and-half for a lighter version, or try evaporated milk for a similar creaminess. Just keep in mind that it might not be quite as rich as heavy cream.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine them just before serving to keep the pasta from absorbing too much sauce. You can store both components in the fridge for up to 2 days.
How Do I Reheat Leftovers?
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent it from becoming too thick. Stir occasionally until heated through.
