Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

When I was faced with a random assortment of leftovers and a hungry family, this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta recipe quickly secured its spot as a household favorite. The succulent ground beef marinated in tantalizing Italian seasonings, combined with the silky-smooth garlic Parmesan sauce clinging lovingly to every strand of bowtie pasta, heaven simply twirls on a fork!

How to make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a rich, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender ground or sliced beef with bowtie (farfalle) pasta in a creamy garlic and Parmesan cheese sauce. It’s a cozy comfort food meal—easy to make and loaded with savory, cheesy goodness.

Ingredients:

For the Beef:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta:

• 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• Water, for boiling
• Salt, for the pasta water

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water and cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Cook the Beef: While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.
3. Season the beef with Italian seasoning, garlic powder, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
4. If there’s excess grease, drain it from the skillet before proceeding to the next step.
5. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds or until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
6. Sprinkle the flour over the butter and garlic, stirring to create a roux. Cook for a minute to remove the raw flour taste.
7. Gradually whisk in the beef broth, ensuring there are no lumps. Allow the mixture to simmer for a couple of minutes to thicken slightly.
8. Stir in the heavy cream or half-and-half and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
9. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
10. Combine: Return the browned beef to the skillet with the sauce and mix well.
11. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated with the creamy sauce.
12. Continue to cook the mixture for 2-3 minutes to ensure everything is heated through.
13. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Tips:

• Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and to ensure it melts smoothly into the sauce.
• Don’t overcook the pasta; it will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
• You can adjust the thickness of the sauce to your liking by adding more beef broth for a thinner sauce or more cheese for a thicker sauce.
• If you prefer, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even Italian sausage for a different twist.
• Enhance the nutritional value by incorporating vegetables like spinach or mushrooms into the sauce.
• The sauce will continue to thicken upon cooling, so if reheating leftovers, you may need to add a splash of milk to loosen it up.

What to serve with

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that can stand alone but also pairs beautifully with a variety of sides.

1. Vegetables:

• Roasted Vegetables: Roasting vegetables caramelizes their natural sugars and adds a delightfully crispy texture, which contrasts nicely with the Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. Options such as roasted asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or bell peppers not only add a pop of color but also a touch of elegance to your meal.
• Steamed Broccoli or Green Beans: Lightly steamed broccoli or green beans are excellent choices for a healthier side dish that is easy and quick to prepare. Their fresh, crisp texture and earthy flavors help cut through the richness of the pasta sauce.

2. Salads:

• Caesar Salad: A classic Caesar salad, with its creamy dressing, crisp romaine lettuce, and crunchy croutons, mirrors the decadence of the pasta while adding a fresh element to your meal.
• Arugula Salad: An arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette brings a peppery sharpness and zesty brightness that balance the heavy flavors of the dish. You might want to toss in some cherry tomatoes and shavings of Parmesan to tie it back to the pasta.

3. Breads:

• Garlic bread is always a crowd-pleaser and works especially well with pasta dishes. The buttery, garlicky goodness complements the garlic notes in the pasta sauce.
• Focaccia: A slice of warm, herbed focaccia bread is perfect for sopping up any remaining sauce on your plate. This Italian bread brings a touch of rustic charm to your dining table.

4. Appetizers:

• Bruschetta: Serve bruschetta as a starter. The acidity of the tomatoes and the crispness of the toasted bread will prepare your palate for the rich main course.
• Stuffed Mushrooms: Mushrooms stuffed with a mixture of breadcrumbs, herbs, and cheese can be a sumptuous start to your meal and harmonize well with the beef in your pasta.

5. Drinks:

• Red Wine: A glass of medium-bodied red wine, such as Chianti or Merlot, complements the rich flavors of the beef and Parmesan. The wine’s acidity balances the creaminess of the sauce.
• Sparkling Water: For a non-alcoholic option, sparkling water with a wedge of lemon or lime helps cleanse the palate and refresh your taste buds between bites.

6. Desserts:

• Tiramisu: Finish off with Tiramisu for dessert. Its creamy texture and coffee flavor make it a sophisticated and indulgent end to your meal.
• Gelato: A lighter option, like a scoop of lemon or raspberry gelato, can add a refreshing finish without overwhelming after such a rich main dish.

Ingredients Substitutes

Making Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta allows for a fair amount of creativity and flexibility with ingredients.

1. Beef:

Substitutes: If beef isn’t an option, ground turkey or chicken can be excellent substitutes for a lighter version of the dish. For a vegetarian alternative, consider using mushrooms like portobello or a mix of wild mushrooms for their meaty texture or a plant-based ground meat substitute.

2. Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle):

Substitutes: Any pasta shape can work well with this creamy sauce, though ones with nooks and crannies to hold more sauce, like penne, fusilli, or rotini, are preferable. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta options available in the market or go for a vegetable noodle like zucchini spirals for a low-carb alternative.

3. Heavy Cream:

Substitutes: A mix of milk and butter can be a substitute for heavy cream in a pinch (¾ cup milk to ¼ cup melted butter). For a dairy-free version, full-fat coconut milk offers a creamy consistency, though it may introduce a slight coconut flavor. Another option is unsweetened cashew or almond milk thickened with a bit of flour or starch.

4. Parmesan Cheese:

Substitutes: Asiago or Pecorino Romano can replace Parmesan for a similar salty and nutty flavor profile. For a dairy-free alternative, nutritional yeast or a store-bought vegan Parmesan cheese substitute can offer a similar umami and cheesy flavor.

5. Garlic:

Substitutes: If fresh garlic isn’t available, garlic powder or minced jarred garlic can work. The general guideline is ⅛ teaspoon of garlic powder or ½ teaspoon of jarred minced garlic for every clove of fresh garlic.

6. Beef Broth:

Substitutes: Chicken or vegetable broth can easily replace beef broth to meet dietary needs without significantly altering the sauce’s flavor profile. For a more concentrated flavor, consider using a half teaspoon of beef, chicken, or vegetable bouillon per cup of water needed.

7. Butter:

Substitutes: For cooking, olive oil or another vegetable oil can be used as a healthier option or for dairy restrictions. For a buttery taste without dairy, look into vegan butter substitutes.

Final Thoughts

With these steps and tips, you’re all set to create a delectable Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta that’s sure to become a staple in your recipe repertoire.