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 tbsp olive oil or butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/2 cup beef broth or chicken broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional); Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, hearty dish that combines tender ground beef, rich garlic-Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. I love how satisfying and flavorful it is — like a cozy restaurant-style pasta meal that comes together right in my own kitchen.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s rich, savory, and easy to make with ingredients I usually already have on hand. The creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce coats the bowtie pasta beautifully, and the addition of seasoned ground beef makes it a complete, filling meal. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when I want something warm, flavorful, and family-friendly. 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
Olive oil or butter
Garlic, minced
Onion, finely chopped
Heavy cream
Beef broth or chicken broth
Grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper
Italian seasoning or dried herbs (optional)
Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta
I cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Then I drain and set it aside, saving a bit of pasta water if I need to thin the sauce later.
Cook the beef
In a large skillet, I brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once it’s fully cooked, I drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.
Sauté onion and garlic
In the same skillet, I heat a little olive oil or butter and sauté the chopped onion until soft. Then I stir in the garlic and cook until fragrant — about 30 seconds.
Make the sauce
I pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, then stir in the Parmesan cheese. I season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. I simmer the sauce for 3–5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Combine everything
I return the cooked beef to the pan, then stir in the cooked pasta. I toss everything together until the pasta is coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, I add a splash of reserved pasta water.
Garnish and serve
I top with a little extra Parmesan and fresh chopped parsley before serving warm.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~20 minutes
Total time: ~30 minutes

Variations

I use ground turkey or Italian sausage instead of ground beef
I add spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra veggies
I swap bowtie pasta for penne, rotini, or any pasta I have
I add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat
I top it with mozzarella and broil it for a baked pasta twist

storage/reheating

Refrigerator: I store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezer: I freeze cooled portions in sealed containers for up to 2 months. I thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating: I reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

FAQs

Can I use milk instead of cream?

Yes, but I find the sauce is richer and thicker with heavy cream. Whole milk or half-and-half works in a pinch — I just simmer it a bit longer to thicken.

What pasta works best with this sauce?

I use bowtie pasta for its fun shape and ability to hold the sauce, but almost any short pasta works well — like penne, rotini, or shells.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, I sometimes make the full dish a day ahead. I just reheat it slowly and add a little liquid to refresh the sauce before serving.

Will pre-shredded Parmesan work?

It works, but I prefer freshly grated Parmesan for a smoother sauce. Pre-shredded versions can be drier and don’t melt as evenly.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely — I often add chopped spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms for more texture and nutrition.

Conclusion

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is rich, cozy, and full of flavor. I love how easily it comes together and how versatile it is. Whether I’m feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, it’s a dish that always satisfies — creamy, cheesy, and comfort food at its best.