There’s nothing better than a comforting pasta dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes. This creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta is hearty, flavorful, and one of the best easiest dinner recipes for busy weeknights. With tender ground beef, farfalle pasta, and a rich, garlicky cream sauce, this dish is one of those most loved recipes that the whole family will request again and again.
If you enjoy cozy pasta dinners, you might also like my Cream Cheese Chicken Chili, another creamy and family-friendly recipe that’s perfect for busy evenings.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick and Easy
Ready in just 30 minutes, this is one of the best weeknight meals pasta lovers can make.
Family Friendly
A recipe that pleases both kids and adults, making it one of the easy family friendly meals you’ll want to keep in rotation.
Flavorful
Ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan come together for one of the most flavorful ground beef recipes you can make.
Versatile
Swap in turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use whole wheat pasta to turn it into one of your beef pasta recipes healthy enough for everyday.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half for lighter version)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
Step 2 – Brown the beef
Heat oil in a skillet, cook ground beef until browned, drain excess fat.
Step 3 – Add aromatics
Stir in onion and garlic, cook for 2 minutes until fragrant.
Step 4 – Make the sauce
Add beef broth, cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Simmer 5 minutes until thickened.
Step 5 – Combine
Toss pasta with sauce in the skillet. Add pasta water if needed for creaminess.
Step 6 – Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.
Tips and Variations
- Use whole wheat pasta for extra nutrition.
- Swap beef with turkey or chicken for lighter meals.
- Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for veggies.
- Add cayenne or more chili flakes for heat.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy pasta is filling enough to serve on its own, but it pairs beautifully with:
- A warm bowl of Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.
- Homemade Garlic Butter Bread Rolls.
- A sweet finish with Apple Cinnamon Rolls.
FAQ
Can I make this ahead?
Yes, store sauce and pasta separately, then combine when reheating. Add a splash of cream or broth.
Can I freeze it?
It’s best stored in the fridge for 3–4 days. Cream sauces don’t freeze well.
What pasta works besides bow tie?
Penne, rigatoni, or rotini also hold the creamy beef sauce nicely.
Is it kid-friendly?
Yes, the mild flavors make it a hit with kids. Just skip the red pepper flakes.
How can I make it healthier?
Use lean meat, half & half instead of cream, and whole wheat pasta.
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
- 12 oz bow tie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (or half & half)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1.5 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook bow tie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup pasta water.
- In a skillet, cook ground beef with olive oil until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add onion and garlic; cook until softened.
- Stir in beef broth, cream, Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper, salt, and pepper. Simmer until thickened.
- Add pasta to skillet; toss with sauce. Adjust creaminess with pasta water.
- Top with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
