There’s something magical about creamy pasta that just makes everything better — and this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta proves it. Rich, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned, this one-pan meal brings all the comfort of a restaurant dinner right to your kitchen in under 30 minutes.
Juicy ground beef mingles with garlic butter, tender bowtie pasta, and a velvety Parmesan sauce that clings to every bite. It’s cozy, filling, and just right for busy nights when you want something fast yet indulgent.
Whether you’re cooking for your family or planning a dinner for three easy on a weeknight, this recipe delivers creamy perfection with simple ingredients. It’s one of those quick and easy dinner recipes on the go that feels homemade and special, no matter how little time you have.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Quick & easy: Ready in 30 minutes or less — no complicated steps.
- Rich & flavorful: Savory beef meets buttery garlic and Parmesan.
- Family favorite: Comforting, satisfying, and kid-approved.
- One-pan meal: Less mess, easy cleanup, more flavor.
- Versatile: Perfect for weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
- Customizable: Add veggies, swap meats, or make it lighter.
- Budget-friendly: Simple pantry ingredients that go a long way.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for boiling water)
- Salt for pasta water
For the Beef & Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup beef broth
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Optional Add-ins:
- 1 cup baby spinach or peas
- ¼ tsp crushed red pepper for mild heat
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and drizzle with a touch of olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbly, about 5–6 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Add Garlic & Seasonings
Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and onion powder. Cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant — this is what gives your sauce that irresistible aroma.
4. Build the Sauce
Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 3–5 minutes, then reduce heat and stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
5. Combine & Toss
Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet. Toss everything together until the sauce coats each bowtie. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of broth or cream.
6. Garnish & Serve
Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of spice. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Don’t miss our Creamy Potato Soup — it pairs beautifully as a starter for this rich pasta dinner.
How to Serve Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
This pasta is pure comfort in a bowl. Serve it right out of the pan, while the sauce is still glossy and warm. The best part? It pairs perfectly with just about anything — a crisp side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables.
For a family-style meal, set the skillet in the center of the table and let everyone serve themselves. Sprinkle with fresh Parmesan and chopped parsley for that restaurant finish.
If you’re wondering what can I make with ground beef and pasta that feels complete, this dish checks all the boxes. Serve it with steamed broccoli, sautéed spinach, or even a baked potato on the side for a heartier spread.
For date nights or cozy fall dinners, plate the pasta in shallow bowls, drizzle with a touch of olive oil, and serve with a glass of white wine or sparkling water.
Looking for inspiration? Try our Sticky Garlic Chicken Noodles for another quick, saucy, and satisfying dinner idea.
How to Store Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
This creamy garlic beef bowtie pasta keeps beautifully for leftovers — if you have any!
Refrigerate:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The sauce may thicken, but it reheats perfectly with a splash of milk or cream.
Reheat:
Warm gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring in a tablespoon of milk or broth until the sauce loosens. You can also microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.
Freeze:
For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Let thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat slowly for best results.
Make-ahead tip:
Cook the pasta slightly under al dente if you plan to reheat later — this keeps it from going mushy. Store sauce and pasta separately for the freshest texture.
Tips to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Use heavy cream for the richest, creamiest sauce. Half-and-half or evaporated milk works if you want it lighter.
- Freshly grate Parmesan — pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.
- Add veggies like spinach, peas, or roasted mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Deglaze with wine: A splash of white wine adds depth and aroma.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: Slightly firm pasta holds up best in creamy sauces.
- Adjust thickness: Too thick? Add broth. Too thin? Simmer a few minutes longer.
- Finish with butter: Stir in an extra tablespoon before serving for a glossy sauce.
- Try mozzarella: It melts beautifully and adds a stretchy, cheesy texture.
Variations of Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta: Swap beef for diced chicken breast or rotisserie chicken.
- Mushroom Alfredo Twist: Add sautéed mushrooms and spinach for a vegetarian option.
- Spicy Cajun Version: Stir in 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning and a dash of hot sauce.
- Bacon Lover’s Pasta: Mix in crisp bacon bits for a smoky touch.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Add a handful of shredded mozzarella for an ultra-creamy version.
- Vegetable Loaded Pasta: Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes.
- Garlic Shrimp Bowties: Replace beef with shrimp and finish with lemon zest for freshness.
Discover great ideas like our Easy Homemade Butter Chicken if you love rich, creamy, and satisfying sauces.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells work perfectly — just cook until al dente.
2. Can I substitute ground turkey or chicken?
Absolutely. Both are lighter but still pair beautifully with the creamy garlic sauce.
3. How can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes, chili oil, or Cajun seasoning to taste.
4. Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, this pasta is mild and creamy — a guaranteed hit with kids.
5. What side dishes go best?
Garlic bread, Caesar salad, or a cup of creamy potato soup make ideal pairings.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is everything a weeknight dinner should be — fast, rich, and satisfying. The tender bowties soak up every drop of the velvety garlic-Parmesan sauce, while the savory ground beef adds heartiness that makes it a complete meal on its own.
It’s simple enough for busy evenings yet comforting enough to impress. Whether you’re cooking for one, two, or three, this quick recipe with ground beef is sure to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.
Serve it hot, sprinkle on extra cheese, and dig into creamy perfection — because some nights just call for pasta done right.
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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a cozy, one-pan weeknight wonder. Tender farfalle is tossed with a velvety garlic–Parmesan cream sauce and savory ground beef. Ready in 30 minutes and endlessly adaptable—perfect for busy nights, fall comfort cravings, or a quick dinner for three.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil (optional, for the boiling water)
- Kosher salt for pasta water
For the Beef & Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (90–93% lean)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup beef broth (low sodium)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for serving)
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 cup baby spinach or peas
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (extra creamy finish)
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta to al dente according to package directions. Drain; drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Meanwhile, place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 5–6 minutes, breaking it up, until browned. Season lightly with salt and pepper; drain excess fat if needed.
3. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter, then stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook 60–90 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream; stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened, then stir in Parmesan until melted and smooth.
5. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. If using spinach or peas, fold them in now. Adjust consistency with a splash of broth or cream as needed. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
6. Remove from heat. Top with extra Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
Make-ahead: Cook pasta 1 minute shy of al dente if planning leftovers.
Storage: Refrigerate up to 4 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of milk/cream.
Freezer: Freeze up to 2 months; thaw overnight and reheat slowly.
Lighter swap: Use half-and-half; sauce will be slightly thinner.
Cheesier version: Stir in 1/2 cup mozzarella at the end for extra creaminess.
Protein swaps: Ground turkey or chicken work well; adjust seasoning to taste.
Vegetable boost: Add sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, One-Pan
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 730mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg