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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and rich dish combining tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cheese sauce tossed with bowtie pasta. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this hearty meal balances creamy, savory, and fresh flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Meat

  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta
  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)

Sauce

  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Garnish (Optional)

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Bowtie Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 10 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta well, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water for later use in the sauce. Set pasta aside.
  2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper while cooking. Drain any excess fat if desired.
  3. Sauté the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning and release the garlic’s aroma, infusing the beef with depth of flavor.
  4. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir gently as it warms, then gradually add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens. If the sauce becomes too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach the desired sauce consistency.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta evenly with the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce. Cook for an additional 1 to 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with chopped fresh parsley for color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and creamy for the best flavor experience.

Notes

  • Always use freshly grated Parmesan for the richest flavor and smoothest sauce texture.
  • Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when combined with sauce.
  • Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce naturally while keeping it creamy.
  • Add garlic only after the beef is browned to prevent it from burning and turning bitter.
  • Keep heat low when adding cream and cheese to avoid curdling the sauce.
  • You can substitute ground beef with ground chicken, turkey, or plant-based alternatives to suit dietary needs.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream.
  • Freezing is possible for up to 2 months, but sauce texture may slightly change upon thawing.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy pasta, Parmesan garlic pasta, beef pasta recipe, bowtie pasta dish, creamy beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner, comfort food pasta

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