There’s just something about creamy beef bowtie pasta with garlic parmesan sauce that makes my heart sing! This dish is pure comfort food, perfect for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying. I love how the tender beef melds beautifully with the bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a rich, creamy sauce that practically begs you to come back for seconds. It’s a recipe that’s been a staple in my kitchen for years, and every time I make it, I’m reminded of family dinners filled with laughter and full bellies. Trust me, once you try this dish, you’ll understand why it holds such a special place in my heart—and your taste buds will thank you, too!
Ingredients List
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup packed grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
How to Prepare Instructions
- First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, but don’t forget to reserve a cup of that pasta water for later!
- While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, which should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep things from getting too greasy.
- Now, stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for about 1 minute. You want to smell that delicious garlic aroma wafting through your kitchen—yum!
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. This is where the magic happens! Stir occasionally to prevent it from sticking.
- Mix in the grated parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce is beautifully smooth and creamy. If it seems too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
- Finally, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well-coated in the sauce. Take a moment to admire your work because it’s about to get even tastier!
- Serve it up hot, garnished with fresh parsley for that pop of color and freshness. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to creamy beef bowtie pasta with garlic parmesan sauce, you might be wondering just how indulgent this dish really is. Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving:
- Calories: 600
- Total Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
- Sodium: 800mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 25g
Keep in mind, these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use, so it’s always a good idea to customize according to your needs. Enjoy your creamy indulgence guilt-free, but remember to balance it with some fresh veggies on the side!
FAQ Section
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is delightful, you can swap it for any pasta you love—penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti work wonderfully too. Just keep an eye on the cooking times!
What can I add for extra flavor?
If you want to kick up the flavor a notch, consider adding some red pepper flakes for heat, or sautéed mushrooms for an earthy touch. Fresh basil or spinach can also brighten up the dish beautifully!
How can I make this dish healthier?
To lighten things up a bit, you could use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk. You won’t lose that creamy goodness, trust me!
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can cook the pasta and prepare the sauce in advance, then combine them just before serving. It’s a perfect make-ahead meal for busy weeknights!
What should I serve with creamy beef bowtie pasta?
This dish pairs perfectly with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread for dipping. You could also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a well-rounded meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rich, creamy garlic parmesan sauce that’s simply irresistible.
- Hearty and filling thanks to the combination of beef and pasta.
- Customizable with your favorite ingredients for added flair.
- A sure crowd-pleaser that even picky eaters will love!
Tips for Success
To make your creamy beef bowtie pasta with garlic parmesan sauce truly shine, here are a few pro tips! First, don’t skimp on the quality of your parmesan cheese; freshly grated cheese melts better and adds more flavor than pre-packaged. Also, be sure to keep an eye on your garlic while it cooks—burnt garlic can taste bitter, and we definitely don’t want that! If the sauce feels too thick, just add a touch more pasta water to achieve that perfect creaminess. Finally, remember to taste as you go—adjusting seasoning is key to a delicious dish!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to switch up your creamy beef bowtie pasta with garlic parmesan sauce! For a different protein, try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a spicy kick. You could also add in some colorful veggies like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms—just sauté them with the garlic for extra flavor. Want to play with flavors? Toss in some sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of white wine for a gourmet twist. The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you have any leftovers of your creamy beef bowtie pasta with garlic parmesan sauce (though I doubt it’ll last long!), storing it is a breeze. Just transfer any uneaten pasta to an airtight container and pop it in the fridge. It should be good for about 3-4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally to keep it creamy. If it seems a bit thick, a splash of milk or leftover pasta water can help loosen it up. You can also microwave it, but be sure to cover it to keep the moisture in. Enjoy round two of this deliciousness!
Serving Suggestions
To round out your meal, serve your creamy beef bowtie pasta with garlic parmesan sauce alongside a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette. The freshness of the salad perfectly balances the richness of the pasta. You could also whip up some garlic bread for dipping—trust me, it’s hard to resist mopping up that creamy sauce! For an extra touch, roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli make a delightful side that adds color and nutrients.
For more delicious pasta recipes, check out Creamy Garlic Pasta or Creamy Beef and Shells. If you’re interested in the health benefits of garlic, you can read more here.
Print
Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce Delight
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy beef bowtie pasta with garlic parmesan sauce is a hearty dish that combines tender beef and pasta in a rich, creamy sauce.
Ingredients
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Add heavy cream and bring to a simmer.
- Mix in parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust seasoning as needed.
- For a spicier version, add red pepper flakes.
- This dish can be made ahead and reheated.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 40g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: creamy beef bowtie pasta, garlic parmesan sauce, pasta recipe
