There’s something magical about a warm, hearty pasta dish at the end of a long day. Whether it’s a chilly autumn evening, a busy weeknight when you need dinner fast, or you’re entertaining guests and want something deliciously satisfying—Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is your go-to answer.

This recipe brings together rich, savory beef, tender pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce packed with garlic and freshly grated Parmesan. Inspired by classic Italian-American flavors and built for weeknight practicality, this dish feels indulgent while being incredibly simple to prepare.

Let’s dive into this one-pan wonder and discover why it deserves a spot in your weekly dinner rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Flavorful, comforting, and versatile—this pasta dish checks all the right boxes:

One-skillet ease: Fewer dishes, more flavor. A perfect 30-minute weeknight dinner.
Crowd-pleasing: Creamy pasta and savory beef? Even picky eaters love it.
Customizable: Use your favorite pasta or add vegetables to make it your own.
Budget-friendly: Simple pantry ingredients turn into a rich and satisfying meal.

This recipe is perfect for busy parents, college students, or anyone craving a homemade meal without the fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start, gather these ingredients:

1 lb ground beef – Adds hearty, savory flavor and satisfying texture.
3 teaspoons olive oil – For sautéing and added richness.
5-6 cloves garlic, minced – The star of the show. Fresh garlic makes all the difference.
1 small onion, finely chopped – Adds depth and sweetness.
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce – A splash for umami complexity.
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning – Classic herb blend for an Italian touch.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika – Brings subtle warmth and smokiness.
3 tablespoons butter – For richness in the sauce.
3 cups beef broth – Enhances the beefy flavor and forms the base of the sauce.
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle) – Holds sauce perfectly in every fold.
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese – Creamy, nutty, and irreplaceable.
3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk) – For a creamy, luxurious texture.
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste) – Essential seasoning.
1/4 teaspoon black pepper – A mild kick to enhance other flavors.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes – Optional heat for those who like a little spice.
1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped – Fresh, colorful garnish.

💡 Pro Tip: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better than pre-shredded. It gives the sauce a silky finish you can’t beat.

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Once browned, drain excess fat if needed to avoid a greasy sauce.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics

Add in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onions are soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Your kitchen will already start smelling incredible!

Step 3: Season the Base

Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let the flavors meld together for another minute. These spices are what elevate the flavor from simple to restaurant-worthy.

Step 4: Add the Butter and Broth

Drop in the butter and let it melt fully. Then pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly—this intensifies the flavor of the sauce.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the broth simmers, cook your bowtie pasta according to package directions in a separate pot. Once al dente, drain and set aside.

⏱️ Time-Saving Tip: You can also cook the pasta right in the sauce by adding more broth, but keep an eye on liquid levels to avoid over-thickening.

Step 6: Make It Creamy

Stir in the half and half (or whole milk) and the Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has fully melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth. This is where the magic happens—your kitchen will smell like an Italian trattoria.

Step 7: Final Seasoning

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (optional, but recommended if you enjoy a little kick). Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 8: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and stir to coat every piece with that delicious creamy sauce. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley for color and a touch of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

Want to complete the meal? Here are a few quick ideas:

Side salad: A crisp Caesar or arugula salad balances the richness of the pasta.
Garlic bread: Use it to scoop up every last bit of sauce.
Roasted veggies: Try roasted broccoli, zucchini, or mushrooms for a hearty pairing.
A glass of red wine: Something like a Chianti or Merlot complements the beef and garlic flavors perfectly.

Tips for Success

Here’s how to get perfect results every time:

✅ Use fresh garlic and Parmesan

Powdered garlic or bagged cheese won’t deliver the same deep, rich flavor or creamy texture.

✅ Don’t overcook the pasta

Aim for al dente—the pasta will cook a bit more once it’s stirred into the sauce.

✅ Adjust seasoning to taste

Start with less salt and red pepper flakes, then build up. Everyone’s palate is different.

✅ Let the sauce simmer

Giving the sauce a few minutes to reduce and meld makes a big difference in taste and texture.

Make-Ahead and Storage

This recipe is great for leftovers!

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezer: Not recommended due to the dairy content, which may separate when thawed.

🍽️ Meal Prep Friendly: You can brown the beef and prep the sauce base ahead of time, then reheat and add pasta when ready to serve.

Variations and Add-Ins

Make it your own! Try these tasty twists:

Swap proteins: Ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage work great.
Add vegetables: Spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or peas make great additions.
Make it spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a touch of hot sauce.
Gluten-free option: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta.
Lighter version: Use ground turkey and low-fat milk or Greek yogurt.

Nutritional Info (Approximate per Serving)

Calories: 550–650
Protein: 25–30g
Carbs: 40–50g
Fat: 30–35g
Fiber: 2–3g
Sugar: 3–5g

This is a satisfying meal that offers a good balance of protein, carbs, and healthy fats, perfect for keeping you full and energized.