Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners. With tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, and a luscious Parmesan sauce, it’s both easy to make and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 oz Bowtie pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Step 2: Add minced garlic and chopped onion to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Step 3: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Mix well to combine all flavors.
- Step 4: Add butter, beef broth, and bowtie pasta to the skillet. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender and liquid is mostly absorbed (about 12-15 minutes).
- Step 5: Lower heat and stir in half and half, Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook gently until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
- Step 6: Remove from heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top before serving. Adjust seasoning if needed and enjoy warm.
Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.
- For extra creaminess, add a splash more half and half or a dollop of cream cheese.
- Swap bowtie pasta for penne or rotini if preferred.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra vegetables and flavor.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to taste for more or less heat.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, feel free to substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or any short pasta you have on hand. The cooking time may vary slightly.
Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?
You can make it dairy-free by using non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk and omitting the Parmesan or substituting it with a dairy-free cheese alternative.
PrintCreamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe
A rich and comforting Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta that combines savory ground beef with a luscious garlic-infused sauce, tender bowtie pasta, and a generous amount of Parmesan cheese to create a deliciously satisfying meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Meat and Oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Dairy and Liquids
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
Pasta
- 8 oz Bowtie Pasta
Garnish
- 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the aromatics and beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Add seasoning and butter: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes to the cooked beef mixture. Add the butter and allow it to melt, incorporating it evenly throughout the beef and aromatics.
- Cook the pasta: Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the beef mixture and bring it to a simmer. Add the 8 oz of bowtie pasta to the skillet, stirring to combine. Cover and cook for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is tender and has absorbed most of the broth.
- Make it creamy: Lower the heat to medium-low and stir in the half and half (or whole milk) along with the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce has thickened to a creamy consistency, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust salt or seasoning if necessary.
- Finish and garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Give it a final stir before serving warm for a comforting and creamy meal.
Notes
- You can substitute half and half with whole milk for a lighter sauce or heavy cream for a richer taste.
- Bowtie pasta works well but any short pasta like penne or rotini may be used.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
- For a more intense garlic flavor, roast the garlic before mincing.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Creamy parmesan pasta, garlic beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, creamy beef pasta, easy weeknight dinner

