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Here’s what you need to make Creamy Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta: - 8 oz bowtie pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish Each ingredient plays a key role. The bowtie pasta is fun and holds the sauce well. Ground beef adds protein and flavor. Garlic and onion give depth to the dish. Cream and cheese create that rich, creamy sauce we love. Seasonings like Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes bring warmth. Finally, fresh basil adds a bright touch. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once it boils, add the bowtie pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside for later. Next, grab a large skillet and add two tablespoons of olive oil. Heat the oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and cook it until it turns soft and clear. This takes about 3 to 4 minutes. Then, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Cook it for one more minute until it smells great. Now, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook the beef until it turns brown, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. If there is extra fat, drain it out. Lower the heat back to medium. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to simmer for 3 to 4 minutes. This helps the sauce thicken a bit. Then, add the grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and becomes creamy. Now it’s time to bring everything together. Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Toss the pasta in the creamy mixture. Make sure each piece of pasta is coated well. Taste your dish and adjust the seasoning if needed. Remove from heat and get ready to serve. To cook bowtie pasta perfectly, start with a large pot. Use plenty of water and add salt. This helps flavor the pasta. Bring the water to a rapid boil. Add the pasta and stir it right away. This prevents it from sticking. Follow the package time for cooking. Check for doneness by tasting. Aim for al dente, meaning firm but not hard. Drain the pasta in a colander, but save some pasta water. It can help adjust your sauce later. For a creamy sauce, choose high-fat heavy cream. It makes the sauce rich and smooth. Start with a hot skillet and olive oil. Cook onions until they look clear. This brings out their sweetness. Add garlic next, cooking just until you smell it. Then, add the ground beef. Break it apart as it cooks, browning it well. When the meat is ready, lower the heat. Stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Let it simmer gently. This lets the flavors blend. Finish by adding the Parmesan cheese. Stir until it melts and becomes creamy. Garnishing your pasta makes it even better! Use fresh basil leaves for a bright touch. They add color and flavor. You can also sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top. This gives extra creaminess. If you like a kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes. Serve the pasta in bowls for a cozy feel. Enjoy it warm for the best taste! Pro Tips Perfect Pasta: Always salt your pasta water generously. This is your only chance to flavor the pasta itself! Meat Mastery: For a richer flavor, try using a combination of ground beef and Italian sausage. Cheese Choice: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor. Herb Freshness: Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness. {{image_2}} You can easily change this recipe to fit your needs. If you want a lighter meal, swap ground beef for turkey or chicken. Both add great flavor and cut down on fat. For a vegetarian option, use mushrooms or lentils instead of beef. You still get a hearty dish with these swaps. If you avoid dairy, try using coconut cream in place of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast also adds a cheesy taste without the dairy. Bowtie pasta is fun and looks great, but you can use other shapes too. Penne or fusilli work well and hold onto the sauce nicely. If you want a gluten-free option, choose gluten-free pasta made from rice or chickpeas. Each shape gives a new twist to the dish while keeping it creamy and delicious. Adding veggies can make this dish healthier and more colorful. Spinach or broccoli is easy to toss in. Just add them when simmering the sauce. You can also try bell peppers or zucchini for added crunch. If you want more protein, consider adding cooked chicken or shrimp. They blend well with the creamy sauce and make the meal even more filling. To store your creamy Parmesan beef bowtie pasta, let it cool first. Use an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. Be sure to label the container with the date. When you’re ready to enjoy leftovers, use the microwave or stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring often. On the stovetop, add a splash of cream or water to help it reheat evenly. Stir until hot. You can freeze this pasta dish for later. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To reheat, let it thaw overnight in the fridge. Warm it on the stove or microwave, adding a bit of cream for creaminess. Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and beef mixture. Store them separately in airtight containers in the fridge. When you are ready to eat, reheat the beef sauce. Then, combine it with the pasta. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy. You can use whole milk or half-and-half instead of heavy cream. This will change the creaminess. For a thicker sauce, add a bit of flour or cornstarch. You can also use coconut cream for a dairy-free option. Just remember, it will add a slight coconut flavor. Yes! For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms. You can also add diced vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for extra flavor. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for the sauce. The rest of the recipe stays the same. To make a creamy sauce without cheese, use a combination of milk and flour. Cook them together until thick. You can also blend cooked cashews with water for a creamy texture. Add nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. This gives you creaminess without the cheese. We explored a delightful recipe featuring bowtie pasta, creamy beef sauce, and tasty spices. You learned how to cook the pasta, prepare the beef mixture, and mix the sauce. We shared tips for cooking and garnishing to make your dish shine. You now have ideas for variations and storage, ensuring your meal stays fresh. Remember, cooking is about fun and creativity. Experiment with flavors and enjoy every bite!

Creamy Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring bowtie pasta, ground beef, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Save Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz bowtie pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  • Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  • Lower the heat to medium and stir in the heavy cream, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
  • Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss it in the creamy sauce, ensuring the pasta is well-coated.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Remove from heat.

Notes

Serve garnished with fresh basil and extra Parmesan cheese.
Keyword beef, creamy, parmesan, pasta