Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef is a delightful dish that combines savory flavors and creamy textures. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, gatherings, or any occasion when you crave comfort food. The rich beef pairs beautifully with the garlicky parmesan sauce, and the bowtie pasta captures every bit of flavor, making it a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: With a total cooking time of just 25 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
- Flavor-Packed: The combination of garlic, parmesan, and seasoned beef creates a satisfying taste experience.
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy it as a main course or pair it with a salad for a complete meal.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests; everyone will love it!
- One-Pot Wonder: Most of the cooking happens in one skillet, minimizing cleanup.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into cooking, it’s essential to gather the right tools to streamline your process. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Skillet
- Pot for boiling pasta
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Colander
Importance of Each Tool
- Skillet: Essential for browning the beef and creating the creamy sauce in one pan.
- Pot for boiling pasta: A large pot ensures even cooking of the bowtie pasta.
- Colander: Allows easy draining of pasta without losing any noodles.

Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
For the Beef Mixture
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
For the Cream Sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
How to Make Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Boil water in a large pot and add salt. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta.
1. Cook until al dente according to package instructions.
2. Drain the pasta using a colander and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat:
1. Add ground beef and brown until fully cooked.
2. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
Step 3: Add Seasonings
With the beef still in the skillet:
1. Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
2. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Incorporate Tomatoes
Add the can of Rotel tomatoes (with juices) to the skillet:
1. Simmer for about 2 minutes to blend flavors.
Step 5: Create the Cream Sauce
Next, mix in:
1. Butter, heavy cream, and beef broth.
2. Allow it to gently simmer until slightly thickened.
Step 6: Add Cheese
Lower heat before stirring in:
1. Grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 7: Combine Pasta with Sauce
Add cooked bowtie pasta into your creamy mixture:
1. Toss until well-coated with sauce.
2. Cook together for an additional 2 minutes to heat through.
Step 8: Serve Your Dish
If desired:
1. Sprinkle red pepper flakes on top before serving.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
With this recipe, you’ll have a delicious plate of Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef that’s sure to impress! Enjoy!
How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
Serving Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef can elevate your dining experience. Pair it with the right accompaniments to enhance its rich flavors and create a delightful meal.
With Fresh Salad
- A crisp green salad adds a refreshing crunch that balances the creamy pasta. Consider mixed greens with a light vinaigrette.
Accompanied by Garlic Bread
- Slice some crusty bread, spread with garlic butter, and toast until golden. This classic pairing is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
Topped with Extra Cheese
- For cheese lovers, sprinkle additional grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top before serving. It melts beautifully and adds richness.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Fresh parsley or basil not only enhances presentation but also adds a burst of flavor that complements the dish perfectly.
Paired with Steamed Vegetables
- Lightly steamed broccoli or asparagus provides color and nutrition, making your meal more balanced and exciting.
How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
Perfecting this dish involves mastering a few key techniques to enhance flavor and texture.
- Use al dente pasta: Cooking bowtie pasta just until al dente ensures it holds its shape and texture when mixed with the sauce.
- Brown beef thoroughly: Properly browning the ground beef enhances its flavor through caramelization, adding depth to the dish.
- Simmer for flavor: Allowing the sauce to simmer helps blend the flavors together. Don’t rush this step!
- Incorporate cheeses gradually: Adding Parmesan and mozzarella slowly allows them to melt evenly into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- Adjust seasoning: Taste as you go! Adjust salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to suit your preference for heat and flavor balance.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
Complementing your Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef is easy with these side dish ideas. Each option will enhance your meal without overpowering it.
- Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed in Caesar dressing topped with croutons makes for a classic pairing.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: These nutty, caramelized veggies add a savory crunch that contrasts nicely with creamy pasta.
- Grilled Zucchini: Lightly seasoned grilled zucchini offers a fresh taste and colorful addition to your plate.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside the hearty pasta.
- Caprese Salad: Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil drizzled with balsamic glaze create a vibrant side dish.
- Steamed Green Beans: Bright green beans lightly seasoned bring freshness and complement the richness of the main dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoiding common pitfalls can elevate your Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef to a whole new level. Here are some mistakes to steer clear of:
- Using Overcooked Pasta: Cooking the bowtie pasta too long can make it mushy. Aim for al dente, which means firm but cooked through.
- Not Draining Ground Beef Properly: Leaving grease in the skillet can make your dish too oily. Drain excess fat after browning the beef for a better flavor balance.
- Skipping Fresh Ingredients: Relying solely on dried spices may reduce flavor depth. Use fresh garlic and herbs for a vibrant taste.
- Ignoring Sauce Consistency: If your sauce is too thin, it won’t cling to the pasta. Allow it to simmer longer until it thickens slightly before adding the cheese.
- Not Garnishing: Serving without garnish can make the dish look uninviting. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness, enhancing both appearance and taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container.
- Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness.
Freezing Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
- Freeze in an airtight container or freezer bag.
- Best used within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until warm, stirring occasionally.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of broth or cream to a skillet over medium heat. Stir until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to some common questions about Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative that still provides plenty of flavor and works well in this recipe.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute ground beef with plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushroom mince and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
What other cheeses can I use?
Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or gouda for a unique twist on this classic dish.
How do I store leftovers?
Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or freeze them for up to 2-3 months.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef is not only delicious but also versatile. You can easily customize it by adding vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers. Try this recipe and enjoy a comforting meal you can make any night of the week!
Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the rich tastes of seasoned ground beef, garlic, and creamy cheeses. Perfect for any weeknight dinner or special gathering, this one-pot meal is quick to prepare and sure to please the entire family. The bowtie pasta soaks up the savory garlic parmesan sauce, creating a delightful eating experience that combines comfort with gourmet flair.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet cooking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Rotel tomatoes to the skillet and simmer for 2 minutes.
- Mix in butter, heavy cream, and beef broth; let it simmer until slightly thickened.
- Gradually stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approximately 250g)
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 19g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg



Leave a Comment