Preparation:
Step 1: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, remove excess fat, if needed.
Step 2: Add the chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onions become translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 3: Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix well to combine, and cook for another minute to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until the pasta is al dente and has absorbed some of the liquid.
Step 5: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the butter, half and half, and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce has become creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Variation Ideas:
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is incredibly adaptable, and you can easily tweak the recipe to suit your personal tastes, dietary restrictions, or what you have available in your kitchen. Here are some creative variations and substitutions you can try:
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Vegetarian Version: Swap out the ground beef for plant-based alternatives like lentils or mushrooms. For added protein, try tofu or a vegetarian protein substitute.
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Gluten-Free Version: Replace the bowtie pasta with a gluten-free variety. Make sure to check that the Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free.
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Dairy-Free Version: Use coconut milk or almond milk in place of the half and half, and opt for dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast. Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter.
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Spicy Version: Add more red pepper flakes or chopped fresh chili peppers to increase the heat, or stir in a teaspoon of hot sauce or sriracha for an extra kick. 🌶🔥
Cooking Tips:
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Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Stir occasionally and check for doneness around the 12-minute mark to avoid overcooking the pasta. If you like softer pasta, cook it for an extra 2-3 minutes.
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Grate Your Own Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan creates a smoother, creamier sauce than pre-shredded cheese. 🧀
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Worcestershire Sauce: It adds depth of flavor to the beef, so don’t skip it! You can substitute it with soy sauce for a similar effect.
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Watch the Liquid: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little extra beef broth or milk to reach your desired consistency. 🥄
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Resting Time: Let the dish sit for a couple of minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to thicken slightly and cling to the pasta better.
Serving Suggestions:
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is hearty enough on its own, but you can enhance your meal with these complementary sides:
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Garlic Bread: A slice of garlic bread on the side is perfect for mopping up the creamy sauce. 🥖
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Side Salad: A fresh salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette adds a nice contrast to the rich pasta. 🥗
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Roasted Vegetables: Add some roasted broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots for a healthy and flavorful side. 🥦
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Toppings: For extra flavor, top with more grated Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. You could even drizzle some balsamic glaze for a sweet touch. 🍅
Tips for Meal Prep & Leftovers:
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Meal Prep Friendly: This dish makes a great meal prep option! Make it in advance, store in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat with a bit of milk or broth to restore its creamy texture. 🍴
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Freezer-Friendly: Prepare and freeze this dish in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove. 🥶
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Leftovers: Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop with a splash of liquid to bring the sauce back to life.
Nutritional Information (Per serving):
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Calories: 560
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Protein: 34g
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Sodium: 820mg
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Carbohydrates: 38g
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Fat: 34g
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Fiber: 3g
FAQs:
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! You can use penne, fusilli, or spaghetti instead of bowtie pasta. Adjust cooking time based on your chosen pasta.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, it stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a little extra broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.
Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the pasta for a gluten-free version and ensure your Worcestershire sauce and beef broth are gluten-free.
Conclusion:
This Creamy Parmesan Garlic Beef Bowtie Pasta is the epitome of comfort food. Its rich, velvety sauce and tender beef create a dish that brings warmth to any table. Whether for a busy weeknight or a special family gathering, this pasta is sure to impress. Simple to prepare and full of flavor, it’s a recipe that will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy! 🍽️
