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Irresistibly Indulgent: Ultimate Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

This Ultimate Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a quick, savory dish perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: beef, Comfort Food, Creamy Sauce, garlic, parmesan, pasta
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 550kcal

Equipment

  • Large skillet
  • pot

Ingredients

For the Pasta

  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta or your favorite pasta shape

For the Sauce

  • 1 pound ground beef or lean ground turkey
  • 2 tablespoons butter can be omitted for a lighter dish
  • 3 cloves garlic minced; fresh is best
  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half for a lighter version
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese grated; Pecorino Romano optional
  • to taste salt
  • to taste pepper

For the Finish

  • 2 tablespoons chopped parsley optional
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta water optional for adjusting consistency

Instructions

Main Instructions

  • Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook ground beef over medium-high heat until fully browned, crumbling as it cooks for about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
  • Sauté Garlic: Lower the heat to medium, adding butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  • Add Cream: Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently until it simmers, stirring to prevent sticking.
  • Incorporate Parmesan: Gradually add in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into a silky sauce, about 2-3 minutes.
  • Cook Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta in a pot of salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
  • Mix Together: Combine the cooked pasta with the beef and creamy sauce in the skillet, mixing well. Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
  • Season & Serve: Season with salt and pepper to taste, garnish with chopped parsley if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

Serve with garlic bread or a fresh salad for a complete dinner experience.