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Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta - featured image

This Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a quick, comforting family dinner featuring savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a creamy, garlicky parmesan sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleaser perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean recommended)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • Up to 1/2 cup reserved pasta water
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish, optional)
  • Extra parmesan, for serving (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until just al dente (about 10-12 minutes). Reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set aside.
  2. While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
  3. Add chopped onion to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Lower the heat to medium. Pour in heavy cream and stir well, scraping up any browned bits from the pan. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly. Add freshly grated parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.
  5. Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce is silky and coats the noodles. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Spoon the pasta into bowls. Top with extra parmesan and fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.

Notes

For best results, use freshly grated parmesan for a smooth sauce. Save some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency. Let the pasta rest in the sauce for a minute before serving to absorb more flavor. Easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets by swapping pasta and cream/cheese. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in the fridge; add a splash of milk or water when reheating.

Nutrition

Keywords: beef pasta, parmesan garlic pasta, bowtie pasta, easy dinner, 30 minute meal, family dinner, creamy pasta, ground beef recipe