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Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Creamy parmesan garlic beef bowtie pasta in a rustic white bowl.

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A luxurious and comforting family dinner made with simple ingredients. This creamy pasta features savory ground beef and a rich garlic parmesan sauce, all ready in about 35 minutes. It's a weeknight favorite that feels special.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 12 oz farfalle pasta (bowtie pasta)
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.
  2. While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef, break it up, and cook until no pink remains, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess grease.
  3. Reduce heat to medium. Push beef to sides, add butter to center. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Sprinkle flour over butter and garlic. Stir constantly for 1 minute to cook the flour.
  5. Slowly whisk in milk and beef broth. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until slightly thickened.
  6. Remove skillet from heat. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and red pepper flakes (if using) until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
  7. Add drained pasta and cooked beef to the sauce. Toss to combine. If sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time until desired consistency is reached. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  8. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Notes

Use freshly grated Parmesan for a smooth sauce. Take sauce off heat before adding cheese to prevent separation. Pasta water is key for adjusting sauce consistency. Recipe is easily adaptable for gluten-free or dairy-free diets.

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