Introduction
Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is a delightful and hearty dish that brings comfort to any dinner table. This recipe combines the richness of beef with the creaminess of a garlic parmesan sauce, all tossed with bowtie pasta to create a filling and satisfying meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion when you want to impress your guests with minimal effort.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
– 8 ounces bowtie pasta
– 1 pound ground beef
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup heavy cream
– 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Prep Time
10 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula. Make sure it is fully cooked through before proceeding.
Add Garlic
Once the beef is browned, add minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
Prepare the Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine with the beef and garlic. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes, then incorporate grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Toss to coat the pasta well, adding reserved pasta water as needed to reach your desired sauce consistency.
Season and Serve
Season the dish with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover creamy beef bowtie pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating
Reheat in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.
Variations
Feel free to add vegetables such as spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.
Healthier Options
For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with a combination of Greek yogurt and chicken broth.
Cook techniques
Sautéing
Sautéing is a cooking technique that involves cooking food quickly in a small amount of oil or fat over relatively high heat. This technique is ideal for the beef in the recipe, resulting in tender and flavorful meat.
Deglazing
Deglazing is the process of adding liquid to a pan to loosen and dissolve food particles stuck to the bottom after sautéing. This adds depth of flavor to sauces. In the recipe, deglazing helps incorporate the beef’s browned bits into the creamy sauce.
Making a Cream Sauce
A cream sauce is made by combining cream with other ingredients, like cheese and seasonings. In this dish, the garlic and parmesan blend together with the cream, creating a rich and velvety sauce that coats the pasta beautifully.
Cooking Pasta Al Dente
Cooking pasta al dente means cooking it until it’s firm to the bite. This method ensures that the pasta maintains its texture and holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
Combining Ingredients
Combining ingredients properly is crucial for achieving a harmonious flavor profile. Tossing the cooked pasta with the sauce and beef ensures each piece is coated evenly, marrying the flavors together.
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the bowtie pasta with any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli, while adjusting the cooking time as needed.
What can I add for extra flavor?
Consider adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or incorporate herbs such as basil or oregano for additional flavor.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if needed to loosen the sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce and cook the pasta ahead of time. Store them separately and combine them just before serving for the best texture.
Is there a way to make this dish lighter?
To lighten the dish, you could use low-fat cream or substitute half of the cream with chicken or vegetable broth while reducing the amount of cheese.
Conclusion
The creamy beef bowtie pasta with garlic parmesan sauce is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and a satisfying texture. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings, this recipe showcases how simple ingredients can yield an indulgent meal that everyone will love. Make sure to try this comforting pasta dish and enjoy the satisfied smiles around your table.
More recipes suggestions and combination
Chicken Alfredo Bowtie Pasta
Combine bowtie pasta with tender chicken pieces in a creamy Alfredo sauce. Add broccoli for a touch of color and nutrition.
Vegetable Primavera Pasta
Toss bowtie pasta with a medley of colorful vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes, all sautéed in garlic and olive oil.
Shrimp Scampi with Bowtie Pasta
Prepare shrimp in a flavorful garlic and lemon sauce, then mix with bowtie pasta for a quick yet delicious seafood dish.
Pesto Bowtie Pasta Salad
Mix cooked bowtie pasta with fresh basil pesto, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls for a refreshing pasta salad that’s perfect for picnics.
Beef Stroganoff Bowtie Pasta
Create a hearty beef stroganoff sauce with mushrooms and sour cream, served over bowtie pasta for a comforting meal.
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Bowtie Pasta
Stuff bowtie pasta with a mixture of ricotta cheese and spinach, then bake with marinara sauce and mozzarella for a delightful twist.
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