This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a cozy, flavor-packed dish that brings together tender ground beef, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce. It’s the perfect meal for busy weeknights when I want something hearty, comforting, and irresistibly delicious—all made in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how simple yet satisfying this dish is. It uses common pantry staples and still feels like something special. The savory beef, the creamy cheese sauce, and the fun texture of bowtie pasta all work together beautifully. Whether I’m cooking for my family or meal prepping for the week, this recipe is a dependable favorite. Plus, it’s totally customizable if I feel like switching things up.

ingredients

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

Ground beef
Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Minced garlic
Heavy cream
Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
Beef broth or water
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Italian seasoning (optional)
Red pepper flakes (optional, for a touch of heat)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

directions

I start by cooking the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat some olive oil and brown the ground beef until it’s fully cooked and no longer pink. I season it with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
I add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.
Then, I pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine and bring it to a gentle simmer.
I stir in the Parmesan cheese gradually, letting it melt into a smooth and creamy sauce.
I return the cooked pasta to the pan and toss everything together until the bowties are fully coated.
To finish, I sprinkle chopped parsley on top and, if I’m in the mood, a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings and takes roughly 25–30 minutes from start to finish. It’s ideal for a quick weeknight dinner that feels like comfort food but doesn’t require hours in the kitchen.

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef with ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
For extra veggies, I’ve added spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
If I want it lighter, I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
I can also try other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells if bowtie isn’t available.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to bring back the creamy texture. The microwave works too—I just stir halfway through to make sure it heats evenly.

FAQs

How can I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy?

I make sure to use freshly grated Parmesan and add it gradually while stirring constantly. Pre-shredded cheese often has additives that don’t melt as smoothly.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, I often prep the components in advance—cook the pasta and beef ahead, then combine everything when I’m ready to eat. It reheats well with a bit of extra cream.

Is there a non-dairy alternative to the cream?

I’ve used unsweetened oat milk or cashew cream as a dairy-free substitute. The flavor changes slightly but it still turns out creamy and delicious.

Can I freeze this pasta?

I wouldn’t recommend freezing it because creamy sauces can separate when thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days refrigerated.

What can I serve with this pasta?

I usually serve it with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables. Garlic bread also pairs really well if I want something extra indulgent.

Conclusion

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is one of those dishes I keep coming back to—it’s easy, hearty, and packed with flavor. Whether I’m cooking for one or feeding a crowd, this pasta never fails to satisfy. With a few tweaks, I can make it my own every time.

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Author: Linda
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Pasta, One-Pot Meals
Method: Stovetop, Sautéing
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Print Recipe

Description

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a quick, comforting weeknight dinner packed with flavor. Tender ground beef, bowtie pasta, and a luscious Parmesan garlic cream sauce come together in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy families or meal prep!

Instructions

Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in beef broth and heavy cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer.
Gradually stir in Parmesan cheese until sauce is creamy and smooth.
Return pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half.
Swap beef for ground turkey or sausage to switch up the flavor.
Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra nutrition.
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best creamy texture—pre-shredded cheese may result in graininess.
Reheat with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce’s creaminess.