This creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta is a tasty dish that’s full of flavor! The bowtie pasta dances in a rich sauce made with beef and lots of cheesy goodness.
You’ll love how quick it is to whip this up. It’s perfect for busy nights when comfort food is a must. Plus, who can resist that creamy sauce? I definitely can’t! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: I love bowtie pasta for its fun shape! But if you can’t find it, feel free to use any pasta you have on hand, like penne or fusilli. They all work well with creamy sauces.
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds flavor and protein. If you’re aiming for a lighter meal, you could use ground turkey or chicken instead. For a vegetarian option, try crumbled tempeh or a mix of lentils.
Heavy Cream: This makes the sauce rich and creamy. If you want a lighter version, use half-and-half or whole milk. Coconut cream can work too for a dairy-free option, but keep in mind it’ll change the flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan gives the best flavor. If you don’t have it, Pecorino Romano is a great substitute. Nutritional yeast can replace cheese for a dairy-free alternative, adding a cheesy flavor.
How Do I Get the Cream Sauce to Be Just Right?
Creating a smooth creamy sauce is key to this recipe. Here’s how to nail it:
- Make sure to cook the beef until browned, which enhances its flavor.
- After adding the beef broth, let it simmer to concentrate flavors before adding the cream.
- When you stir in the cream, keep the heat low to prevent it from curdling. You want it to heat gently to combine with the other ingredients.
- Lastly, add the cheese gradually, stirring constantly to ensure it melts evenly into the sauce.
Follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy sauce every time!
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 8 oz (225g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Additional Parmesan cheese, for serving
Time Needed:
This delicious dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish. You’ll need around 10 minutes for preparation and about 20 minutes for cooking. A quick and satisfying meal for any day of the week!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm to the bite). Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Continue cooking until the beef is browned. Season it with salt and pepper. If there’s excess fat, feel free to drain it.
3. Add Garlic:
Add the minced garlic to the browned beef and sauté for about 1 minute, just until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn!
4. Incorporate the Broth:
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing it to reduce slightly and enhance the flavors.
5. Make it Creamy:
Reduce the heat to medium. Now, stir in the heavy cream and butter, allowing the sauce to gently simmer and thicken for around 3-5 minutes.
6. Add Cheese and Seasoning:
Next, add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the skillet. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and rich.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy beef sauce. Mix gently until every piece of pasta is well coated in the sauce.
8. Adjust Seasoning:
Take a moment to taste the pasta. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top for that lovely finish. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Whole Wheat Pasta Instead?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta will add a nutty flavor and extra fiber to your dish. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as whole wheat pasta may take a bit longer to cook than regular pasta.
How Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative like cashew cream. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese for that cheesy flavor while keeping it dairy-free!
Can I Add Vegetables to This Dish?
Definitely! Adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can enhance the nutritional value and add color. Just sauté them with the garlic when you add it to the beef, and they’ll cook perfectly in the sauce.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess if needed.
