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To make Creamy Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, gather these 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) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) The key ingredients for this dish are the bowtie pasta, ground beef, garlic, cream, and broth. These form the base of our creamy sauce. You can add red pepper flakes for a little heat. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch at the end. If you need swaps, here are some ideas: - Ground beef: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter meal. - Heavy cream: Substitute with half-and-half or coconut cream for a dairy-free option. - Bowtie pasta: Any pasta shape will work. Try penne or fusilli if you prefer. - Beef broth: Chicken broth or vegetable broth can also be tasty. These substitutions keep the dish flavorful while accommodating different diets. {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, fill a large pot with salted water. Bring the water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. You want it al dente, which means firm but not hard. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once it's done, drain the pasta. Remember to save about 1/2 cup of the pasta water. This water will help mix with the sauce later. Next, grab a large skillet. Heat up 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook these for about 3-4 minutes, stirring often. You want the onions to turn clear. Then, add 1 pound of ground beef. Break it up with a spoon and cook it until it's brown. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Season your beef with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes for a kick. Now it's time to make the sauce. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth and bring it to a simmer. Next, stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Bring this back to a gentle simmer, stirring often. Let the sauce reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes. You want it creamy but not too thick. After that, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. If the sauce seems too thick, use some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up. Finally, stir in 1 cup of grated Parmesan cheese until it melts and combines well with the sauce. Cooking pasta may seem simple, but small details matter. Always use a large pot with plenty of salted water. The salt adds flavor. Cook the bowtie pasta until it’s al dente, which means firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Remember to reserve some pasta water before draining. This water helps the sauce stick to the pasta later. To boost flavor, use fresh herbs and spices. I love adding Italian seasoning. It mixes well with the garlic and beef. Red pepper flakes add a nice kick, but you can skip them if you prefer mild dishes. Finish your pasta with fresh parsley for color and taste. It makes every bite pop. One common mistake is rinsing the pasta after cooking. This washes away the starch that helps the sauce cling. Another mistake is not tasting the sauce. Always taste and adjust the seasoning. If it feels flat, a pinch of salt or more cheese can make a big difference. Finally, don’t rush the sauce. Let it simmer and thicken before mixing in the pasta. This step ensures a creamy, delicious dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a robust flavor that jarred garlic cannot match, enhancing the overall taste of your dish. Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water can help adjust the sauce's consistency and make it creamier, so don’t forget to save some before draining. Quality Parmesan Cheese: Opt for freshly grated Parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated versions for a richer flavor and better melting quality. Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer a milder dish, omit the red pepper flakes. For more heat, feel free to add extra or incorporate some crushed red pepper into the sauce. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish vegetarian. Use plant-based ground meat instead of beef. Many brands taste great and mimic the texture of beef. You can also use lentils for a healthy choice. Lentils pack a lot of protein and fiber. They work well with the creamy garlic sauce. Adding veggies can boost the health factor of this dish. Try spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. These veggies add color and flavor. Sauté them with the onions and garlic for the best taste. You can also toss in broccoli or zucchini. They will cook quickly and keep the pasta light. While bowtie pasta is fun, you can use other shapes too. Penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti are great options. Each shape holds the sauce differently. For example, fusilli twists catch more sauce. Experiment with what you have on hand. This keeps the dish fresh and exciting every time you make it. To store your creamy garlic beef bowtie pasta, let it cool down first. Place the leftovers in an airtight container. Make sure to seal it well to keep the flavors fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you are ready to enjoy the leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or heavy cream to keep it creamy. Stir it often to avoid burning. You can also microwave it in short bursts. This method works well too but stir in between to heat evenly. Freezing creamy garlic beef bowtie pasta is easy. Just pack it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top for expansion. You can freeze it for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight. Then, reheat it gently on the stove, adding a bit of cream or broth as needed. This keeps the dish tasty and creamy. You can use several options instead of heavy cream. Good choices include: - Half-and-half: This is a mix of milk and cream. - Milk with butter: Mix 3/4 cup milk with 1/4 cup melted butter for a rich mix. - Coconut cream: This adds a nice flavor and is dairy-free. These substitutes work well in this recipe, keeping it creamy. Yes, you can make Creamy Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta ahead of time. Cook the pasta and sauce, then combine them. Store in the fridge for up to two days. When you’re ready to eat, just reheat it on the stove. Add a splash of broth or milk to keep it creamy. To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or water to help it warm up. Stir gently until heated through. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This keeps the pasta from drying out. We explored the ingredients needed for Creamy Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta, covering essential and optional items. I shared cooking steps, tips, and variations, so you can find your perfect dish. Remember to store leftovers properly for later meals. Always feel free to adapt the recipe based on what you have at home. Cooking should be fun and flexible. Enjoy creating a meal that pleases everyone at your table!

Creamy Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta

Discover the ultimate creamy garlic beef pasta that’s quick and easy to make! This delightful bowtie pasta recipe features tender ground beef, savory garlic, and a rich, creamy sauce that the whole family will love. Perfect for busy weeknights, this Italian pasta with cream is a delicious go-to dish. Save this easy pasta recipe for your next meal! Enjoy a plate of comfort today! #CreamyGarlicBeefPasta #BowtiePastaRecipes #GroundBeefPastaDish #EasyPastaRecipes
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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)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

    Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onions and minced garlic, sauté until the onions are translucent (about 3-4 minutes).

      Add ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes (if using).

        Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Then, stir in the heavy cream and bring back to a gentle simmer. Let the sauce reduce slightly for about 3-4 minutes.

          Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce, along with the reserved pasta water as needed to reach desired creaminess. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and combined.

            Taste and Adjust: Check the seasoning and adjust with more salt and pepper if necessary.

              Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and an additional sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

                Prep Time: 10 mins | Total Time: 30 mins | Servings: 4