Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving comfort food that hits all the right notes—creamy, savory, cheesy, and ultra-satisfying—then this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. Imagine tender beef bites tossed with perfectly al dente bow tie pasta (aka butterfly pasta!) coated in a rich, velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce. Yeah, it’s that kind of meal—the kind that warms your soul and gets scraped clean off the plate. Whether you’re feeding the fam or just treating yourself, this dish is pure dinner bliss.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Garlic lovers unite! That creamy garlic sauce is dreamy.
• Juicy, seasoned beef brings hearty, satisfying flavor.
• Parmesan makes it irresistibly cheesy and indulgent.
• Bow tie pasta is just so fun (and great at holding sauce!).
• Comes together in under 40 minutes—perfect for busy nights.
• Comfort food with a touch of elegance = dinner upgrade.

Recipe Snapshot

Feature	Details
Category	Dinner
Cuisine	Italian-inspired comfort food
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	25-30 minutes
Total Time	About 40 minutes
Focus Keyword	Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta
Servings	4 hearty portions

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this beef and pasta masterpiece to life:

• Bow tie pasta – Also called farfalle or butterfly pasta, it’s perfect for catching all that creamy sauce in its nooks.
• Beef strips or ground beef – Adds meaty richness and pairs beautifully with garlic and Parmesan.
• Fresh garlic – Lots of it! The bold, aromatic heart of the sauce.
• Heavy cream – The base of that dreamy, velvety texture.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated is best for bold flavor and smooth melting.
• Butter – Helps build that creamy garlic base and adds richness.
• Beef broth – Enhances the savory depth of the sauce.
• Olive oil – For searing the beef to juicy perfection.
• Italian seasoning – Adds herby goodness and rounds out the flavors.
• Salt and pepper – Essential seasoning to taste.

You’ll find the exact amounts and instructions in the full recipe card below!

How to Make Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta

Boil your bow tie pasta in well-salted water until it’s just shy of al dente. Don’t overcook—we want it to soak up all that sauce later! Drain and set aside.

2. Sear the Beef

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add your seasoned beef and cook until browned and juicy. Set aside but don’t clean the pan—you want those flavorful bits!

3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce

Melt butter in the same skillet, then toss in your minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant (just 30 seconds—don’t let it burn!). Stir in the beef broth and cream, bringing everything to a gentle simmer.

4. Add Parmesan and Seasonings

Lower the heat and stir in grated Parmesan until melted and smooth. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, a little salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Taste and adjust—this sauce is your canvas.

5. Combine Everything

Toss the cooked pasta and beef into the sauce, stirring until every bow tie is luxuriously coated. Let it simmer for a couple more minutes so all the flavors marry.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Plate it up hot and top with extra Parmesan, cracked pepper, and a sprinkle of parsley if you’re feelin’ fancy. Trust me, this creamy Parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta is plate-licking good.

Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta

• Use freshly grated Parmesan—it melts smoother and tastes way better than the pre-shredded kind.
• Don’t skip deglazing the pan after browning the beef—it’s pure flavor gold!
• Reserve a little pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce.

Flavor Variations

• Spicy kick: Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
• Veggie twist: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Cheese swap: Try Romano or Asiago for a sharper bite.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with warm garlic bread or a crusty baguette.
• A crisp Caesar salad makes a perfect, fresh contrast.
• Add a glass of red wine for date night vibes at home.

Pair this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta with our baked garlic Parmesan potato wedges for the ultimate garlicky duo. The crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside texture of the wedges complements the creamy pasta like a dream.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Make-ahead: Cook the pasta and beef ahead of time. Store separately and combine with sauce when ready to serve.
• Leftovers: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Not ideal—creamy sauces can split when thawed. But the beef and pasta (unsauced) can be frozen!
• Reheating: Gently warm on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Penne, rotini, or fettuccine all work, but bow tie pasta really does hold the sauce beautifully.

What kind of beef works best?
You can use ground beef for ease, or thinly sliced sirloin or flank steak for a fancier finish.

Can I make it lighter?
Sure thing—swap heavy cream for half-and-half or even a splash of milk (though it won’t be as rich).

Is this Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta kid-friendly?
Totally! It’s cheesy, garlicky, and easy to love. Just skip the red pepper flakes if you’re serving little ones.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is the kind of meal that brings people together. It’s comforting without being complicated, indulgent without being fussy, and just downright delicious. Whether you’re making it for a crowd or curling up solo with a big bowl and a blanket—this butterfly pasta recipe is always a win.