Introduction:
Craving a hearty, comforting meal that’s easy to whip up in just one pan? This Garlic Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta Skillet combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s a crowd-pleasing dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Best of all, it’s all made in one skillet—so you get maximum flavor with minimum cleanup.
Ingredients:
For the Beef & Pasta:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 2 cups dry bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (optional, depending on beef fat content)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 1 cup milk (whole or 2%)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little kick)
For the Garlic Parmesan Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 cup milk or half-and-half (for creamier texture)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions & Method:
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil if needed.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks (about 5-7 minutes).
- Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Stir in uncooked bowtie pasta.
- Pour in beef broth and 1 cup of milk. Add salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low.
- Cover and let simmer for 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is cooked al dente and most liquid is absorbed. Add a bit more broth or water if needed.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce
- While pasta is cooking, in a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour to form a roux; cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
- Slowly whisk in 1 cup milk or half-and-half until smooth and thickened (about 3-5 minutes).
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until melted and creamy.
- Season with a pinch of salt and pepper if needed.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
- Pour the garlic parmesan sauce over the beef and pasta mixture in the skillet.
- Stir everything together until well combined and creamy.
- Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to meld flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy
- Top with extra grated Parmesan and fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with garlic bread or a side salad.
Chef’s Tips:
- Want more veggies? Add spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli when cooking the pasta.
- Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For extra richness, add a splash of heavy cream with the milk.