Name: Creamy Beef Garlic Bowtie Pasta-Easy Weeknight Dinner
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 1 pound 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 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle); 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated; 3/4 cup half and half; 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. If that phrase alone doesn’t make your stomach rumble and your mouth water, you might be immune to pure comfort food bliss. There’s something inherently magical about the combination of tender, savory beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta that hugs every drop of sauce, and the intoxicating aroma of garlic and Parmesan. It’s a dish that whispers tales of cozy weeknight dinners, celebratory family gatherings, and the simple joy of a truly satisfying meal. What truly sets this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta apart is its velvety smooth sauce, infused with a generous amount of sharp, nutty Parmesan and the pungent warmth of roasted garlic. It’s the kind of meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, yet delivers an explosion of flavors that feels utterly gourmet. Get ready to fall head over heels for this irresistible pasta masterpiece!

Ingredients:

1 pound 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 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Searing the Beef and Building Flavor

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

Begin by placing a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the 1 pound of ground beef to the hot skillet. Break it apart with a spoon or spatula as it cooks, ensuring even browning. We’re aiming for a rich, golden-brown color. This process will take about 7-10 minutes. Once browned, drain off any excess grease. A good way to do this is to tilt the pan and spoon out the fat, or use a paper towel to carefully absorb it. This step is crucial for a good flavor base; we don’t want any watery beef influencing our creamy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics and Spices

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the 3 teaspoons of olive oil to the skillet with the browned beef. Now, it’s time to introduce our aromatics. Add the 5-6 cloves of minced garlic and the 1 small onion, finely chopped. Cook, stirring frequently, until the onion is softened and translucent, and the garlic is fragrant, which should take about 3-5 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter. In the last minute of sautéing, stir in the 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. This allows the spices to bloom and release their full aroma and flavor into the mixture, creating a wonderful foundation for our Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta.

Creating the Creamy Sauce and Cooking the Pasta

Step 3: Deglaze and Simmer

Pour in the 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. These little bits are packed with flavor and will contribute significantly to the depth of our dish. Now, add the 3 cups of beef broth to the skillet. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing it to bubble and reduce slightly for about 5 minutes. This simmering process helps to meld all the flavors together beautifully.

Step 4: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

While the beef and broth mixture is simmering, bring a separate large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 8 ounces of bowtie pasta (farfalle) to the boiling water. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite to it. Undercooked pasta will continue to cook in the sauce, so it’s better to err on the side of slightly firm. Once cooked, drain the pasta well, reserving about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. This reserved water is liquid gold for achieving the perfect creamy sauce consistency later on.

Bringing It All Together

Step 5: Finish the Sauce and Combine

Reduce the heat of the beef mixture to low. Add the 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet and stir until it’s completely melted and incorporated into the sauce. Then, gradually stir in the 1 cup of freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is beginning to thicken. Slowly whisk in the 3/4 cup of half and half (or whole milk) until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste the sauce and season with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper, or to your preference. If the sauce seems too thick at this point, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water a tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and beef mixture. Gently toss to coat all the pasta evenly. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the delicious sauce.

Conclusion:

There you have it – a straightforward guide to creating the most delicious Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta! I hope you enjoyed learning how to whip up this comforting and flavorful dish. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight family dinner, a casual get-together with friends, or even a special occasion when you want something a little more elevated without the fuss. The creamy sauce, savory ground beef, and tender bowtie pasta come together in a symphony of tastes and textures that are truly irresistible. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own; that’s the beauty of home cooking!

For serving, this pasta is fantastic on its own, but I often pair it with a crisp green salad and some crusty garlic bread to soak up every last drop of that glorious sauce. If you’re looking for variations, feel free to swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage for a spicier kick, or add in some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables. You could also experiment with different cheeses beyond Parmesan, like a sharp cheddar or a blend of Italian cheeses, for a unique twist on the classic Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta.

I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a wonderful way to enjoy a satisfying and home-cooked meal. Happy cooking!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this pasta ahead of time?

You can cook the beef and prepare the sauce components ahead of time, but it’s best to cook the pasta and combine everything just before serving for optimal texture and creaminess. If you do need to reheat, do so gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

What kind of beef is best for this recipe?

A lean ground beef, such as 85/15 or 90/10, works wonderfully for this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. It provides great flavor without being overly greasy.

Is this recipe spicy?

The base recipe is not spicy. If you prefer a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic, or use a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.