Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish that combines the rich taste of beef with the creamy goodness of Parmesan cheese and garlic. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners. Let’s dive into creating this delightful meal that everyone will love!
Ingredients You Will Need
Before we start cooking, gather these ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3 teaspoons olive oil
- 5-6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cups beef broth
- 8 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1-2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Brown the Beef
Heat the olive oil in a sizable skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned. Remember to break it apart as it cooks. If there’s excess fat, drain it off for a leaner dish.Add Aromatics
Next, toss in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook these together for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, and the garlic releases its aromatic fragrance.Season
Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let everything cook for another minute to meld the flavors together.Create the Sauce Base
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Allow it to cook for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly reduces.Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside.Make it Creamy
Once the broth has reduced, stir in the half and half (or whole milk) and add in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the sauce becomes creamy and the cheese has completely melted.Season to Taste
Adjust the flavor of your sauce by adding salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Allow everything to cook together for another 2-3 minutes.Combine
Finally, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. Ensure everything is well mixed so each bite bursts with flavor.Garnish and Serve
Serve the creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley for a touch of color and freshness.
Pro Tips and Variations
Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add more red pepper flakes or even some diced jalapeños for an extra kick.
Veggie Boost: Incorporate vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition. Sauté these with the onions for best results.
Cheese Variations: Try mixing different cheeses such as mozzarella or even a sprinkle of feta for a unique twist.
Make It Ahead: This dish keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat gently on the stovetop.
Serving Suggestions
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta pairs beautifully with a fresh leafy salad or some garlic bread. You can also serve it with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. Don’t forget a nice glass of red wine or a refreshing sparkling beverage to accompany your meal.
Conclusion
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is an easy-to-make dish that combines comfort and flavor in every bite. The simplicity of the ingredients doesn’t compromise on taste, making it perfect for a family gathering or weeknight meal. Enjoy the delightful flavors of this dish and share it with loved ones!
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Feel free to substitute with other pasta shapes like penne or fusilli. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of pasta you choose.
2. Is there a vegetarian option?
Certainly! You can replace the ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives or sautéed mushrooms for a satisfying vegetarian version.
3. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of milk or broth if necessary to keep it creamy.
4. Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze this pasta dish. Make sure it cools completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating.
5. How can I make this healthier?
You can swap out half of the ground beef for ground turkey and use whole wheat pasta. Adding more vegetables can also boost the nutritional value.
Now that you’re armed with tips on how to create a delicious Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta dish, get cooking and enjoy this delightful meal!
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Heat the olive oil in a sizable skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until it’s nicely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic, and cook for about 2-3 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent.
- Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, and smoked paprika. Let it cook for another minute.
- Add the butter and let it melt, then pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until it slightly reduces.
- While the sauce is simmering, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Once the broth has reduced, stir in the half and half and Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy.
- Adjust the flavor with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
