There are some dishes that, once you make them, become staples in your home. For me, one such dish is the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. I remember the first time I made it it was a hectic weeknight, and I was searching for something that was quick yet indulgent enough to please my family. I threw together a few ingredients I had on hand, and within 30 minutes, we were sitting down to a bowl of creamy, garlicky goodness. The combination of tender beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta was an instant hit, and it’s been a family favorite ever since.
This dish is more than just a weeknight dinner; it’s perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a busy Monday evening, a family gathering, or even a casual dinner party, this pasta delivers a comforting and rich flavor that’s sure to impress. The best part is how simple it is to make you don’t need a lot of fancy ingredients, yet the outcome feels luxurious. It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a gourmet chef, even on your busiest days. I love how versatile it is, allowing you to easily adjust the recipe to fit your dietary preferences or what you have available in your pantry.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both satisfying and easy to make, this creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta will quickly become one of your go-to recipes!
Ingredients You’ll Need:
-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
-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
Preparation:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove excess fat, if needed.
Step 2: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine, and cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the liquid.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter, half and half, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce has become creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variation
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is incredibly adaptable, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your personal tastes, dietary restrictions, or what you have available in your kitchen. Here are some creative variations and substitutions that you can try:
Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a meatless version of this dish, it’s easy to swap out the ground beef for plant-based alternatives. You can use lentils or mushrooms to add a savory, hearty base. Mushrooms provide a meaty texture, while lentils offer a nice earthy flavor that complements the creamy sauce. For added protein, consider using tofu or a vegetarian protein substitute that can be sautéed and added in place of the beef.
Gluten-Free Version: To make this recipe gluten-free, simply swap the bowtie pasta for gluten-free pasta. There are many varieties available in stores now, so you can find a pasta shape that mimics the bowtie style or go for a different shape, like gluten-free penne or fusilli. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, such as the Worcestershire sauce and broth, are also gluten-free.
Dairy-Free Version: For those avoiding dairy, you can make this dish dairy-free by substituting the half and half with coconut milk or almond milk. Instead of Parmesan cheese, use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Additionally, swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. These changes will still result in a rich and creamy sauce without any dairy.
Spicy Version: If you like a bit of spice, you can up the heat by adding more red pepper flakes or even incorporating chopped fresh chili peppers into the sautéed onions and garlic. Another great option is to stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce or sriracha with the Worcestershire sauce for an extra punch.
Cooking Notes
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: When cooking the pasta in the beef broth, be careful not to overcook it. You want the pasta to absorb the flavorful broth but still maintain a little bite. Stir occasionally and check for doneness around the 12-minute mark. If you like a softer pasta, you can cook it for an extra 2-3 minutes.
Grate Your Own Parmesan: Using freshly grated Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference in this dish. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can prevent it from melting smoothly. Freshly grated cheese creates a creamier sauce with a much better flavor.
Don’t Skip the Worcestershire Sauce: While it might seem like a small ingredient, Worcestershire sauce adds a depth of flavor to the beef and brings a unique umami quality to the sauce. Don’t skip it, or try substituting with soy sauce for a similar effect.
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Watch the Liquid: Every pasta shape will absorb liquid differently. If the sauce seems too thick toward the end of cooking, feel free to add a little extra beef broth or milk to reach the desired consistency. The sauce should coat the pasta but not be too runny.
Resting Time: Once you’ve finished cooking, let the dish sit for a couple of minutes. This will allow the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the pasta better.
Serving Suggestions
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a hearty and flavorful dish that can stand alone, but there are plenty of ways to enhance your meal with complementary sides. Here are some ideas to create a well-rounded meal:
Garlic Bread: No pasta dish is complete without a slice of garlic bread on the side. The buttery, garlicky bread complements the creamy pasta and adds a nice crunch. You can make your own by spreading butter and minced garlic on slices of French bread, then toasting them in the oven until golden and crispy.
Side Salad: A fresh side salad is the perfect contrast to the richness of the creamy pasta. Consider a simple salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette. You could also add cucumbers, avocado, or olives for extra flavor and texture.
Roasted Vegetables: If you want to sneak in some veggies, roasted vegetables are an excellent choice. You can roast a mix of broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots with a little olive oil and seasoning. The caramelized edges of the roasted veggies will provide a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.
Toppings and Garnishes: For added flavor and presentation, top your pasta with a sprinkle of extra grated Parmesan cheese and a few sprigs of fresh parsley. You could also try a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a dash of red pepper flakes for some extra kick.
Tips
Meal Prep Friendly: This pasta dish makes an excellent option for meal prep. You can make it in advance, store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to eat. Just add a splash of milk or broth while reheating to help restore the creamy texture.
Make it a Freezer Meal: If you want to prepare this dish ahead of time, it can be made and frozen. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat it on the stove. You might need to add a little extra liquid when reheating.
Leftovers: Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop, adding a bit of milk or broth to help restore the creamy texture.
Customize the Cheese: For a different flavor profile, you can experiment with different cheeses. Try adding a bit of mozzarella for a meltier texture, or mix in some fontina for a rich, nutty taste.
Nutritional Information
Per serving (1/4 of the recipe)
Calories: 560
Protein: 34g
Sodium: 820mg
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fat: 34g
Fiber: 3g
Details
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
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