I have to tell you about the night I thought I had absolutely nothing to cook. I was staring at a half empty pantry and a pound of beef wondering if we were just going to eat cereal for dinner again. I threw this together on a whim and the second that fresh garlic hit the hot pan the whole house smelled like a dream. My kids came running to the kitchen and now they ask for this every single Tuesday. It is so comforting and the sauce is so rich and velvety that you will want to lick the plate clean.

Why You Will Love This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

You are going to love this dish because it is a total lifesaver on busy nights. You get a meal that tastes like it came from a fancy Italian restaurant but it takes less than thirty minutes to make. The garlic gives it a massive flavor boost and the parmesan adds a salty nutty depth that is just perfect. It is a one pan wonder which means you spend less time cleaning and more time relaxing. Plus those little bowtie noodles are like tiny sponges that soak up all the extra sauce in every single bite.

Ingredients for Your Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

I always tell my friends that the secret is in the fresh ingredients. Please do not use the garlic from a jar for this one because you really want that sharp fresh bite. Here is what you need to grab from the store.

1 pound lean ground beef
12 ounces bowtie farfalle pasta
4 cloves fresh garlic minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish

Selecting the Best Meat and Cheese

I usually go for ninety percent lean ground beef so the dish does not end up swimming in grease. When it comes to the cheese please skip the pre shredded stuff in the green can or the bags. Those have a powdery coating that keeps the cheese from melting properly. Get a block of real Parmesan and grate it yourself for the smoothest sauce you have ever tasted.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Follow these simple steps and you will have dinner on the table in no time. Start by boiling a big pot of water and add a lot of salt. Cook your bowtie pasta until it is just al dente according to the box instructions. While that is bubbling away brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium high heat. Make sure to drain off any extra fat so the sauce stays nice and clean.

Turn the heat down to medium and stir in your minced garlic. Let it cook for just a minute until you can really smell it. Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the Italian seasoning. Let that simmer gently for about three minutes. Stir in your freshly grated Parmesan cheese and watch it turn into a smooth thick sauce. Toss your cooked pasta right into the skillet and stir until every single noodle is coated in that creamy goodness.

Mastering the Cooking Timing

Timing is the most important part when you are working with cream sauces. You do not want to overcook the pasta in the water because it will keep softening once you toss it with the hot sauce. If you notice the sauce is getting a little too thick just add a tiny splash of the water you cooked the pasta in. That starchy water helps the sauce stick to the noodles like glue.

Pro Tips for the Perfect Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Always salt your pasta water like the sea for the best flavor.
Keep the heat low when adding the cream so it does not separate.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a little bit of heat.
Use a wide skillet so the beef and sauce have plenty of room to mix.

FAQ About Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Can I use a different type of pasta? You can definitely use penne or rotini if that is what you have but the bowties are the best for holding onto the thick sauce.

How do I store leftovers? Just put the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. When you reheat it add a little splash of milk to make it creamy again.

Can I add vegetables? I love throwing in a handful of fresh spinach at the very end or some sautéed mushrooms with the beef to get some greens in.

Nutritional Facts for Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Calories: 540 kcal
Protein: 28g
Fat: 32g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Fiber: 2g
Sodium: 480mg