If you’re anything like me, you know the magic that happens when garlic meets Parmesan in a creamy pasta sauce—and when you toss in tender beef and bowtie pasta? Pure comfort food bliss. Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel special without turning your kitchen upside down. It’s rich, satisfying, and quick to make—30 minutes from pot to plate!
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Why You’ll Crave This Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
This recipe checks all the boxes. It’s creamy without being heavy, garlicky without being overpowering, and hearty enough to stand on its own or pair with a side salad. Plus, it uses ingredients you likely already have in your pantry or fridge. From the silky Parmesan sauce to the beefy base and the fun texture of bowtie pasta, every bite is layered with flavor.
This pasta is:
- Ready in 30 minutes
- Family-friendly and kid-approved
- Affordable and easy to scale
- Full of savory Italian-inspired flavor
It tastes like a hug in a bowl: buttery, garlicky, cheesy, and comforting. The cream sauce has just enough body to coat the pasta without weighing it down, and the beef adds protein and richness that make it a complete meal.
The Benefits at a Glance
- Time-saving: Done in under 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Simple ingredients like ground beef and pasta.
- Versatile: Add veggies, switch proteins, or tweak the seasoning.
- Leftover-friendly: Tastes just as good reheated the next day.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need for this creamy pasta dish:
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Bowtie (farfalle) pasta | 12 oz |
| Olive oil | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground beef | 1 lb |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves |
| Italian seasoning | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt & black pepper | To taste |
| Heavy cream | 1½ cups |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ¾ cup |
| Beef broth | ½ cup |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
Keep in mind: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a bolder flavor than pre-shredded varieties.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Large skillet or sauté pan
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups/spoons
- Cheese grater
- Colander
These are all pretty standard kitchen tools, making this recipe incredibly accessible.
Swaps, Additions & Substitutions
Want to mix things up? Here are a few tasty ideas:
- Protein swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles
- Dairy alternative: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version
- Veggie boost: Stir in baby spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms
- Extra cheese: Mozzarella, Gruyère, or white cheddar for more creaminess
- Pasta swap: Penne, rotini, or shells if you don’t have bowties on hand
If you’re meal prepping or cooking for picky eaters, this recipe adapts easily to what you have on hand.
Prepping Tips Before You Start
- Salt the pasta water well: It’s the only chance to flavor the pasta itself.
- Cook pasta al dente: It will soak up more sauce that way.
- Drain beef thoroughly: Too much grease will thin your sauce.
- Use fresh garlic: The aroma is a game-changer compared to garlic powder.
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
This recipe is designed to be easy. Whether you’re new to cooking or an experienced home chef, here’s how to get it done:
- Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. - Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Cook until the beef is browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed. - Sauté the Garlic
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. This brings out that irresistible aroma and depth of flavor. - Make the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth. Stir well and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3–4 minutes, just until it thickens slightly. - Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until melted and the sauce becomes silky. - Combine & Serve
Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, coating every piece generously. Serve hot, sprinkled with chopped parsley and a little extra cheese if desired.
What to Serve With This Creamy Pasta Dish
You’ve got a rich, savory pasta here—so keep the sides simple and fresh:
- Garlic bread or breadsticks to mop up the sauce
- Green salad with vinaigrette for contrast
- Roasted veggies like broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini
- Steamed green beans with lemon zest
This recipe is filling, so one light side dish is usually enough.
Expert Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
- Use full-fat cream: It thickens better and prevents curdling.
- Grate your own cheese: Pre-shredded has anti-caking agents that don’t melt well.
- Simmer, don’t boil the cream: Too much heat can separate the sauce.
- Season at every step: Taste as you go and adjust as needed.
These small details add up to big flavor.
Storage & Leftover Tips
This pasta stores beautifully!
- Fridge: Keep in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Microwave gently with a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
- Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This is a great dish for meal prep or next-day lunches.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti work well. Just cook it al dente.
What’s a good substitute for heavy cream?
You can use half-and-half or even whole milk with a tablespoon of butter. The texture will be a little lighter.
How do I make this healthier?
Use lean ground turkey, reduce the cheese slightly, and add veggies like spinach or zucchini to increase nutrition.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook everything, then refrigerate. Reheat with a bit of added cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
Wrap-Up: Why You’ll Make This Again and Again
This Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef is more than a recipe—it’s the answer to “What’s for dinner?” when you want something fast, comforting, and downright delicious. It brings together the best of all worlds: bold garlic, creamy cheese, savory beef, and perfectly textured pasta.
Next time you’re craving a bowl of creamy, hearty pasta, skip the takeout and whip this up. And don’t forget to bookmark it—you’ll want to make it again soon!
More Recipes You’ll Love:
- Try these flavorful Smoky Chicken Ricotta Meatballs for your next cozy dinner.
- Light and summery? This Grilled Chicken with Strawberry Balsamic Glaze is bursting with flavor.
- Need something refreshing on the side? This Halloumi Pomegranate Couscous Salad is always a hit.
We’d Love to See Your Version!
Did you make this Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef? Share your photos on Pinterest or tag us on Facebook! Your kitchen is part of our community.
Approximate Nutrition per Serving (4 Servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 550 kcal |
| Protein | 25 g |
| Fat | 34 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
| Sodium | 410 mg |
Note: Nutritional data is an estimate and may vary based on exact ingredients used.
Print
Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef is a hearty, 30-minute dinner that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. It’s comfort food made simple—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family meals. Save this recipe and make it tonight!
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce is creamy.
Toss in the cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated.
Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Use freshly grated Parmesan for the creamiest results—pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken if preferred.
For a veggie boost, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or peas in the last few minutes.
To reheat leftovers, add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (¼ recipe)
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 410 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 42 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg