How to make a velvety Parmesan garlic sauce that transforms simple ground beef and bowtie pasta into an irresistible weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes.
The moment I discovered this creamy Parmesan garlic beef pasta, my chaotic weeknight dinners changed completely. Rich, garlicky sauce clings to tender bowtie noodles while savory ground beef makes every bite satisfying.
I stumbled on this combination during a week when soccer practice ran late three nights straight. I needed something fast that didn’t taste like a compromise, and this delivered. The magic happens when that starchy pasta water transforms the sauce into liquid velvet that coats every piece perfectly. Everything cooks in one skillet, which means I can actually sit down with my family instead of scrubbing pots until bedtime.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Pasta
Quality ingredients make a noticeable difference here, especially the Parmesan. I always grate fresh cheese instead of buying the pre-shredded kind because it melts smoother and creates that luxurious restaurant-style sauce we’re after.
8 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef – I recommend choosing 85/15 for the best flavor without excess grease
2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (freshly grated) – My preference is always Parmigiano-Reggiano for authentic flavor
Salt (to taste)
Black pepper (to taste)
Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Having everything prepped before you start helps this recipe move smoothly. The whole process goes quickly once you begin.
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until al dente with a slight bite in the center. Before draining, scoop out and save 1/2 cup of that starchy cooking water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble the ground beef into the pan and cook for 6-8 minutes, breaking it apart with your wooden spoon until deeply browned with no pink remaining. Carefully tilt the pan and spoon out excess grease, or use paper towels to blot it.
Step 3: Lower the heat to medium and add the butter to the beef. Once it melts, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just 60 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Burned garlic turns bitter quickly, so watch carefully.
Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and stir frequently to prevent scorching on the bottom. Let it bubble gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of your spoon.
Step 5: Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts completely into a smooth, creamy sauce. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. Similar to how the creamy garlic parmesan chicken pasta comes together, the cheese creates that signature velvety texture.
Step 6: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce seems too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. The starch helps bind the sauce beautifully to each piece of pasta.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while the sauce is hot and creamy.
Perfect Side Dishes for This Pasta
A simple side complements this rich pasta without overwhelming your plate with heavy flavors.
Crisp Green Salad: Fresh mixed greens with a tangy vinaigrette cut through the creamy richness and add a refreshing crunch that balances each bite of pasta.
Roasted Broccoli: The slightly charred edges and tender florets provide nutritional value and a contrasting texture. For another satisfying broccoli pairing, try this chicken and broccoli alfredo bake.
Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery slices are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate, making this combination a crowd-pleaser at my dinner table. These garlic bread rolls work beautifully.
Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and tangy dressing echo the Parmesan flavors in the pasta while adding brightness and textural variety.
Steamed Green Beans: These offer a light, nutritious option that doesn’t compete with the main dish. The crisp-tender texture provides pleasant contrast, similar to what you’d find with sheet pan sausage and veggies.
How to Store and Reheat Leftovers
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The cream sauce holds up well when properly sealed and kept cold.
For reheating, use the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s silky texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking. If using the microwave, add a tablespoon of liquid and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each one.
This pasta tastes decent cold straight from the fridge too, though the sauce won’t be as creamy. You can also transform leftovers into a baked pasta casserole by topping with extra cheese and heating in the oven.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or shells work beautifully. Choose shapes with ridges or hollow centers that catch and hold the creamy sauce.
What if I don’t have heavy cream?
Half-and-half creates a lighter sauce, though it won’t be quite as rich. You can also use whole milk mixed with a tablespoon of flour to help thicken it.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating?
Keep the heat at medium or lower once you add the cream, and stir frequently. The pasta water also helps emulsify the sauce and keep it smooth.
Conclusion
This creamy Parmesan garlic beef pasta delivers restaurant-quality comfort food right in your own kitchen with minimal effort. The combination of rich flavors and simple preparation makes it perfect for those nights when you want something special without spending hours cooking. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a satisfying weeknight dinner the whole family will love.
Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Tender bowtie pasta tossed in a creamy Parmesan garlic sauce with seasoned ground beef, delivering a quick, comforting, and flavorful meal perfect for any weeknight dinner.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, crumble and brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Remove any excess grease from the skillet to avoid a greasy sauce.
Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter to the skillet with the beef, and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Pour in the heavy cream, stirring frequently. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach desired sauce consistency.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve warm for a creamy, flavorful meal.
Notes
For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor and smooth sauce texture. Reserve pasta water carefully, as it helps to thin the sauce and improve its consistency. You can add crushed red pepper flakes for a slight kick if desired.
a recipe developer, food enthusiast, and busy parent based in Denver, CO. I created Yumnights because I believe that delicious, healthy dinners shouldn’t require hours in the kitchen or a culinary degree to master.
