Description
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta with tender beef, garlicky cream sauce, and savory Parmesan cheese – a comforting crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz (340g) bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
- 2 cups (480ml) low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup (100g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with salt and pepper. Brown the meat for about 5-6 minutes until no longer pink. Don’t stir constantly—allow the beef to develop caramelization on the bottom for enhanced flavor.
- Step 2: Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onions to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften and become translucent. Add half the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Step 3: Sprinkle the Italian seasoning over the mixture and stir to combine. Add the remaining garlic and immediately pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any flavorful browned bits. Bring to a simmer and let it reduce for about 5 minutes.
- Step 4: Meanwhile, cook the bow tie pasta in a separate pot of salted water according to package directions, but reduce the time by 1 minute for al dente texture. Remember to reserve 1 cup of the starchy pasta water before draining.
- Step 5: Pour the heavy cream into the beef mixture, stirring to combine. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add the red pepper flakes if using.
- Step 6: Add the drained pasta directly to the sauce, gently folding to coat each piece. Allow the pasta to simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, absorbing flavors and finishing its cooking process.
- Step 7: Remove the pan from heat and gradually stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and glossy. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Step 8: Let the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta rest for 2-3 minutes before serving—this allows the sauce to set slightly and cling better to the pasta. Serve topped with additional grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
Notes
Fresh ingredients will always yield the best flavor results.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: 600
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 110mg