This creamy garlic Parmesan bowtie pasta with beef is a warm and comforting dish. The pasta is fun to eat, and the rich sauce coats everything just perfectly!
You know, every time I make this, I can’t help but twirl the pasta like I’m in an Italian movie. It’s so cheesy and delicious—what’s not to love? 🍝
Cooking this meal is as easy as boiling pasta and mixing a few ingredients together. I love serving it with a sprinkle of extra cheese and a side salad for a complete meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: Farfalle pasta adds a fun shape and texture. If you don’t have it on hand, any pasta works fine, such as penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time as needed!
Ground Beef: Ground beef provides great flavor and texture. You can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based ground meat if you’re looking for lighter options or aiming for a vegetarian dish.
Heavy Cream: For a lighter sauce, consider using half-and-half or even full-fat coconut milk if you’re dairy-free. It may alter the flavor a bit, but it’s still delicious.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you can’t find it, Pecorino Romano is a nice alternative. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Make Sure My Pasta is Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking pasta might seem simple, but it can be tricky. To get perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, follow these steps:
- Salt your boiling water generously. It should taste like the sea, as this flavors the pasta.
- Check the package for cooking times, but start tasting the pasta a minute or two early. You want it “al dente,” which means firm to the bite.
- Once cooked, immediately drain it but reserve a cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can help thin out sauces later.
- Don’t rinse the pasta. It helps the sauce cling better!
Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta and Beef:
- 12 oz (340g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Sauce:
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (or beef broth)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
For Garnish:
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare and cook. You’ll spend a few minutes boiling the pasta while the beef and sauce are cooked simultaneously for an easy one-pan meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once it’s boiling, add the bowtie pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente, meaning it should still have a slight bite to it. When it’s ready, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Aromatics:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté it until it becomes translucent and soft, about 3-4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if you want a little kick). Cook for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant, but be careful not to burn it!
3. Brown the Beef:
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Season it with salt and black pepper. Break the meat up with a spoon as it cooks, and let it brown for about 6-8 minutes, until fully cooked. If there’s any excess fat, drain it before moving to the next step.
4. Make the Sauce:
Stir in the chicken broth, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This adds great flavor! Reduce the heat to medium-low, then add the butter and stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, making sure everything is well combined.
5. Add Cheese and Combine:
Gradually sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. It should look rich and inviting!
6. Combine It All Together:
Now, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss it gently to coat the pasta with the delicious creamy sauce.
7. Final Touches:
Give it a taste and adjust any seasoning with more salt and pepper as desired. Before serving, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and, if you like, sprinkle a bit more Parmesan cheese on top.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Your creamy garlic Parmesan bowtie pasta with beef is now ready to enjoy! Serve it warm and watch everyone dig in. It’s sure to become a family favorite!
FAQ
Can I Use a Different Type of Pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta (farfalle) adds a fun shape, you can use any pasta you have on hand, like penne, rotini, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type you choose!
How Can I Make This Dish Lighter?
If you’re looking to lighten it up a bit, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even a non-dairy milk, like almond or coconut milk. Just keep in mind that the sauce may be less rich.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can! You can prepare the dish up to the point of combining the pasta with the sauce. Store it in the fridge for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if needed.
What Should I Serve with This Pasta?
This creamy pasta pairs well with a variety of sides! Consider serving it with a simple green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.
