Craving something rich, comforting, and absolutely soul-satisfying? This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta brings together the savory depth of seasoned beef, the silkiness of a garlic cream sauce, and the satisfying bite of bowtie pasta—all in one glorious pan.

Whether you’re cooking for your family on a cozy weeknight or want a dish that delivers big on flavor without hours in the kitchen, this pasta hits the mark. It’s luscious, cheesy, and packed with flavor from pantry-friendly ingredients. Let’s dive into why this is about to become your go-to comfort meal.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To get started with this creamy pasta delight, you’ll want to set yourself up with the right tools. Here’s what you’ll need and why:

Large Skillet or Deep Sauté Pan: Essential for browning the beef and simmering the sauce. A deep pan helps contain everything once the pasta is added.
Medium Pot: For boiling the bowtie pasta separately until al dente.
Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps break up and stir the ground beef evenly without damaging your cookware.
Fine Grater: Ideal for grating fresh Parmesan, which melts better and has a richer flavor than pre-shredded.
Strainer or Colander: To drain the pasta while reserving a bit of the starchy cooking water—a trick that helps the sauce cling better to the noodles.

Having everything ready ahead of time makes the process seamless and enjoyable.

Ingredients for the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Each ingredient in this dish plays a distinct role, building layers of flavor and texture:

Ground Beef: Rich and hearty, it’s the base protein that gives this dish its satisfying savory bite.
Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta: Perfectly shaped to trap the creamy sauce in its folds, adding both texture and charm.
Heavy Cream: The backbone of the luxurious sauce. It adds velvety smoothness and richness.
Garlic (Minced): Aromatic and punchy, garlic infuses the cream sauce with deep flavor.
Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and melty—it thickens and flavors the sauce to perfection.
Butter: Enhances the richness and helps carry the garlic flavor through the sauce.
Salt and Pepper: Simple but crucial for seasoning every component just right.
Parsley (Optional): Adds a fresh, green finish to balance the creamy tones.

How To Make the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until it’s fully browned. Break it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base

Reduce the heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the beef. Stir until fragrant—about 1 minute. The butter and garlic will create a delicious base for the sauce.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. Once warmed, slowly add grated Parmesan, stirring until melted and smooth.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef and sauce. Stir everything together, adding a splash of pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Top with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.

Best Ways to Serve and Store This Pasta

Serve this creamy pasta hot from the skillet with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a side of garlic bread or a crisp salad. It’s a standalone meal, but pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables or a chilled white wine.

To store, let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce. Avoid freezing as the cream sauce may separate.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I make this lighter?

You can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or even whole milk. Use lean ground beef or switch to ground turkey for a lighter version.

Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, or peas work really well with the creamy garlic sauce.

Is this kid-friendly?

Yes! The creamy texture and cheesy flavor make it a hit with kids. You can even reduce the garlic slightly if they prefer milder flavors.

What can I use instead of Parmesan?

Pecorino Romano is a great alternative. It’s a bit saltier but melts beautifully into the sauce.

Can I prep this in advance?

Yes, you can brown the beef and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Just boil fresh pasta before serving and mix it all together.

Want More Creamy Pasta Ideas?

You might also like the Delicious Beef Bowtie Pasta, which brings a rich tomato twist to the table. Or try Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta for a spicy, flavorful take.

For something more rustic, the Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni is a crowd-pleaser. If you’re craving a cheesy blend, go for the Best Baked Cream Cheese Spaghetti.

And don’t miss out on the Buffalo Chicken Lasagna Recipe for a bold fusion twist on classic comfort food.

Pin and Tell Me How Yours Turned Out

You can save this to your pasta or comfort food boards for later. Just click the Pin button.

If you give it a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add mushrooms? Swap in chicken? Leave a comment below and let’s swap dinner stories.

Want more comfort food ideas? Head over to my Pinterest LadyPlate where I share daily recipes perfect for every craving.