This creamy pasta dish features bow tie pasta tossed with seasoned ground beef and a savory Parmesan cream sauce for a meal that’s hearty and satisfying.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
It’s quick, filling, and loaded with flavor—ideal for feeding a hungry family or prepping ahead for busy days. It’s also incredibly flexible with endless customization options.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Heavy cream or milk
• Parmesan cheese
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper
directions
Cook pasta until al dente. In a skillet, sauté onion and garlic, then brown ground beef. Drain fat. Stir in cream and cheese, then combine with pasta. Simmer until sauce thickens. Season and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Serves 4. Prep time: 15 minutes. Cook time: 25 minutes.
Variations
• Add spinach or peas for color and nutrients.
• Substitute ground turkey or sausage.
• Use half cream and half broth for a lighter sauce.
storage/reheating
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, prepare and store in the fridge. Reheat gently and stir often.
How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?
Add a bit of milk or cream while warming to restore smoothness.
Can I make it without cream?
Yes, use a mix of broth and a roux (flour and butter) for a lighter sauce.
Is Parmesan the only cheese I can use?
No, try Romano, Asiago, or even mozzarella for variation.
What meat alternatives work best?
Ground turkey, chicken, or a plant-based alternative all work well.
Can I bake this into a casserole?
Yes, top with extra cheese and bake until bubbly.
Will this freeze well?
It can be frozen, but pasta may soften. Freeze without pasta for best results.
What herbs add the most flavor?
Thyme, basil, parsley, and oregano complement the sauce.
Is it okay to use low-fat milk?
Yes, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich.
Can I add a tomato element?
Yes, stir in a little tomato paste or diced tomatoes for a twist.
Conclusion
Creamy, cheesy, and irresistibly comforting, this pasta dish is the kind of quick dinner that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
PrintCreamy Bow Tie Pasta with Ground Beef and Parmesan
Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Ground Beef and Parmesan is a comforting and easy-to-make dish that combines tender bow tie pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce finished with grated Parmesan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook bow tie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Sprinkle flour over the beef mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add milk and beef broth, stirring until the mixture thickens into a creamy sauce, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella until melted and smooth.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.
Notes
- Use half-and-half or heavy cream for an even richer sauce.
- Ground turkey or chicken can be used in place of beef for a lighter version.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 630
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg