Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef

Name: Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta; 1 lb ground beef; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with chilies; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish

Published: October 31, 2025

by Victoria

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy nights.
Rich Flavor: The combination of garlic, parmesan cheese, and ground beef creates a mouthwatering sauce that everyone will love.
Versatile Dish: Serve it as a main course or pair it with a side salad for a complete meal.
Crowd-Pleaser: With its hearty ingredients and creamy sauce, this pasta is sure to satisfy both kids and adults.
Comfort Food Classic: Perfect for cozy nights in or when you crave something warm and filling.

Tools and Preparation

To whip up Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef seamlessly, having the right tools on hand can make all the difference.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Skillet
Colander
Wooden spoon
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Essential for boiling the pasta quickly and evenly.
Skillet: Perfect for browning the beef and cooking the sauce without overcrowding.
Colander: Helps drain cooked pasta efficiently while keeping it intact.
Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this delicious Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef:

For the Pasta

12 oz bowtie pasta

For the Meat Sauce

1 lb ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained

For the Creamy Sauce

2 tbsp butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef

In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess grease.

Step 3: Add Garlic and Seasoning

Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Incorporate Rotel Tomatoes

Add the can of Rotel tomatoes (with juices) into the skillet. Simmer for about 2 minutes.

Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce

Mix in butter, heavy cream, and beef broth. Let this mixture gently simmer until slightly thickened.

Step 6: Stir in Cheeses

Lower heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella until the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 7: Combine with Pasta

Add cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss until well coated in the cheesy sauce. Allow it to cook for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 8: Serve

Sprinkle red pepper flakes if desired. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving warm.

How to Serve Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef

Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef is a delightful dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will make your meal even more enjoyable.

With a Side Salad

Caesar Salad – Crisp romaine lettuce, croutons, and parmesan tossed in creamy Caesar dressing.
Garden Salad – A mix of fresh greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.

As a Family Style Meal

Serving Bowl – Present the pasta in a large bowl on the table for everyone to help themselves.
Individual Plates – Plate the pasta with a sprinkle of parsley for an elegant touch at dinner parties.

With Garlic Bread

Classic Garlic Bread – Toasted bread topped with garlic butter to complement the creamy flavors of the pasta.
Cheesy Garlic Bread – Add mozzarella on top of garlic bread for extra cheesiness and flavor.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

Chopped Parsley – Fresh parsley adds color and brightness to the dish.
Basil Leaves – A few basil leaves can elevate the flavor profile with their aromatic essence.

How to Perfect Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef

To ensure your Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef is perfectly delicious every time, consider these helpful tips.

Use Fresh Ingredients – Fresh garlic and high-quality parmesan cheese will significantly enhance the flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cook the bowtie pasta until just al dente to maintain its texture when tossed in sauce.
Adjust Seasoning – Taste as you go; add more salt or pepper based on your preference for seasoning.
Simmer Gently – Allow the sauce to simmer without boiling to achieve that creamy consistency without curdling.
Add More Veggies – Consider adding spinach or bell peppers for added nutrition and color.
Let it Rest – Allowing the dish to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef

Pairing side dishes with your Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

Garlic Breadsticks – Soft breadsticks brushed with garlic butter are perfect for dipping into sauce.
Roasted Vegetables – Oven-roasted seasonal vegetables add color and nutrients alongside your pasta dish.
Bruschetta – Toasted bread topped with diced tomatoes, basil, and balsamic glaze creates a refreshing appetizer.
Steamed Broccoli – Lightly steamed broccoli provides a healthy crunch and complements the rich flavors of the pasta.
Caprese Salad – Slices of fresh mozzarella and tomatoes drizzled with balsamic glaze add freshness to your plate.
Stuffed Mushrooms – Savory stuffed mushrooms make for a hearty side that pairs wonderfully with beef dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many home cooks make simple mistakes that can affect the outcome of their Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:

Not salting the pasta water: Without enough salt, the pasta may lack flavor. Always add a generous amount of salt to the boiling water before cooking the bowtie pasta.
Overcooking the beef: Cooking ground beef for too long can make it tough. Brown it just until it’s no longer pink for a tender texture.
Skipping the simmering step: This step is crucial for developing flavor. Allow the mixture to simmer after adding tomatoes and broth to enhance the dish’s overall taste.
Not measuring ingredients properly: Precise measurements are key in cooking. Use measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, especially with cream and cheese.
Forgetting to toss the pasta in sauce: This ensures every piece is coated. After mixing in your cooked pasta, toss it well with the creamy sauce for optimal flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking.
Consume within 3–4 days for best quality.

Freezing Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef

Portion into freezer-safe containers.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best taste and texture.

Reheating Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20 minutes or until warm.
Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on medium power for 1–2 minutes, stirring halfway through until heated evenly.
Stovetop: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of beef broth or cream while reheating to maintain creaminess. Stir frequently until warm.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef:

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While bowtie pasta works well, you can substitute with any pasta shape like penne or rotini.

How can I customize Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef?

You can add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! It stores well and can be made ahead of time for easy meals throughout the week.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk as substitutes, but they will result in a lighter sauce.

How spicy is Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef?

The spice level depends on whether you include red pepper flakes. You can adjust them according to your preference!

Final Thoughts

Garlic Parmesan Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Beef is not only delicious but also adaptable. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the cheese levels. We encourage you to try this hearty dish at home; it’s perfect for busy nights or family gatherings!

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