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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Get ready to elevate your dinner game with this incredibly easy and satisfying Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. It's the perfect weeknight meal that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish you'll crave again and again.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Prep and Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound ground beef 80/20 or 90/10 for leaner options
  • 1 pound bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup milk any kind will work
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt
  • to taste freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
  • optional red pepper flakes for a touch of heat

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet or Dutch oven

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Drain the pasta and set aside.
    1 pound bowtie pasta
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no pink remains. Drain off any excess grease from the skillet.
    1 pound ground beef
  3. Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter to the skillet with the browned beef. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
    4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 4 cloves garlic
  4. Pour in the heavy cream and milk. Stir to combine with the beef and garlic. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
    1 cup heavy cream, 1/4 cup milk
  5. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a little heat, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage.
    1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning, to taste salt, to taste freshly ground black pepper, optional red pepper flakes
  6. Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and beef. Toss gently to coat all the pasta evenly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
    1 pound bowtie pasta
  7. Serve the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta immediately. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan cheese for an extra burst of flavor and visual appeal.
    1/4 cup fresh parsley, 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Notes

Allow leftovers to cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water if needed to loosen the sauce.