It tastes like restaurant-quality creamy pasta, but it’s made with simple pantry ingredients in under an hour Recipe

If you’re craving a dish that feels indulgent yet is effortless to whip up, this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is an absolute winner. The magic here? It tastes like restaurant-quality creamy pasta, but it’s made with simple pantry ingredients in under an hour—making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to impress without the stress. Every bite delivers rich, garlicky goodness balanced by smoky paprika and tender ground beef, all wrapped in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce that hugs the bowtie pasta perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully straightforward, yet each plays a crucial role in layering flavors, ensuring everything comes together into a creamy, satisfying dish packed with texture and color.

• 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean for the best balance of flavor without excess grease or swap for turkey for a lighter touch.
• 3 teaspoons olive oil: Adds richness and is perfect for sautéing the aromatics.
• 5–6 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is essential for that punch of fragrant, savory goodness.
• 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth, softening with a beautiful translucency.
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce: Intensifies umami notes and ties the beef and sauce flavors together.
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A balanced mix of herbs to elevate the sauce without overpowering it.
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and smoky complexity that makes this pasta special.
• 3 tablespoons butter: For velvety richness that makes the sauce silky and smooth.
• 3 cups beef broth: The base that infuses the pasta with savory depth as it cooks.
• 8 oz bowtie pasta: Perfect for holding onto every bit of sauce with its charming shape.
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated is a game changer for creamy, cheesy texture and flavor.
• 3/4 cup half and half (or whole milk): Adds creamy body without heaviness.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt: Adjust to taste; Parmesan and broth already bring saltiness.
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Brings a subtle peppery warmth.
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes: Optional, for that perfect little kick of heat.
• 1–2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds fresh color and brightens up each bite.

How to Make It tastes like restaurant-quality creamy pasta, but it’s made with simple pantry ingredients in under an hour

Step 1: Sauté Your Aromatics

Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in your finely chopped onion and cook until it becomes soft and translucent, about 3 minutes. Then add your minced garlic and sauté for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Your kitchen will fill with the heartwarming aroma of garlic and sweet onion—it’s the perfect foundation for what’s coming next.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Next, add your ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a wooden spoon, spreading it evenly for even browning. Season with Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Avoid crowding the pan so the beef caramelizes properly rather than steaming.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Sauce Base

Once the beef is browned, stir in the butter and let it melt fully, enriching the sauce with its buttery silkiness. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. This broth infuses the dish with deep, hearty flavor, making the sauce taste richer than you’d expect from such pantry staples.

Step 4: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook your bowtie pasta according to package instructions in a separate pot until al dente. Drain and set aside. This ensures the pasta holds just the right bite without overcooking when you combine it back into the sauce.

Step 5: Finish the Creamy Sauce

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the half and half and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Keep stirring gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens into a creamy dream. Season with red pepper flakes for a hint of spice. At this stage, your dish truly shines, exemplifying why it tastes like restaurant-quality creamy pasta, but it’s made with simple pantry ingredients in under an hour.

Step 6: Combine and Toss

Add the drained bowtie pasta into the skillet and toss everything together until every piece of pasta is luxuriously coated in that creamy, flavorful sauce. Cook together for a couple more minutes to meld all flavors and textures beautifully.

How to Serve It tastes like restaurant-quality creamy pasta, but it’s made with simple pantry ingredients in under an hour

Garnishes

Sprinkle fresh, finely chopped parsley over the top for a burst of color and freshness that brightens the rich, creamy flavors. If you want to go all out, add some extra Parmesan curls or a dash more red pepper flakes to suit your heat preference.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with crunchy garlic bread or a crisp green salad, like Caesar or arugula with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted vegetables, especially broccoli, provide a nice balance of texture and flavor, complementing the creamy pasta without overwhelming it.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve this pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the sauce and garnishes. For a fun presentation, top with toasted pine nuts or a light drizzle of truffle oil for extra flair. A sprinkle of fresh basil can also add a fragrant twist that elevates the experience even more.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta stores really well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing to keep the flavors intact and the sauce creamy.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish without the fresh parsley garnish for up to two months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and label with the date. When freezing, it’s best to slightly undercook the pasta during initial prep to prevent it from getting too mushy upon reheating.

Reheating

Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or milk to refresh the creamy sauce and prevent dryness. Stir often to evenly warm without breaking the sauce. Microwaving works too—just add a little liquid and cover loosely to trap steam.

FAQs

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Definitely! Ground turkey or chicken works wonderfully for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, sauté mushrooms or use a plant-based ground “beef” substitute with vegetable broth.

What type of Parmesan cheese should I use?

Freshly grated Parmesan from a block is the best choice—it melts smoothly and has a richer, nuttier flavor compared to pre-grated or powdered Parmesan.

Is it okay to use milk instead of half and half?

Yes! Whole milk or a creamy non-dairy milk alternative can be used if you want a lighter sauce, but the consistency will be a bit thinner than when using half and half.

How spicy is this dish? Can I make it milder?

The red pepper flakes add a gentle kick, but you can easily reduce or omit them altogether if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. The components come together quickly and reheat beautifully, making this pasta a perfect make-ahead meal for busy days or guests.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is the kind of recipe you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation because it tastes like restaurant-quality creamy pasta, but it’s made with simple pantry ingredients in under an hour. It’s comforting, satisfying, and totally accessible, perfect for those evenings when you want something special without complicated cooking. So grab your skillet, and dive into this cheesy, garlicky delight—you won’t be disappointed, and your dinner guests will be asking for seconds!

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