Creamy Parmesan Garlic Pasta in 35 Mins

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta brings together everything I love about weeknight cooking: bold flavors, simple ingredients, and a dish that makes everyone come back for seconds. There’s something magical about the way garlic and Parmesan meld together with tender ground beef and pasta.

I still remember the first time I made a pasta dish like this in my farmhouse kitchen. It was one of those chilly Tuesday evenings when the kids were hungry, and I needed something hearty on the table fast. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter filled every corner of the house, drawing my three children from their homework like moths to a flame. As we sat around our old oak table, twirling bowtie pasta coated in that velvety cream sauce, I knew this recipe would become a regular in our rotation. The combination of savory beef, fragrant garlic, and rich Parmesan creates comfort in a bowl – the kind that warms you from the inside out and reminds you why home-cooked meals matter. Time to get your skillet ready!

What Makes This Creamy Pasta So Special

This recipe has been a lifesaver in my kitchen for years, and I’ve watched it work the same magic for countless families who’ve tried it. It’s the kind of dish that looks and tastes like you’ve spent hours cooking, but the secret is how beautifully everything comes together in just one skillet.

Here’s why this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta belongs in your recipe box:

• Uses pantry staples you likely already have – no specialty store runs required
• Comes together in 35 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy weeknights
• Delivers restaurant-quality flavor with the satisfying richness of garlic and freshly grated Parmesan
• Satisfies the whole family – even my pickiest eater never left a bite on the plate
• Requires just one skillet for the sauce, meaning less cleanup and more time with loved ones
• Adapts easily to your preferences with simple ingredient swaps

I’ve made this dish on countless Tuesday evenings when time was tight, and it’s never let me down. The way the beef broth reduces into that silky cream sauce – it’s pure comfort food magic.

Key Players in This Recipe

Ground beef forms the hearty foundation of this dish, providing rich, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. I always choose 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and moisture.

Fresh garlic is absolutely essential here – those 5-6 cloves might seem like a lot, but they mellow beautifully as they cook, creating that irresistible aroma that fills your kitchen. In my experience, pre-minced garlic from a jar just doesn’t deliver the same punch.

Freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes all the difference in achieving that smooth, luxurious sauce. The pre-shredded stuff contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting properly, so I always grate it fresh from a block.

Beef broth serves as the flavorful base for your sauce, adding depth and richness that water simply can’t match. I prefer low-sodium broth so I can control the salt level in the final dish.

Half and half creates that signature creamy texture without being overly heavy. If you prefer a lighter version, whole milk works well too, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is my go-to shape for this recipe because those little folds catch and hold the creamy sauce perfectly. Every bite delivers that wonderful combination of pasta and cream.

Butter adds another layer of richness and helps create a velvety smooth sauce when combined with the broth and cream. Don’t skip it – those three tablespoons make a real difference.

Worcestershire sauce brings a subtle umami depth that enhances the beef flavor without overpowering the dish. Just one teaspoon does the trick.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1. Browning the beef properly is crucial – heat your large skillet over medium-high heat with the olive oil, then add the ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon until it’s nicely browned with no pink remaining.

Step 2. Betty always adds the onion and garlic at this stage, letting them cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns soft and translucent and your kitchen smells absolutely heavenly.

Step 3. Through trial and error, I learned to stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika now, cooking for just one more minute to let those flavors bloom and coat the beef.

Step 4. Add the butter to your skillet and watch it melt into the beef mixture, then pour in all 3 cups of beef broth and bring everything to a simmer for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly and concentrate the flavors.

Step 5. While that’s simmering, cook your bowtie pasta in a separate pot according to the package directions until al dente – I always test a piece about a minute before the package time suggests to get that perfect texture. Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later if needed.

Step 6. My family prefers when I stir in the half and half and freshly grated Parmesan cheese at this point, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes beautifully creamy and the cheese has completely melted into ribbons of flavor.

Step 7. Betty’s tip: Season with the salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes now, tasting as you go because the Parmesan and broth already add saltiness – let everything meld together for 2-3 minutes.

Keeping This Pasta Fresh

I typically store leftovers of this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it stays fresh for 3-4 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but that’s completely normal – just add a splash of milk or broth when reheating to bring back that creamy consistency.

Betty’s freezing method works well for this dish, though I’ll be honest that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate slightly when frozen. If you do freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and it will keep for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator for the best results.

For the best texture, I reheat by transferring the pasta to a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring gently and adding 2-3 tablespoons of milk or broth to loosen the sauce. The microwave works in a pinch – use 50% power and stir every minute – but the stovetop method gives you that just-made creaminess. Heat it until it’s warmed through completely, about 5-7 minutes on the stove, and it tastes almost as good as the day you made it.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan cheese, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal ready in 35 minutes.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 portions

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-American

Calories: 600

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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 farfalle
• 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

Equipment

• Large skillet (non-stick or cast-iron)
• Large pot for pasta
• Wooden spoon
• measuring cups
• colander

Method

 

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned (6-8 minutes), breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain 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 package instructions in a separate pot. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Drain pasta and set aside.
6. Once the broth has reduced, stir in the half and half and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese has melted completely.
7. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir everything together, allowing the flavors to meld for another 2-3 minutes.
8. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
9. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Always use freshly grated Parmesan for better flavor and creaminess. Feel free to adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference. For a lighter version, substitute half and half with whole milk. Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed.

Perfect Partners for Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette – The bright, acidic dressing cuts through the richness of the creamy pasta beautifully, and the crisp lettuce provides a refreshing contrast to the tender bowtie pasta. I love using mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion.

Garlic bread or crusty Italian bread – There’s nothing better for soaking up every last bit of that Parmesan cream sauce. I brush thick slices with butter and garlic, then toast them until golden and crispy on the edges. For a delicious homemade option, try this easy homemade focaccia bread.

Roasted vegetables – Simple roasted broccoli, green beans, or asparagus add color to your plate and a slightly charred flavor that complements the garlic in the pasta. Try my garlic parmesan roasted broccoli – it’s the perfect side! Toss them with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt before roasting at 425°F for 15-20 minutes.

Caesar salad – Since this pasta already features Parmesan, a classic Caesar salad doubles down on that wonderful cheese flavor while adding crunch from the romaine and croutons.

Steamed or sautéed spinach – This was always a hit at our Sunday dinners because it adds nutrition and a pop of green without competing with the main dish’s rich flavors. A quick sauté with a little garlic ties everything together perfectly.

Caprese salad – When tomatoes are in season, fresh mozzarella, ripe tomatoes, and basil drizzled with balsamic make a light, fresh counterpoint to the hearty pasta that my family requests time and again.

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