Looking for a cozy dinner that tastes like Sunday supper but only takes about 35 minutes from start to finish? This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is about to earn its rightful spot in your weekly rotation.
And yes, the primary keyword made its delicious entrance already—because when something this comforting, creamy, and downright crave-worthy lands on your table, it deserves the spotlight.
As someone who spent childhood nights watching my mama stir big pots of creamy pastas on a Texas stovetop, and who now manages weekday chaos in a New York kitchen, I can confidently say: this dish is the best of both worlds—fast and hearty, simple but satisfying.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Ready in just 35 minutes
- Picky-eater-approved
- Comfort food that doesn’t require a nap afterward
- Leftovers? Even better the next day
- One skillet (plus a pot for pasta), zero stress
And did I mention how creamy it is? It’s like your favorite mac and cheese grew up, got married, and had deliciously beefy babies with garlic and Parmesan.
What Does Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Taste Like?
Oh honey, it’s rich, savory, and creamy with a gentle kick from red pepper flakes (totally optional if spice isn’t your thing). The garlic brings boldness, the Parmesan adds that nutty, salty depth, and the bowtie pasta is just plain fun.
Every bite has that luscious, velvety sauce that clings to the pasta and ground beef like it’s giving it a warm hug. And really—who doesn’t want a warm hug after a long day?
What You’ll Need for This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Let’s talk ingredients—not just what you need, but why you need it, and how each one helps this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta sing with flavor.
This isn’t just a list; think of it as a mini prep guide to help you shop, prep, and cook with confidence. I’ve also included a helpful slow cooker garlic butter chicken recipe if you’re looking for another comforting garlic-forward dinner.
Here’s what you’ll need, and why:
1 pound ground beef: Start with lean ground beef (I usually go for 85/15 or 90/10) for rich flavor without too much grease. Ground beef gives this pasta its hearty, satisfying base. If you’re craving a lighter version, ground turkey works, but it won’t bring the same depth.
3 teaspoons olive oil: Used for browning the beef and giving that golden, flavorful crust. Olive oil also adds a subtle fruitiness that balances the rich sauce. It’s simple, but essential.
5–6 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the soul of this dish. The more the better, in my opinion! I use 5-6 fresh cloves (not the jarred stuff!) to infuse the sauce with bold, savory flavor. The garlic mellows as it cooks and blends beautifully into the creamy texture.
1 small onion, finely chopped: A chopped onion adds sweetness and helps build a flavorful base. Don’t skip it—even picky eaters who “don’t like onions” won’t notice them once cooked down. They practically melt into the sauce.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Think of this as a secret weapon. Just a splash gives your ground beef a meaty, umami punch that makes people go, “What is that flavor?”
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Dried Italian herbs (typically a mix of oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary) bring balance to the rich dairy and beef. You can make your own, but store-bought is just fine.
½ teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds subtle warmth and a whisper of smoky flavor that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it. Trust me—it’s worth adding.
3 tablespoons butter: Butter makes everything better, right? Here it adds richness and helps bind the broth and cheese together into a silky, luscious sauce.
3 cups beef broth: This replaces heavy cream or wine that’s used in more traditional creamy pastas. It adds savory depth and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy. Use low sodium if you’re watching salt levels.
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle): These adorable pasta “bows” catch the creamy sauce in all the right places. If you have kids, they’ll love the shape. If not, they still make the dish feel fancy. Penne or shells work as substitutes, but bowties are best for this creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Do yourself a favor and skip the green-can stuff. Freshly grated Parmesan melts into the sauce and creates that signature nutty, creamy bite. It’s what gives this pasta its name—and its irresistibly rich flavor.
¾ cup half and half (or whole milk): This lightens the sauce just enough while keeping it creamy. Whole milk works if that’s what you’ve got. Want to go dairy-free? Try coconut milk, though the flavor will shift.
½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste): Simple seasoning goes a long way. Always taste at the end and adjust—especially if your Parmesan is salty.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Classic. Necessary. Adds a little edge without being overpowering.
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Totally optional, but highly recommended. A small pinch adds gentle warmth and balance to all that richness. You can dial it up or leave it out depending on your heat tolerance.
1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Not just a pretty garnish—fresh parsley brightens up this otherwise heavy dish and adds just a touch of herbal freshness.
How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
This dish is everything I love about home cooking: simple ingredients, no-fuss prep, and a finish that tastes like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen. Whether you’re wrangling hungry kids after work or just craving something cozy and creamy (without breaking the bank), this recipe hits the mark.
Follow along and I’ll walk you through exactly how to make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, one delicious step at a time.
Step 1: Start with the Ground Beef
In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat 3 teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add 1 pound of ground beef.
Break the beef apart with a wooden spoon or spatula, cooking until browned all the way through. This usually takes about 6–8 minutes.
Tip: Want to make this dish feel even more indulgent? Let the beef sit untouched for a minute or two before stirring—it helps develop a beautiful sear.
Drain any excess fat if necessary. This helps keep the sauce from getting greasy.
Step 2: Add the Aromatics
To the same skillet, add 1 finely chopped small onion and 5–6 cloves of freshly minced garlic. Stir it all together and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and the garlic is golden and fragrant.
By now, your kitchen should smell absolutely amazing.
Step 3: Season the Flavor Base
Now’s the time to bring in the depth:
- Add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Add ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Give everything a good stir so the spices bloom in the heat. Let it all cook together for about 1 minute. These simple seasonings transform your basic beef into something rich, comforting, and full of flavor.
If you love these easy, comforting dishes, you’ll also adore this slow cooker cheesy mozzarella chicken—same cozy vibes, different protein.
Step 4: Add Butter and Broth
Next, add 3 tablespoons of butter right into the skillet. Let it melt down and coat everything.
Once melted, pour in 3 cups of beef broth. Bring it all to a simmer and let it bubble gently for about 3–4 minutes. This step reduces the broth slightly and builds the foundation of our creamy sauce.
Step 5: Meanwhile, Cook the Bowtie Pasta
While the broth simmers, boil a large pot of salted water. Add 8 ounces of bowtie pasta (farfalle) and cook according to the package directions until just al dente—usually about 10 minutes.
Drain the pasta but do not rinse. You want that starch to help the sauce cling to the pasta later.
Need dinner on the table in a snap? Keep some cooked pasta frozen in resealable bags. Just toss it into the skillet in Step 7.
Step 6: Build the Creamy Sauce
Turn the skillet heat down to medium-low. Slowly pour in ¾ cup of half and half (or whole milk if preferred). Stir gently to combine with the broth.
Then, stir in 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese, one handful at a time, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce. The mixture will thicken slightly and turn creamy—this is where the real magic happens.
Step 7: Season to Taste
Add the following:
- ½ teaspoon salt (you can adjust later)
- ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, but I highly recommend for a little heat!)
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. Want it a little tangier? Add a splash more Worcestershire. Creamier? A bit more cheese never hurts.
Step 8: Combine It All
Add your drained bowtie pasta directly into the skillet. Use tongs or a spatula to gently toss the pasta, coating every bowtie in that rich, garlicky Parmesan beef sauce.
Let it cook together for another 2–3 minutes on low, just to let all those flavors meld into pure comfort food bliss.
Step 9: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with 1–2 tablespoons of freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve hot, straight from the skillet to the plate.
You’ll want to dive in immediately—and honestly, I won’t judge if you do.
BONUS TIP: Make it Your Own
Add sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or even frozen peas in Step 6 for a veggie boost. Craving a Southern twist? Try a dash of hot sauce or even a bit of cheddar mixed in with the Parmesan.
And if you love hearty pasta dishes like this, you’ll definitely want to check out creamy crack chicken gnocchi—a reader favorite and just as comforting.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Grate your own Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese just won’t melt the same.
- Don’t overcook the pasta – It’ll cook a little more in the sauce.
- Control the spice – Skip the red pepper flakes if your crowd’s more mild-mannered.
- Milk swap – You can use whole milk, but half and half makes it richer.
- Add veggies – Spinach, mushrooms, or even peas are welcome here!
Kitchen confession: One night I used leftover rotisserie chicken instead of beef, and it still turned out great. Recipes like this are flexible—just like us on a Friday night with a glass of wine.
Storage
Got leftovers? Lucky you.
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to loosen the sauce.
- Freezer: Not recommended—cream-based sauces can separate.
FAQs
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use a non-dairy milk and dairy-free Parmesan alternative. The sauce won’t be quite as creamy, but still tasty.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or shells work well too—whatever you’ve got in the pantry.
What if I don’t have Worcestershire sauce?
Try a splash of soy sauce or even balsamic vinegar in a pinch.
Conclusion
So there you have it—Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta that’s comforting, family-friendly, and weeknight-easy. This dish hits all the right notes: hearty without being heavy, creamy without being fussy, and flavorful enough to feel like a little celebration.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
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The Best Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta – Quick, Easy & Irresistible
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Calorie
Description
A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting meal.
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
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
3 cups beef broth
8 oz Bowtie Pasta
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, drain any excess fat if necessary.
2. Add the chopped onion and garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
3. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let the mixture cook for another minute to combine the flavors.
4. Add butter to the skillet and allow it to melt, then pour in the beef broth. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions in a separate pot, draining once cooked and setting it aside.
6. Once the broth has reduced a bit, stir in the half and half (or whole milk), and add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese has melted.
7. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld together for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Continue stirring until the pasta is evenly coated and everything is well mixed.
9. Serve the creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
For a lighter version, you can substitute the half and half with milk or a non-dairy alternative.
This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
Keywords: creamy pasta, ground beef, parmesan, garlic, bowtie pasta, comfort food
