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- 12 oz bowtie pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 2 cups heavy cream - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup chicken broth - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Using quality ingredients makes a big difference in flavor. For instance, fresh garlic adds a bright taste that jarred garlic can't match. Fresh garlic has a strong, pungent flavor that enhances the dish. I highly recommend using it in this recipe. The ground beef should be lean, around 80% meat and 20% fat. This ratio gives you rich flavor without being too greasy. You can also use grass-fed beef for an even better taste. When it comes to the cheese, freshly grated Parmesan yields a creamier sauce than store-bought grated cheese. The same goes for the heavy cream; opt for a high-fat content for a truly rich sauce. Finally, fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh flavor. Adding it right before serving makes your dish pop! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by boiling a large pot of water. Add a generous amount of salt. This step is key for flavor. Once the water is boiling, add 12 oz of 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 but save a small cup of pasta water. This water can adjust the sauce later if it gets too thick. For the beef, I recommend using lean ground beef. It has less fat, which makes it healthier. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb of ground beef. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart as it cooks. Cook until it is browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. This adds great flavor. Next, we’ll create the sauce. Stir in 4 cloves of minced garlic and cook for one minute. The garlic should smell amazing but not brown. Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and turn the heat up a bit. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes. This helps all the flavors mix well. Now, reduce the heat to low. Slowly stir in 2 cups of heavy cream and 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This will help reach your desired consistency. Finally, add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss gently to coat every piece of pasta with the creamy sauce. Taste it, and you can add more salt or pepper if needed. To get the perfect sauce, focus on thickness. If your sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. This water has starch, which helps the sauce cling to the pasta. If the sauce is too thin, simmer it a bit longer. This step helps it reduce and thicken nicely. For flavor enhancement, consider these pro tips: - Use fresh garlic instead of jarred. Fresh garlic adds a vibrant taste. - Always taste the sauce before serving. Adjust salt and pepper as needed. - A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick if you like spice. For an elegant presentation, use shallow bowls. Place the pasta in the center and let it spread slightly. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for shine and flavor. Garnishes are key for a beautiful dish. Here are some great options: - Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. - Add extra grated Parmesan cheese for a rich finish. - Whole parsley leaves can enhance the look and flavor. These simple tips will make your Creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta not just tasty but also stunning on the plate! Pro Tips Cook Pasta Al Dente: Be sure to cook the bowtie pasta until al dente for the best texture. This allows the pasta to hold up well in the sauce without becoming mushy. Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic will provide a more vibrant flavor compared to pre-minced garlic. It adds a fragrant aroma and depth to the dish. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to thin it out. This not only adjusts the texture but also helps the sauce adhere to the pasta better. Garnish for Flavor and Color: Don’t skip the fresh parsley garnish! It adds a fresh flavor and a pop of color, making the dish visually appealing and more appetizing. {{image_4}} You can switch up the pasta if you need to. Bowtie pasta is fun, but you can use other types. Try gluten-free pasta if you have a gluten issue. Whole wheat pasta is also a great choice for extra fiber. Both options will still taste good with the creamy sauce. If you want a dairy-free dish, there are options for cream and cheese. Use a dairy-free cream made from nuts or soy. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan cheese for a cheesy flavor without dairy. These swaps help keep the dish tasty and friendly for different diets. Adding veggies can boost flavor and nutrients. Spinach is a great choice. It pairs well with garlic and cream. You could also add mushrooms for a rich taste. Just sauté them with the beef for a nice blend. If you like spice, adjust the seasoning. Add red pepper flakes for heat. A dash of smoked paprika can give a nice twist, too. These small changes can make your creamy garlic Parmesan beef bowtie pasta even more exciting! To store leftovers, let the pasta cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the flavors fresh. Use it within three days for the best taste. When reheating, use a microwave or skillet. If using a microwave, cover the dish. Heat in short bursts of one minute. Stir between heats to warm evenly. For a skillet, add a splash of chicken broth or cream. This helps restore creaminess. Stir and heat on low until warm. To freeze the pasta, cool it completely first. Place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Remove as much air as possible. This prevents freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. When ready to eat, transfer it to the fridge overnight. This helps it thaw slowly. For reheating, use the microwave or a skillet. Add a bit of chicken broth or cream while reheating. This will bring back its creamy texture. Enjoy your meal with ease! Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce separately. This way, the pasta won't get mushy. Store the pasta and sauce in separate containers in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, warm the sauce on the stove. Add in the pasta, mix, and serve. This pasta goes well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh garden salad - Garlic bread or breadsticks - Steamed broccoli or green beans - A glass of red wine or sparkling water These pairings enhance the meal and add variety. To make this dish vegetarian, use plant-based protein. Here are some options: - Substitute ground beef with lentils or mushrooms. - Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. - Add spinach or zucchini for more flavor and nutrients. These changes keep the taste delicious while being meat-free. This blog post covered everything you need to make Creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta. We detailed the ingredients, shared step-by-step cooking tips, and explored variations to suit your taste. Remember to use fresh ingredients and adjust the flavors to your liking. Don't forget the storage tips to keep your meal fresh. Whether you serve it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, it's sure to impress. Enjoy your cooking journey and feel free to experiment with flavors and textures!

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to boil and season it generously with salt. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water if desired for adjusting sauce consistency.
  • Sauté the Beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink, approximately 5-7 minutes. Once browned, season the beef with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine.
  • Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another minute, allowing the garlic to become fragrant without browning.
  • Create the Sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, increasing the heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the broth to reduce slightly.
  • Incorporate Cream and Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix thoroughly until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  • Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss gently to ensure each piece of pasta is well coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.
  • Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve immediately, plating the pasta in individual portions. Garnish each serving with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley to add a burst of color and freshness.

Notes

For an elegant touch, consider using shallow bowls and a light drizzle of olive oil over the final dish before serving. Finish with additional grated Parmesan and a few whole parsley leaves.
Keyword beef, creamy, garlic, parmesan, pasta