Creamy Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

$- 8 oz bowtie pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 medium onion, diced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup beef broth - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tbsp olive oil - 1 tsp Italian seasoning - 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make Creamy Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, you need a blend of fresh and pantry staples. First, you will need bowtie pasta, which gives a fun shape and texture. For protein, ground beef works best, bringing rich flavor. Aromatics like garlic and onion add depth to the dish, making it aromatic and savory. The creamy sauce comes from heavy cream and beef broth, creating a silky texture. Parmesan cheese not only thickens the sauce but also adds a nice cheesy bite. Olive oil helps sauté the aromatics, while Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes perk up the flavors. Finally, salt and pepper will enhance all the ingredients. When you gather all these items, you set yourself up for a delightful cooking experience. Trust me, these ingredients will make your pasta dish shine! {{ingredient_image_2}} Boiling and Draining Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a pinch of salt and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta. Cook it for about 10-12 minutes until it is al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta in a colander. Make sure to set aside 1/2 cup of pasta water for later. Reserving Pasta Water The reserved pasta water helps thicken sauces. Keep it on hand as you mix the pasta with the sauce. This step ensures your dish has the right texture and flavor. Heating and Cooking Techniques In a large skillet, pour in 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Heat it over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic. Stir them together and let them cook for about 3-4 minutes. The onion should turn soft and clear. Timing for Onion and Garlic Cook the onion first. Once it starts to soften, add the garlic. This method brings out the best flavors. Garlic cooks faster, so adding it later prevents burning. Browning Process Next, add 1 pound of ground beef to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon to break it apart. Stir it often until the beef turns brown. This usually takes around 5-7 minutes. Seasoning Tips As the beef cooks, sprinkle in salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. If you want some heat, add 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes. Mix well to coat the beef with all the spices. Simmering with Broth and Cream Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. This step adds depth to the sauce. After simmering for a minute, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Allow this mixture to simmer again. Reducing and Flavoring the Sauce Let the sauce reduce for about 3-4 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This process thickens the sauce and enhances the flavors. Mixing Techniques Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Gently mix it all together. Use your spatula to ensure the pasta is well coated. Achieving the Desired Consistency Gradually pour in the reserved pasta water. Mix until you reach your preferred sauce thickness. Finally, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This adds creaminess and flavor. Adjusting Seasoning Taste your dish. If it needs more flavor, add extra salt or pepper. This step is key to making the dish just right for your taste. Garnishing for Presentation Transfer the creamy garlic beef pasta to serving plates. Top each plate with freshly chopped parsley. Add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an inviting look. Enjoy your delicious meal! - Al Dente Pasta Tips: Cook your bowtie pasta in salted water. Follow the package for timing, usually about 10-12 minutes. Taste a piece before draining. It should be firm yet tender. This keeps the pasta from getting mushy in the sauce. - Sauce Consistency Recommendations: If your sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water. This helps it cling to the pasta better. For a richer sauce, let it simmer longer to thicken. - Additional Seasonings: Add a pinch of garlic powder or onion powder for extra depth. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also brighten the flavor. Don't forget to adjust salt and pepper as needed! - Suggested Add-ins: Mix in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for added color and nutrition. Mushrooms can add an earthy taste. Experiment with crushed red pepper for a kick! - Pairing with Side Dishes: Garlic bread is a classic choice. A simple green salad with a light dressing complements this dish well. Try roasted veggies for a healthy side. - Presentation Ideas: Serve in a large bowl, garnished with fresh parsley. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan adds a nice touch. Consider using a colorful plate to make the dish pop! Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger and more aromatic flavor than pre-minced options. Always opt for fresh for the best taste. Don’t Skip the Pasta Water: The reserved pasta water is starchy and helps to thicken the sauce, ensuring it clings beautifully to the pasta. Quality Beef Matters: Choose lean ground beef for a healthier dish. If possible, use grass-fed beef for a richer flavor and better quality. Garnish for Flavor: Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste that balances the richness of the cream sauce, enhancing the overall dish. {{image_4}} Using Chicken or Turkey If you prefer lighter meat, chicken or turkey works great. Use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef. This swap keeps the dish tasty but cuts down on fat. Sauté as you would with beef. The cooking time stays similar, so just watch for the color change. Vegetarian Options For a vegetarian twist, try using mushrooms or lentils. They add depth and texture. Cook them the same way, and season well to enhance the flavors. You can also use tofu for protein. Just make sure to press it first to remove excess water. Adding Different Cheeses Parmesan is classic, but you can experiment with other cheeses. Try mozzarella for a gooey texture or feta for a tangy kick. Mix it in the sauce or sprinkle on top when serving. Each cheese will change the dish’s flavor profile. Incorporating Herbs Fresh herbs can elevate your pasta. Basil, thyme, or oregano add brightness. Chop and stir them in right before serving. You’ll enjoy a burst of flavor with every bite. Plus, herbs give your dish a lovely aroma. Gluten-Free Pasta Options If you need gluten-free, many pasta brands offer bowtie shapes. Look for ones made from brown rice or quinoa. These options cook well and hold the sauce nicely. Just follow the package instructions for cooking times. Dairy-Free Sauce Substitutes For a dairy-free version, use coconut milk or cashew cream. Both create a creamy texture without dairy. You can also try nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Adjust the seasoning as needed to suit your taste. To store leftovers of your creamy garlic beef bowtie pasta, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh in the fridge. Consume within three days for the best taste. Recommended containers are glass or BPA-free plastic. These materials keep the pasta safe and tasty. Be sure to label the container with the date. This way, you can track how long it has been stored. If you want to keep the dish longer, freezing is a great option. First, let the pasta cool completely. Then, divide it into portions. Use freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. When you are ready to eat, thaw the pasta overnight in the fridge. For reheating, place the pasta in a pan over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to help revive the sauce. Stir gently until heated through. Enjoy your delicious meal again! To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free bowtie pasta. Many brands offer great options. You can find them in most grocery stores. Just cook the pasta according to the package instructions. This way, you can enjoy the same creamy flavor without the gluten. Absolutely! You can swap bowtie pasta for other shapes. Some good choices include penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti. Each pasta shape brings its own texture. Just adjust the cooking time based on the type you choose. If you want to add some heat, try these options: - Increase red pepper flakes in the beef mixture. - Add diced jalapeños or fresh chili peppers. - Drizzle in a bit of hot sauce before serving. These choices will give your dish a nice kick! Yes, you can! Cook the pasta and prepare the sauce ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, just reheat them together. This makes meal prep easy and quick. If you need a substitute for heavy cream, try these options: - Use whole milk mixed with butter for a creamy texture. - Coconut milk can add a different flavor. - Silken tofu blended until smooth also works well. These alternatives will still give you a rich sauce. We explored a simple and tasty creamy garlic beef bowtie pasta recipe. You learned how to cook the pasta and create a rich sauce with easy steps. The tips helped you perfect the texture and flavor. Don’t forget the variations available, from proteins to dietary adjustments. You can even store leftovers for later. Cooking should be fun and rewarding, so enjoy making this dish your own! Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a weekend treat, this dish is sure to please.$

Creamy Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

A delicious and creamy pasta dish featuring ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

8 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
to taste Salt and pepper
to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, typically around 10-12 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander, but be sure to reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later use.
In a large skillet, pour in the olive oil and heat over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté them together until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Next, add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a wooden spoon, break the meat apart as it cooks. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and no longer pink, which should take approximately 5-7 minutes. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you like a bit of heat.
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. After that, stir in the heavy cream, allowing the sauce to return to a gentle simmer again. Let the sauce reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Add the prepared bowtie pasta to the creamy beef sauce. Gradually mix in the reserved pasta water until you achieve your desired consistency for the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing until the cheese has melted completely and is well incorporated into the sauce.
Taste the dish and adjust the flavor with more salt and pepper as needed to suit your palate.
Transfer the creamy garlic beef pasta to serving plates. Garnish each plate with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color, and sprinkle a little extra Parmesan cheese on top if desired.

Notes

Consider serving the pasta in a large, shallow bowl for a rustic look and place a sprig of parsley on top for a vibrant, inviting touch. Pair with a side of garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!

Keyword beef, creamy, garlic, Italian, pasta