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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Hearty ground beef and bowtie pasta coated in a thick, rich, and creamy Parmesan garlic sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Dish
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 1 lb Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) Or other short pasta
Beef Base
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Lean recommended
  • 1 tbsp Olive Oil
  • 1 large Onion Diced
  • 4-6 cloves Garlic Minced, to taste
Creamy Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
  • 1.5 cups Heavy Cream For thick consistency
  • 1 cup Parmesan Cheese Freshly grated, plus garnish
  • 0.5 cup Reserved Pasta Water Essential for viscous sauce
  • 0.5 tsp Dried Italian Seasoning
  • Salt & Black Pepper To taste
  • 1 tbsp Fresh Parsley Chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large deep skillet or Dutch oven
  • Large pot for pasta

Method
 

  1. Cook bowtie pasta al dente. Reserve 1 cup starchy pasta water.
  2. Brown ground beef in a skillet. Drain fat. Add diced onion, cook 5 mins. Stir in minced garlic and Italian seasoning, cook 1 min. Season with salt/pepper.
  3. Add butter, then heavy cream. Simmer for 3-5 mins, stirring, until sauce begins to develop a heavy, viscous consistency.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Stir in 1 cup fresh Parmesan until melted and sauce is smooth and thick. Gradually add reserved pasta water (1/4 cup at a time) until sauce is gooey and coats a spoon.
  5. Add cooked pasta to the skillet with beef and sauce. Toss gently to coat everything in the thick, creamy Parmesan sauce.
  6. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan. Serve warm.

Notes

Use heavy cream for the richest, thickest sauce. Freshly grated Parmesan is key for smooth melting. Reserve pasta water—it's essential for achieving the gooey, viscous texture. This dish is designed to be very hearty and comforting.