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

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

5 from 13 reviews

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender ground beef, aromatic garlic, and smoky paprika with a rich Parmesan cream sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality creamy pasta using simple pantry ingredients in under 35 minutes. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s a satisfying meal for both kids and adults, and easily customizable with various vegetables or spice levels.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef (85/15 lean)
  • 3 teaspoons olive oil
  • 5–6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (oregano, basil, thyme mix)
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 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

Instructions

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat 3 teaspoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, filling the kitchen with a warm, nutty aroma.
  2. Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Season with Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 6–7 minutes until the beef is browned and no longer pink, avoiding overcrowding the pan to ensure proper browning.
  3. Create the Sauce Base: Stir in the butter until melted, then pour in the beef broth. Bring to a simmer and allow the mixture to cook for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly, infusing the sauce with rich beef flavor.
  4. Cook the Pasta: Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta separately according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Alternatively, for a one-pan version, add uncooked bowtie pasta directly to the skillet, stir, cover and simmer on medium-low for 10–12 minutes until tender and liquid is mostly absorbed, adding extra broth or water if needed.
  5. Add Cream & Cheese: Lower the heat to low. Stir in half and half (or whole milk) and freshly grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy and the cheese melts completely. Add red pepper flakes for a slight kick and stir to combine thoroughly.
  6. Toss and Serve: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet sauce and toss gently to coat each piece evenly. Continue stirring until the pasta is fully coated with the rich, creamy sauce. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving hot, paired perfectly with garlic bread or a green salad.

Notes

  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • Substitute half and half with milk or non-dairy milk for a lighter version.
  • This dish pairs excellently with a side salad or garlic bread.
  • For vegetarian variation, swap beef with sautéed mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or freeze portions without parsley for up to 2 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: Parmesan garlic beef pasta, creamy beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, easy Italian pasta, one-pan pasta dinner, quick beef pasta, creamy garlic pasta

Find it online: https://ellaeatsdaily.com/it-tastes-like-restaurant-quality-creamy-pasta-but-its-made-with-simple-pantry-ingredients-in-under-an-hour-recipe/