This Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Beef is comfort food at its best! The rich sauce hugs every bowtie pasta, and tender beef adds a hearty touch. Yum!
I love how quick and simple this dish is to whip up. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. Plus, who doesn’t love twirling pasta around their fork? 🍝
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Bowtie Pasta: While bowtie (farfalle) adds a fun shape, you could swap it for any pasta you have, like penne or fusilli. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on the pasta you choose.
Ground Beef: For a leaner option, you might use ground turkey or chicken. If you want a meatless version, try using lentils or a mix of mushrooms and zucchini for texture!
Heavy Cream: This is key for creaminess, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half or a vegan alternative like coconut milk works well. Just watch the flavor balance!
Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan enhances flavor. If you can’t find it, try Pecorino Romano or Nutritional Yeast for a dairy-free option. Powdered cheese might not give the same texture.
How Do I Cook Ground Beef Without Making It Tough?
Cooking ground beef can sometimes end in a tough texture if overworked. For juicy results, follow these tips:
- Start with a hot skillet, but don’t go too high or it will cook too fast. Medium-high is perfect.
- Use a spatula to break the beef into chunks, letting it brown naturally without constant stirring.
- Drain excess fat after cooking so the dish doesn’t become greasy.
- Cook just until no pink remains, usually around 6-8 minutes. Overcooking can dry it out!
These simple steps ensure your beef stays tender and flavorful in your creamy dish!
How to Make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Beef
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
For the Beef and Sauce:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (optional, to thin sauce if needed)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning or dried oregano
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
- Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 15 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking, giving you a total time of about 35 minutes. Perfect for a cozy weeknight meal! You’ll enjoy the process of cooking while the wonderful aroma fills your kitchen.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente (cooked but still firm). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the olive oil or butter. Then, add the ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart, cooking until it’s nicely browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. If there’s excess fat, drain it off carefully.
3. Sauté Onion and Garlic:
Next, add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until it becomes fragrant.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium, then pour in the heavy cream. Give it a good stir to combine, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This will add extra flavor!
5. Add Cheese and Seasonings:
Slowly add the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring continuously, letting it melt and thicken the sauce slightly. This should take about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce is too thick for your liking, add a little milk until you reach your desired consistency.
6. Season to Taste:
Now, season the sauce with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you’d like a bit of heat. Taste and adjust as needed to match your flavor preference.
7. Combine with Pasta:
Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss everything together gently until the pasta is completely coated with the creamy beef sauce.
8. Let It Meld:
Cook everything together for an extra 2 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Finally, remove the skillet from heat, garnish your creamy pasta with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and serve immediately. Enjoy every creamy, garlicky, cheesy bite!
This dish is sure to become a family favorite! 🍽️
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Whole Wheat or Gluten-Free Pasta?
Absolutely! Whole wheat pasta adds a nuttier flavor and is a healthier option. If you’re opting for gluten-free pasta, just make sure to follow the cooking times on the package, as they can vary from traditional pasta.
Can I Substitute the Ground Beef with Another Protein?
Yes! You can easily swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based meat substitute for a vegetarian option. Just ensure you adjust the cooking times accordingly if using leaner meats.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce appears too thick.
Can I Make This Recipe Dairy-Free?
Yes! You can use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast or a dairy-free cheese alternative to replace the Parmesan. Adjust the seasonings to taste for a delicious dairy-free dish!
