This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Beef is a comforting dish that brings together tasty pasta, tender beef, and a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with flavor!
The best part? It comes together quickly, making it perfect for a busy weeknight. I love serving it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for that extra pop! 🍝✨
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: Using bowtie (farfalle) pasta adds a fun shape and texture. If you can’t find it, other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli work well too. Just keep an eye on cooking times!
Ground Beef: I love using lean ground beef for this dish. You could substitute ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a lighter option. For a vegetarian twist, try using lentils or a plant-based ground meat substitute.
Heavy Cream: Heavy cream gives the sauce its rich and creamy texture. If you want a lighter option, half-and-half or evaporated milk works too, but the sauce may be less thick. For a vegan version, use coconut cream or a plant-based cream alternative.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan adds a lot of flavor. If you’re out, Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast (for a vegan option) can substitute. Just adjust the amount since nutritional yeast has a strong flavor.
How Do I Make Sure the Pasta is Just Right?
Cooking pasta to perfection is all about timing! Here’s how you can do it:
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. The salt helps flavor the pasta.
- Add the bowtie pasta and stir it occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Check the package for al dente cooking times, and taste a piece a minute or two before the suggested time is up. It should be firm but not hard.
- Once cooked, drain the pasta and give it a quick rinse to stop the cooking process, especially if you’re not adding it to the sauce immediately.
Perfectly cooked pasta is essential for a delicious dish, so don’t rush this step!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Beef:
- 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
For the Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Beef takes about 30 minutes to prepare. You’ll spend around 10 minutes cooking the pasta, while the beef and sauce come together in about 15 minutes. Perfect for a quick and comforting meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground beef. Season the beef with salt and pepper. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s nicely browned. If there’s excess fat in the pan, carefully drain it off.
3. Sauté the Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter!
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
Next, pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring until well combined. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for about 3-4 minutes, letting the sauce reduce slightly to thicken it up.
5. Add the Flavor:
Stir in the butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix everything together until the cheese has melted and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss the pasta gently in the sauce, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if you like.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Beef!
FAQ for Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Beef
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta gives a fun shape to this dish, you can substitute it with other pasta types like penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust cooking times according to the package instructions!
What Can I Use Instead of Ground Beef?
If you’re looking for alternatives, ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner option. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version. Adjust the cooking time as needed based on the protein you’re using!
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to serve, simply reheat on the stove, add the cooked pasta, and toss to combine.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
