Comforting creamy garlic Parmesan beef bowtie pasta. A quick and satisfying dinner the whole family will love.
Author:lina
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:25 minutes
Total Time:40 minutes
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Dinner
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Ingredients
Scale
450 grams ground beef (80/20 lean recommended)
15 ml olive oil
5–6 cloves garlic, minced
1 small onion, finely chopped
5 ml Worcestershire sauce
5 ml Italian seasoning
2.5 ml smoked paprika
45 grams unsalted butter
710 ml beef broth
225 grams farfalle pasta
100 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese
175 ml half and half (or whole milk)
2.5 ml salt, or to taste
1.25 ml black pepper
2.5 ml red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
15–30 ml fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
Instructions
Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 15 ml olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 450 grams ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until fully browned. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped small onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, and the garlic is fragrant.
Season the Beef: Stir in 5 ml Worcestershire sauce, 5 ml Italian seasoning, and 2.5 ml smoked paprika. Continue cooking for one minute to allow the spices to bloom and flavors to deepen.
Prepare the Broth Base: Add 45 grams unsalted butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt completely. Pour in 710 ml beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes to reduce slightly.
Cook the Pasta: Concurrently, cook 225 grams farfalle pasta according to package directions in a separate pot of salted boiling water. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
Create the Cream Sauce: Once the beef broth has slightly reduced, stir in 175 ml half and half (or whole milk). Gradually add 100 grams freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Final Seasoning: Season the sauce with 2.5 ml salt (or to taste), 1.25 ml black pepper, and 2.5 ml red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well and let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes more to fully combine the flavors.
Combine and Serve: Add the cooked and drained farfalle pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated. Serve immediately, garnished with 15-30 ml fresh chopped parsley.
Notes
Adjust red pepper flakes to your preference. For more heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
For an even richer sauce, substitute heavy cream for half and half.
Feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor, or a blend of Parmesan and mozzarella for extra stretchiness.
To lighten the dish, use lean ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and skim milk instead of half and half, though this will alter the richness.
For a delicious vegetarian version, omit the beef and use sautéed mushrooms, lentils, or a plant-based ground substitute. Increase vegetable broth to compensate.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.