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To make Creamy Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta, you need a few key items: - 12 oz bowtie pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 1 cup heavy cream These ingredients form the base of your dish. The bowtie pasta gives you a fun shape. The ground beef adds protein and flavor. The heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. Next, we add some flavor boosters to make the dish pop: - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Fresh parsley for garnish Onion and garlic give a sweet, savory taste. Italian seasoning adds a nice herbal note. Fresh parsley adds color and freshness to each serving. For extra flair, consider these garnishes: - Additional Parmesan cheese - Black pepper - Red pepper flakes Adding more Parmesan cheese makes it even cheesier. Black pepper adds a little kick. Red pepper flakes can make it spicy if you like heat! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with water. Add salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add 12 oz of bowtie pasta. Cook it according to the package instructions until it is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. After cooking, save ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside for later. Next, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add 1 small finely chopped onion to the skillet. Sauté the onion for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. Now, add 2 minced garlic cloves. Stir well and cook for another minute. Then, add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Cook the beef for 5-7 minutes until it turns brown and is no longer pink. Break the beef apart as it cooks. Season it with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Lower the heat to medium-low. Pour in 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet. Stir it gently and let it come to a light simmer. Gradually add 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. Mix it until the cheese melts and blends smoothly into the cream. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water. Just add it a little at a time until you reach the right consistency. To get the perfect creamy sauce, keep an eye on the heat. Use medium-low heat when adding the heavy cream. This helps the cream warm up slowly and prevents it from curdling. If your sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water. This will help thin it out and keep it smooth. For al dente pasta, cook the bowtie pasta until it's firm but not hard. Follow the package instructions for the right time. Make sure to stir the pasta while it cooks. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking. To avoid overcooking, set a timer a minute early. Drain the pasta as soon as it’s done to stop the cooking process. Want to add more flavor? Try using fresh herbs like basil or thyme. They add a bright taste to the dish. You can also mix in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini for extra veggies. These not only enhance the taste but also add color to your plate. Pro Tips Perfect Pasta Texture: Always cook your pasta al dente for the best texture. It will continue to cook slightly when mixed with the sauce. Fresh Garlic Flavor: Add minced garlic towards the end of sautéing the onions to preserve its fresh flavor and prevent burning. Adjust Sauce Consistency: Use the reserved pasta water gradually to adjust the sauce's consistency, ensuring it clings perfectly to the pasta. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also enhances flavor. Sprinkle it generously before serving. {{image_2}} You can easily switch the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. Both options taste great and are lighter. Just follow the same cooking steps. For a vegetarian twist, use a meat substitute like lentils or tempeh. These options will still give you a hearty meal. To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bowtie pasta. Many brands offer great alternatives that taste similar. For thickening the sauce, try cornstarch or arrowroot powder. Mix it with a little water before adding it to your sauce. Want to twist the flavors? Try adding sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and tangy kick. They pair well with the creamy sauce. You can also play with different cheese varieties. Goat cheese or mozzarella can add a unique flavor profile. To keep your creamy Parmesan beef bowtie pasta fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to let the pasta cool before sealing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. You can reheat using a microwave or the stovetop. If using a microwave, place the pasta in a bowl and cover it to avoid drying out. For stovetop, warm it in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or cream to keep it moist. This helps the sauce stay creamy. You can freeze creamy Parmesan beef bowtie pasta, but it's best to do this without the spinach. Freeze the pasta in a sturdy container or freezer bag. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it gently on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream or water to restore its creamy texture. Yes, you can prep this dish in advance. Cook the pasta and beef as usual. Let them cool and store them separately in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, just heat the beef and cream mixture. Then, add the pasta and spinach. This makes dinner quick and easy. If you're looking for a lighter option, try using half-and-half or whole milk. You can also use a dairy-free option like coconut milk or cashew cream. These alternatives will change the taste slightly but still keep it creamy. Adjust the cheese amount for the best flavor. To add heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes while cooking the beef. You can also use hot sauce or diced jalapeños for more kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice level preference and enjoy the extra flavor! This blog covered how to make Creamy Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta. You learned about essential ingredients like bowtie pasta, ground beef, and heavy cream. We explored cooking steps, tips for a smooth sauce, and flavor boosts. I shared variations, including gluten-free and vegetarian options. Lastly, we discussed storing and reheating your leftovers. Now, you have the tools to create a delicious pasta dish that suits your taste. Enjoy experimenting with flavors and ingredients to make it uniquely yours!

Creamy Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring bowtie pasta, ground beef, and Parmesan cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup spinach, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • for garnish Fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and ground beef. Cook until the beef is browned and cooked through, breaking it apart as it cooks; this should take about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  • Lower the heat to medium-low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir well, allowing it to come to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and well incorporated.
  • Add the cooked bowtie pasta and chopped spinach to the skillet. Toss everything together to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to achieve your desired sauce consistency.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of additional Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

Adjust seasoning to taste and add more Parmesan if desired.
Keyword beef, creamy, Parmesan, pasta