Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta! It’s this rich and flavorful dish that comes together in a flash, making it my go-to when I want something comforting yet easy to whip up. I remember the first time I made it; I was craving something creamy and savory, and this pasta did not disappoint! The combination of ground beef, fragrant garlic, and luscious parmesan cheese creates a sauce that’s simply irresistible. And the best part? It’s ready in about 30 minutes! Trust me, once you try this creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta, you’ll be hooked, and it might just become a staple in your kitchen like it is in mine!
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, let’s cook that bowtie pasta! Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the 8 oz of bowtie pasta. Cook according to package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Once it’s done, drain it and set it aside—don’t forget to save a little pasta water for later!
- While the pasta is cooking, grab a large skillet and heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, toss in the 1 lb of ground beef. Cook it for about 5-7 minutes, breaking it up as it browns. You want it all nice and crumbled, with no pink remaining.
- Now, let’s add some flavor! Stir in the 3 cloves of minced garlic and cook for just 1 minute until it’s fragrant—careful not to burn it! Then, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and bring this beautiful mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Next, add in the 1 cup of grated parmesan cheese along with the 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Stir everything together until the cheese melts into that creamy sauce. If it feels too thick, remember that saved pasta water? Add a splash to reach your desired consistency!
- Finally, combine the cooked bowtie pasta with the beef sauce. Toss everything together, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve it hot and enjoy every creamy, garlicky bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights!
- Rich, creamy sauce that clings beautifully to the bowtie pasta.
- Irresistible flavors of garlic and parmesan that will have you coming back for seconds.
- Satisfying and hearty, thanks to the ground beef and creamy goodness.
- One-pot meal means less cleanup and more time to enjoy with family.
- Customizable to your taste; add veggies or spices for a personal twist!
- Kid-friendly and sure to be a hit at the dinner table.
Equipment List
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Large skillet for cooking the beef and sauce
- Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
- Measuring cups for the cream and cheese
- Measuring spoons for seasoning
- Knife and cutting board for mincing garlic
Ingredient Notes/Substitutions
Let’s talk about some ingredient swaps for this creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta! If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a plant-based cream if you want to keep it dairy-free. Just keep in mind that the sauce might be a bit less rich.
If you’re not a fan of ground beef, no worries! You can easily use ground turkey or even chicken for a leaner protein. For a vegetarian twist, try adding mushrooms or chopped spinach instead of meat—just sauté them until they’re nice and tender.
And don’t forget, if you’re out of parmesan cheese, pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast can be fantastic alternatives! Each swap will bring its own unique flavor to the dish, so feel free to get creative!
Tips for Success
Here are my top tips for making the most delicious creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta that’ll impress everyone at your dinner table!
- Don’t rush the browning: Make sure to let the ground beef brown nicely before adding the garlic. This step builds a deeper flavor base for your sauce!
- Fresh garlic makes a difference: Always use fresh garlic instead of pre-minced for the best flavor. It really elevates the dish!
- Adjust the creaminess: If the sauce is thicker than you like, just add a splash of that reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. It’s a game changer!
- Season as you go: Taste your sauce before serving! A little extra salt or pepper can really enhance the flavors. Don’t hesitate to adjust to your liking.
- Garnish for flair: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or extra parmesan on top just before serving. It adds a lovely touch and makes the dish look extra inviting!
- Pair with sides: Serve with a side salad or some crusty bread to soak up that creamy sauce. It rounds out the meal perfectly!
With these tips, you’ll be on your way to creating a creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta that everyone will rave about! Happy cooking!
Variations
If you’re looking to mix things up with your creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta, I’ve got some delicious ideas for you! One of my favorite ways to add a pop of color and nutrition is by tossing in some fresh vegetables. You can sauté spinach, broccoli, or bell peppers along with the garlic for a vibrant addition that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.
Feeling adventurous? Try switching up the pasta shape! While bowtie is fun, fusilli or penne can hold onto that luscious sauce just as well. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta—it’s just as satisfying!
And if you want to take it to the next level, consider adding some cooked bacon or Italian sausage for an extra layer of flavor. You can even experiment with different cheeses like asiago or a touch of ricotta for a creamy twist. The possibilities are endless, so let your taste buds guide you! Enjoy experimenting!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Alright, let’s talk about what to do with those tasty leftovers of creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta! First off, make sure to let the pasta cool completely before storing it. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days—perfect for those busy days when you need a quick meal!
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheating is super simple. You can warm it up in the microwave, but I recommend using a skillet on the stovetop for the best results. Just add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen up the sauce, and heat it over medium-low until warmed through. This way, you’ll keep that creamy goodness intact. Enjoy every delicious bite again!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for a serving of my creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta. Each serving (about 1 cup) contains approximately:
- Calories: 600
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keep in mind that these values are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. But hey, a little indulgence never hurt anyone, right?
What to Do Next
I can’t wait to hear how your creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta turns out! If you give it a try, please leave a comment below and let me know your thoughts or any fun twists you made. I absolutely love hearing about your cooking adventures! And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to share it on social media with your friends and family. Trust me, they’ll thank you for introducing them to this delicious dish. Happy cooking, and enjoy every creamy bite!
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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Ready in 30 Minutes
A rich and flavorful creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta dish.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned.
- Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Stir in heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Add parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning, stirring until the cheese melts.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the beef sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve hot and enjoy.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add chopped parsley as a garnish.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta