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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta in a rustic white ceramic bowl.

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A quick and comforting one-pan meal featuring savory ground beef and bowtie pasta in a rich, creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this family-friendly dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 12 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced
  • 4-5 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions for al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no pink remains. Drain any excess grease if needed.
  3. Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the Italian seasoning and smoked paprika (if using).
  4. Pour in the beef broth, using a spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the heavy cream.
  6. Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until it melts smoothly into the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  7. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss until every piece is coated in the creamy sauce.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.

Notes

Always reserve pasta water to help emulsify and adjust the sauce. For a smoother sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan from a block instead of pre-grated. The dish can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheated with a splash of broth or milk.

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