I love making comforting meals that come together fast, especially when they involve creamy sauces. Today, I’m sharing two fantastic recipes perfect for busy weeknights: a hearty Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta With Beef and a quick Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli.
Both dishes focus on simple ingredients and big flavors, making your dinner planning easy and delicious. You’ll find yourself reaching for these recipes often, whether you’re craving pasta with beef or a lighter chicken and veggie option.
Jump to Recipe:
- 1. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta With Beef
- 2. Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta With Beef
This pasta dish is a fantastic way to enjoy a comforting meal with ground beef and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s a satisfying dinner that comes together easily, perfect for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Pasta with Beef
- Ground Beef: Use lean ground beef for less grease, or make sure to drain the fat well after browning it. This helps keep the sauce light.
- Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds so much more taste to the creamy sauce compared to garlic powder. Don’t skip it!
- Pasta Choice: While bowties are great, you can use any medium pasta shape like penne or rotini. They all hold the creamy sauce well.
What You Need for Creamy Beef Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 box (16 oz) bowtie pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
⏱️ Time: 30 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4-6 servings
How to Make Creamy Bowtie Pasta
Step 1: Cook Pasta and Brown Beef
Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until it’s fully browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain any extra fat from the skillet.
Step 2: Create the Creamy Garlic Sauce
Add the minced garlic to the beef in the skillet and cook for about 1 minute until it smells fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, then bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to your taste.
Step 3: Combine and Serve the Dish
Drain the cooked pasta well and add it directly to the creamy sauce with the beef in the skillet. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving it warm.
📝 Final Note
If your sauce becomes too thick as it sits, you can add a splash of pasta water or extra chicken broth to thin it out to your preferred consistency.
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tortellini With Broccoli
This recipe brings together tender chicken, cheesy tortellini, and fresh broccoli in a delicious garlic parmesan sauce. It’s a complete and satisfying meal that’s quick enough for any night.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chicken Tortellini
- Quick Tortellini: For speed, use refrigerated or frozen tortellini; they cook very fast. No need for dry pasta here!
- Broccoli Prep: Fresh broccoli gives the best texture. If you use frozen, you can add it directly to the boiling water or skillet, no need to thaw first.
- Cooked Chicken: This recipe is wonderful for using up leftover cooked chicken or meat from a rotisserie chicken. It makes dinner even faster.
What You Need for Creamy Chicken Tortellini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cups cooked chicken, diced or shredded
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
- 1 lb refrigerated cheese tortellini
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
⏱️ Time: 25 minutes🍽️ Yields: 4 servings
How to Make Creamy Chicken Tortellini
Step 1: Cook Broccoli and Tortellini
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the broccoli florets and cook for 2-3 minutes until they are bright green and tender-crisp. Remove the broccoli with a slotted spoon and set it aside. Add the tortellini to the same pot of boiling water and cook according to the package directions until done.
Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
While the tortellini cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Combine and Serve the Meal
Add the cooked chicken, the prepared broccoli, and the drained tortellini to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything gently to combine and make sure all ingredients are well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. Serve this delicious meal warm.
📝 Final Note
For an extra cheesy finish, sprinkle a little more Parmesan cheese over each serving just before you eat. Enjoy your quick and comforting dinner!