Name: Indulgent Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 1 lb ground beef; 1 cup heavy cream; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tablespoons butter; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

If you’re craving cozy comfort in a bowl, this Indulgent Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef delivers big time. Imagine tender bowtie noodles coated in a luscious garlic-Parmesan sauce with savory seasoned beef, all topped with a shower of freshly grated cheese and fresh parsley. This dish feels like your favorite Italian-American takeout, only better—and ready in under 30 minutes.

It’s a weeknight game-changer and dinner party pleaser wrapped into one. Whether you need a satisfying meal after a long day or want to impress guests without breaking a sweat, this creamy pasta has your back. It’s rich, flavorful, and so easy to make you’ll wonder why you ever ordered out.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) is perfect here. Its fun shape and ridges catch the creamy sauce beautifully. But if you’re out, penne, rigatoni, or rotini make great substitutes. Avoid thinner noodles like angel hair—they won’t hold up as well to the sauce.

Ingredients for the Indulgent Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)
Provides the perfect bite and holds onto the creamy sauce in every curve.

Ground Beef
Savory, juicy, and quick to cook—it gives the dish heartiness and protein.

Heavy Cream
This is what makes the sauce rich and silky. Don’t substitute with milk unless you want a thinner texture.

Garlic
A must-have flavor booster. Fresh minced garlic is ideal for that fragrant depth.

Parmesan Cheese
Adds sharp, nutty flavor and melts right into the sauce for extra creaminess.

Butter
Helps saute the garlic and enhances the richness of the sauce.

Beef Broth
Used to deglaze the pan and adds another layer of umami to the sauce.

Italian Seasoning
Balances the creamy elements with herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme.

Salt and Black Pepper
Season to taste—start light and adjust as needed.

Fresh Parsley (Optional)
Garnish for a burst of color and freshness.

How To Make the Indulgent Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink. Break it apart with a spoon and season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 3: Saute the Garlic

Push the beef to one side of the skillet and melt butter on the other side. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Step 5: Stir in the Cheese

Lower the heat and slowly stir in the grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Combine Everything

Add the drained bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss until fully coated with the sauce. Let it sit for a minute so the pasta absorbs the flavors.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Top with additional Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley. Serve warm and enjoy the indulgent flavors in every bite.

How to Serve and Store This Creamy Pasta Dish

Serve this garlic Parmesan bowtie pasta hot and fresh from the skillet. It’s ideal as a stand-alone meal but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or some warm garlic bread.

If you have leftovers (lucky you!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce and warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Avoid freezing—the creamy sauce tends to separate once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or even chicken makes a leaner alternative without losing flavor. You may want to season it a bit more.

How can I make this spicier?

Add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic or stir in a dash of hot sauce for heat.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

Chicken broth or even vegetable broth works in a pinch. Just taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Not by default, but you can swap in gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and Parmesan are gluten-free labeled.

Can I add vegetables to this?

Yes! Baby spinach, peas, or sautéed mushrooms are great add-ins and blend well with the creamy sauce.

How do I keep the sauce from clumping?

Make sure to lower the heat before adding the Parmesan and stir it in gradually. That helps it melt smoothly.

Want More Pasta Ideas with Creamy Comfort?

If you love this indulgent garlic Parmesan pasta, these other delicious dishes are worth adding to your dinner rotation:

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Tortellini with Sausage and Broccoli for a veggie-packed twist.
One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta if you want fewer dishes and max flavor.
Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a bold cheesy bite.
Creamy Cheesy Garlic Butter Rigatoni with Savory Beef when you’re craving richness to the max.
Skillet Ricotta Pasta with Roasted Broccoli for a lighter, skillet-based option.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

Let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the garlic or sneak in extra cheese? Did your kids ask for seconds?

I love seeing your creations and swaps! For more creamy, beefy, or cheesy dinner inspiration, follow me on Pinterest @hallarecipes.

Indulgent Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A rich, creamy pasta dish made with tender bowtie noodles, seasoned ground beef, garlic, and a luscious Parmesan sauce. It’s cozy, indulgent, and perfect for weeknights or when you need a fast but comforting dinner.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Season lightly with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed.

3. Push the beef to one side of the skillet and melt butter on the other side. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

4. Pour in beef broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

5. Reduce heat to low and stir in grated Parmesan gradually, mixing until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

6. Add the cooked pasta and toss until fully coated in the creamy beef sauce. Let sit for a minute to absorb flavor.

7. Serve immediately, topped with more Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.