π Introduction
If youβre craving a cozy, creamy, comforting pasta dish loaded with flavor, this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is guaranteed to become one of your new favorites. Featuring tender bowtie pasta simmered in a velvety parmesan cream sauce, savory ground beef, caramelized onions, and bold garlic, this recipe delivers everything you love about Italian-style comfort food β but made in one pot and ready in under 30 minutes.
The combination of ground beef, fresh garlic, Italian seasoning, butter, half-and-half, and grated parmesan melts together into a rich, silky sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly. Add a touch of smoked paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and red pepper flakes, and you get a flavor-packed dish that is comforting, creamy, slightly smoky, and bursting with depth.
Itβs the kind of meal that fills the house with an irresistible aroma β bold garlic, toasted cheese, buttery richness, and sizzling beef. Whether you’re feeding family, prepping for the week, or creating Pinterest-worthy pasta dishes for your audience, this recipe checks every box: easy, satisfying, crowd-pleasing, budget-friendly, and full of flavor.
Let’s make the BEST creamy beef pasta youβve ever had. ππ₯
π§° Equipment Needed
- Large skillet or sautΓ© pan
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Grater (for fresh parmesan)
π Ingredients
(Your exact ingredients organized by category.)
Meat
- 1 lb Ground beef
Fresh Ingredients
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Broth & Liquids
- 3 cups beef broth
Condiments
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Pasta
- 8 oz Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Seasonings & Spices
- ΒΌ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Β½ tsp smoked paprika
- Β½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Β½ tsp salt
Oils & Butter
- 3 tsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp butter
Dairy
- ΒΎ cup half and half
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
π©βπ³ Directions
Step 1: SautΓ© the Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook 3β4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until golden and aromatic.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet.
Break it apart with a spoon.
Cook until browned and no longer pink.
Season with:
- Salt
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
Stir well so the spices coat the beef.
Step 3: Add Worcestershire Sauce
Mix in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
This adds richness and depth to the beef flavor.
Step 4: Add Bowtie Pasta & Broth
Add:
- Bowtie pasta
- Beef broth
Stir to combine.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
Let simmer uncovered for 12β14 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid has reduced.
Stir occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Lower heat.
Add:
- Butter
- Half and half
Stir gently to melt butter and combine into a silky sauce.
Step 6: Add Parmesan Cheese
Add parmesan cheese by the handful.
Stir after each addition until melted and creamy.
The sauce will become thick, glossy, and beautifully smooth.
Step 7: Final Touches
Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
If sauce is too thick: add a splash of broth or half and half.
If too thin: simmer a few more minutes.
Step 8: Serve
Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.
Perfect with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.
π½οΈ Servings & Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~30 minutes
π§ Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator
Keeps 3β4 days.
Reheating Tips
Reheat gently on stove or microwave.
Add a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess.
Freezer
Not recommended (cream + pasta texture changes).
π₯ Variations
1. Spicy Creamy Beef Pasta
Add extra red pepper flakes.
2. Mushroom Version
Add sliced mushrooms when sautΓ©ing onions.
3. Veggie Version
Add spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes.
4. Creamier Version
Increase half and half to 1 cup.
5. Lighter Version
Use whole milk instead of half and half.
6. Cheesy Upgrade
Add mozzarella or provolone for extra richness.
β 10 FAQs
1. Can I use another pasta shape?
Yes β penne, rotini, or shells all work.
2. Why is my sauce grainy?
Heat was too high when adding cheese β lower heat next time.
3. Can I use milk instead of half and half?
Yes, but sauce will be lighter.
4. What ground meat works best?
Ground beef gives best flavor, but ground turkey or chicken work too.
5. Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes β use GF pasta.
6. Can I make this spicy or mild?
Adjust red pepper flakes.
7. Why did my pasta absorb all the liquid?
Simmered too long β add more broth as needed.
8. Does this thicken when cold?
Yes β add cream when reheating.
9. Can I meal prep this?
Yes β perfect for 2β3 day meal prep.
10. Can I use fresh parmesan?
Yes β freshly grated melts MUCH better.
π Conclusion
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is the definition of comfort food β rich, silky, hearty, and full of bold flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, garlic-infused parmesan sauce, tender pasta, and aromatic spices creates a dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to prepare.
Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner, feeding a hungry family, or adding a viral pasta recipe to your Pinterest boards and app, this dish always delivers. Itβs budget-friendly, satisfying, and packed with flavor β the kind of recipe that makes everyone ask for seconds.
Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, meaty, and simply unforgettable β a bowl of pure comfort.

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Method
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the diced onion and cook 3β4 minutes until soft and fragrant.
- Add minced garlic and cook 1 minute more until golden and aromatic.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet.
- Break it apart with a spoon.
- Cook until browned and no longer pink.
- Season with:
- Salt
- Italian seasoning
- Black pepper
- Smoked paprika
- Red pepper flakes
- Stir well so the spices coat the beef.
- Mix in 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce.
- This adds richness and depth to the beef flavor.
- Add:
- Bowtie pasta
- Beef broth
- Stir to combine.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to medium.
- Let simmer uncovered for 12β14 minutes until pasta is tender and liquid has reduced.
- Stir occasionally so pasta doesn’t stick.
- Lower heat.
- Add:
- Butter
- Half and half
- Stir gently to melt butter and combine into a silky sauce.
- Add parmesan cheese by the handful.
- Stir after each addition until melted and creamy.
- The sauce will become thick, glossy, and beautifully smooth.
- Stir in chopped fresh parsley.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- If sauce is too thick: add a splash of broth or half and half.
- If too thin: simmer a few more minutes.
- Serve hot with extra parmesan on top.
- Perfect with garlic bread, salad, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
Refrigerator Keeps 3β4 days. Reheating Tips Reheat gently on stove or microwave.
Add a splash of cream or broth to restore creaminess. Freezer Not recommended (cream + pasta texture changes). π₯ Variations
1. Spicy Creamy Beef Pasta Add extra red pepper flakes. 2. Mushroom Version Add sliced mushrooms when sautΓ©ing onions. 3. Veggie Version Add spinach, peas, or cherry tomatoes. 4. Creamier Version Increase half and half to 1 cup. 5. Lighter Version Use whole milk instead of half and half. 6. Cheesy Upgrade Add mozzarella or provolone for extra richness. β 10 FAQs
1. Can I use another pasta shape? Yes β penne, rotini, or shells all work. 2. Why is my sauce grainy? Heat was too high when adding cheese β lower heat next time. 3. Can I use milk instead of half and half? Yes, but sauce will be lighter. 4. What ground meat works best? Ground beef gives best flavor, but ground turkey or chicken work too. 5. Can I make this gluten-free? Yes β use GF pasta. 6. Can I make this spicy or mild? Adjust red pepper flakes. 7. Why did my pasta absorb all the liquid? Simmered too long β add more broth as needed. 8. Does this thicken when cold? Yes β add cream when reheating. 9. Can I meal prep this? Yes β perfect for 2β3 day meal prep. 10. Can I use fresh parmesan? Yes β freshly grated melts MUCH better. π Conclusion This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is the definition of comfort food β rich, silky, hearty, and full of bold flavor. The combination of savory ground beef, garlic-infused parmesan sauce, tender pasta, and aromatic spices creates a dish that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it as a quick weeknight dinner, feeding a hungry family, or adding a viral pasta recipe to your Pinterest boards and app, this dish always delivers. Itβs budget-friendly, satisfying, and packed with flavor β the kind of recipe that makes everyone ask for seconds. Creamy, cheesy, garlicky, meaty, and simply unforgettable β a bowl of pure comfort.
