Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the hunt for those golden recipes that tick all the right boxes: easy, comforting, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights. Well, let me introduce you to your new go-to dinner—Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta. This dish is rich, savory, and seriously satisfying, with tender ground beef and pasta tossed in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce. It’s everything we love about comfort food, made simple in just one pan.

I first whipped this up on a rainy Wednesday night when I had some leftover ground beef, half a box of bowtie pasta, and zero motivation to make anything complicated. And let me tell you—this recipe didn’t just save dinner, it earned a permanent spot in my regular rotation. There’s something about the way that velvety sauce hugs every curve of the bowtie pasta that makes it feel just a little fancy—even though it’s basically a pantry-pull meal.

So whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something creamy and cozy, this one-pan wonder will not disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s a quick glance at what you’ll need to bring this dish together:

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta – because we love a pasta that holds sauce well.

• 1 lb ground beef – tender, flavorful, and filling.

• 1 tbsp olive oil – for sautéing.

• 4 garlic cloves, minced – the more garlic, the better, right?

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning – adds that herby depth we all love.

• ½ tsp onion powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour – to help thicken our creamy sauce.

• 2 cups beef broth

• 1 cup heavy cream – for that rich, silky texture.

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese – the star of the show.

• Chopped parsley (optional) – for a little pop of color and freshness.

STEP 1: Cook the Pasta

Let’s kick things off by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your bowtie pasta according to the package directions—until it’s al dente (that perfect slightly firm texture). Once it’s done, drain and set it aside. Don’t worry if it cools down a bit—it’s heading back into the pan later to soak up all that creamy sauce.

Pro Tip: Don’t overcook the pasta, or it’ll get mushy once it’s simmered in the sauce later. And always salt your pasta water—it’s your first layer of flavor!

STEP 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Now, grab your favorite large skillet or saucepan—something big enough to hold everything by the end. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook it until it’s fully browned and cooked through, breaking it apart with your spoon or spatula as you go.

If there’s a lot of grease in the pan, go ahead and drain the excess fat—we want the sauce rich, not greasy.

STEP 3: Add Seasonings and Garlic

With the beef nice and browned, it’s time to bring in the flavor. Add your minced garlic, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together and let it cook for 1 to 2 minutes, just until that garlic is fragrant and those spices start waking up.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the onion powder! It adds a mellow sweetness that balances out the richness of the cream and Parmesan later.

STEP 4: Thicken It Up

Next, we’re going to build the base of our creamy sauce. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour right over the seasoned beef and stir it in well. This helps coat the beef evenly and sets the stage for a thick, silky sauce.

Let it cook for about a minute—just long enough to cook off that raw flour taste. You don’t want to skip this step or rush it, otherwise, the flour might leave a pasty texture in your final dish.

STEP 5: Add the Liquid Gold (aka Broth and Cream)

Now for the fun part. Slowly pour in the beef broth, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Once that’s incorporated, add your heavy cream and keep stirring. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 3 to 5 minutes, just until the sauce starts to thicken up.

This is where the magic starts to happen. That creamy, garlicky goodness will smell incredible, and you’ll know you’re on the right track when the sauce starts to cling to your spoon.

Now that we’ve built that creamy, garlic-scented base and the sauce is starting to thicken, it’s time to pull everything together. This is the moment when the kitchen smells so good that people start wandering in, asking, “What’s for dinner?” And honestly, it’s hard not to sneak a taste straight from the skillet.

The best part? We’re just a few minutes away from serving up a pasta dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite cozy Italian restaurant—without leaving the house and without using a mountain of dishes.

STEP 6: Stir in the Parmesan Cheese

This is where the flavor really takes off. With your creamy sauce gently simmering, it’s time to add in the star ingredient: 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

Sprinkle it in and stir until the cheese melts completely into the sauce. You’ll notice it becoming even thicker, smoother, and creamier. That Parmesan adds a sharp, nutty depth that balances beautifully with the richness of the cream and the savory beef.

Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan if you can—it melts better and has a much deeper flavor than the pre-shredded kind from a canister.

STEP 7: Add the Cooked Pasta

Now, take that beautifully al dente bowtie pasta you set aside earlier and add it straight into the skillet. Toss everything together so the pasta is fully coated in the creamy Parmesan garlic sauce.

You might think there’s too much sauce at first, but give it a minute—the pasta will absorb some of that creamy goodness as it simmers. Let the mixture cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just to warm the pasta through and let everything meld together.

It’s rich. It’s savory. It’s the kind of meal that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a bowl and call it a night.

Make It Your Own: Variations & Add-Ins

This recipe is delicious as-is, but it’s also super flexible. Here are a few ways you can mix things up depending on what’s in your fridge or what your family loves:

• Swap the protein: You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or ground chicken for a lighter version. It’s still just as flavorful thanks to all the garlic, Parmesan, and spices.

• Add veggies: Toss in a handful of fresh spinach during the final simmer for a pop of color and a little extra nutrition. Or sauté sliced mushrooms in the skillet before you brown the beef to add an earthy flavor.

• Spice it up: Like a little heat? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when you add the garlic for a subtle kick.

• Make it extra cheesy: A sprinkle of mozzarella or provolone on top just before serving can take the cheesiness to a whole new level.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

There’s a reason this dish gets rave reviews from everyone who tries it. Here’s what makes it a weeknight winner:

• One-pan magic: Less cleanup = more time to enjoy your evening.

• Bold, balanced flavors: The garlic, Parmesan, and creamy sauce pair beautifully with savory beef and pasta.

• Quick and comforting: It feels like something you spent hours on, but it’s ready in about 30 minutes.

And honestly, it’s just one of those meals that brings everyone to the table—without complaints. Even the picky eaters.

Meal Prep and Leftover Tips

One of the best things about this dish is how well it holds up for leftovers. The sauce thickens a bit in the fridge, but a quick reheat (with a splash of broth or cream if needed) brings it right back to life.

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove over medium heat, or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. Add a bit of liquid to loosen the sauce if needed.

• Freezing? I usually don’t recommend freezing cream-based sauces as they can separate, but if you really want to, try freezing just the beef sauce before adding the pasta.