Lu-Ann Simon December 11, 2025

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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 8 oz bowtie pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 2 tbsp butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup heavy cream; 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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The sun is low and the kitchen smells like warm butter and garlic, the kind of comfort that makes everyone linger at the table. This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe is one of those weeknight winners, rich without being fussy, with tender bowtie pasta cradled in a silky Parmesan sauce and hearty browned beef for a satisfying meal. It is perfect for cozy dinners, casual weekend suppers, or when you want a bowl that feels celebratory but comes together quickly.

Why This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe Works

This dish balances creamy richness with savory beefy depth, so every forkful feels indulgent and grounded at the same time. The bowtie shape catches the sauce in its little folds, giving you creamy bites and chewy pasta texture in each mouthful. The garlic and butter give the aroma that first pulls people into the kitchen, while the Parmesan rounds everything out with a nutty saltiness.

Creamy sauce clings to bowties for great texture
Browning the beef creates caramelized flavor
Simple ingredients, reliable comfort
Ready in under an hour for busy nights

Ingredients and Key Notes

A few simple pantry items make the sauce silky and flavorful, while the beef supplies protein and savory backbone. If you prefer a lighter protein swap, lean ground turkey works well here, but the classic ground beef keeps the sauce rich and satisfying.

8 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Note, if you like extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon or a handful of spinach near the end. For a lighter approach, substitute a cup of low sodium chicken broth for part of the cream, but this recipe shines when the sauce is creamy and velvety. If you want to explore a similar garlic butter take with bowties, check this variation here, it pairs nicely with the flavors in this recipe: Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in Garlic Butter.

How to Cook Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, the water should taste like the sea, then add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 9 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for the sauce, that starchy water helps bind the sauce beautifully.
Heat a large skillet over medium high, add the ground beef and crumble it into the pan, let it brown undisturbed a bit so you get caramelized bits, cook until fully done and no longer pink, about 6 to 8 minutes. As it browns you will smell a toasty, meaty aroma and see those browned edges which add depth.
If there is excess grease in the skillet, carefully spoon off most of it so the sauce does not feel greasy, leaving just enough to coat the beef and carry flavor. The pan should glisten, but not pool with oil.
Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter to the skillet with the beef, and let it melt, then add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, you should smell the warm, sweet scent of garlic but avoid any browning which brings bitterness.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently so it warms evenly, and let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3 to 5 minutes, the sauce will go from thin to luscious and coat the back of a spoon.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into a smooth, glossy sauce, taste and season with salt and black pepper, the cheese will add a salty, nutty richness that layers with the garlic.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, using reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and reach your desired consistency, the pasta should be enveloped in creamy sauce with no dry pockets.
Finish by scattering chopped fresh parsley on top for a hit of color and fresh herb aroma, serve warm in shallow bowls so the sauce stays pooled over the pasta.

Prep ~ 10 minutes, Cook ~ 20 minutes, Total ~ 30 minutes, Servings ~ 4, Kcal ~ 870

Plan Ahead

If you like to split the work across the day, you can prepare several elements in advance. Brown the beef and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze it for up to three months. Grate the Parmesan and mince the garlic ahead of time and keep them wrapped or in small containers to speed assembly.

Cook the pasta a little under al dente if you plan to finish the dish later, toss it with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking, and refrigerate on a tray covered with plastic wrap for up to a day. When you are ready to serve, gently reheat the meat and cream together, then add the pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to revive the sauce.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days, make sure the dish cools to room temperature before sealing. For longer storage, freeze in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months, but expect a slight change in texture from freezing.

To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, stirring frequently until steaming and smooth. In the microwave, cover loosely and heat in 45 second bursts, stirring between each burst so the sauce reheats evenly. A fresh parsley garnish and a quick grating of extra Parmesan will revive the flavors, and a good sign the leftovers are still fresh is the sauce smelling bright and the beef having a clean, savory aroma rather than any off notes.

Tools & Equipment You’ll Need

a sturdy 6 quart enameled cast iron Dutch oven, great for bringing large pots of water to a boil and keeping heat steady
a reliable non stick skillet for browning the beef and finishing the sauce
a heat resistant silicone spatula set to scrape every bit of sauce from the pan

Perfect Pairings

A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness
Steamed or roasted broccoli tossed with olive oil and a pinch of salt
Garlic bread or a warm crusty loaf to mop up extra sauce
A crisp slaw for contrast in texture and brightness

For a complementary chicken and Parmesan take that shares the same cozy flavors as this recipe, you might enjoy this garlic butter chicken bites pasta variation: Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Creamy Parmesan Pasta.

Make It Your Own

Add vegetables Toss in a cup of peas, or a handful of fresh spinach in the final minute so they wilt into the sauce for color and nutrition.
Swap the cheese Try Pecorino Romano or a mixed Italian cheese blend for a sharper finish, just adjust salt since those cheeses are saltier.
Bulk it with mushrooms Sliced cremini or baby bella mushrooms sautéed with the beef add earthy depth and extra texture.
Make it lighter Use half and half or a mix of milk and a little cream instead of full heavy cream, the sauce will be lighter but still satisfying.
Turn it into a bake Pour the finished pasta into a baking dish, sprinkle with extra Parmesan and breadcrumbs, and bake until bubbly and golden for a crisp topping.
Add spice A pinch of red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic gives a gentle warm bite.
Herb swap Use basil or chives instead of parsley for a different fresh note.

Always keep the beef instead of pork to maintain the robust savory base of the dish, and if you want a leaner protein, ground turkey fits seamlessly.

Pro Tips for Best Results

Brown the beef properly Let it sit in the hot pan for a couple minutes between stirs to develop those savory browned bits.
Salt your pasta water generously It should taste slightly salty, this is the first line of seasoning for the whole dish.
Add pasta water slowly Use the reserved starchy water a tablespoon at a time to reach the right sauce cling and silkiness.
Keep heat moderate when adding dairy High heat can make cream separate, simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Freshly grate Parmesan Avoid pre grated powders for best melt and flavor, fresh cheese gives a smoother sauce.

Your Questions, Answered

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming grainy when I add Parmesan?
Grate the Parmesan finely and add it off the highest heat, stirring until fully melted. If the sauce is too hot, lowering the heat and stirring slowly brings it back together.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, bowtie pasta is lovely for this recipe because it catches sauce, but shells, penne, or rotini will all work and provide similar cling and texture.
Is it okay to make this dairy free?
To make a dairy free version you could substitute a creamy plant based alternative, but the flavor and mouthfeel will differ. Use a high quality unsweetened plant cream and a dairy free grated cheese designed for cooking.
What is the best ground beef to use?
Choose a ground beef with some fat, like 80 20, for flavor and mouthfeel. If you prefer leaner options, 90 10 works, but you may want a touch more butter or a splash of broth to make the sauce richer.
Can I add veggies to make it a one pot meal?
Yes, add quick cooking vegetables like spinach or peas in the last minute, or sauté firmer vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms with the beef early in the browning stage.
How can I tell when the pasta is al dente?
Taste a piece a minute or two before the package time is up, it should be tender with a slight chew in the center, not chalky or mushy.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe is the kind of dish that comforts and impresses at the same time, it is versatile, quick, and endlessly adaptable for weeknights or simple dinner gatherings. The balance of creamy sauce, garlicky aroma, and browned beef creates a bowl that invites second helpings and lingering conversation.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Author: anastasia-rice
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Not Suitable for Vegetarians

Print Recipe

Description

A comforting weeknight meal with tender bowtie pasta, rich creamy Parmesan sauce, and hearty browned beef, perfect for cozy dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9 to 12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the ground beef and crumble it into the pan. Let it brown undisturbed for about 6 to 8 minutes.
If there’s excess grease, spoon most of it off, leaving just enough to coat the beef.
Reduce heat to medium, add butter to the skillet, and let it melt. Then add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently, and let simmer for about 3 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Stir in grated Parmesan until it melts into a smooth sauce. Season with salt and black pepper.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. Use reserved pasta water little by little to reach desired consistency.
Finish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm.