Creamy, cheesy, and filled with garlicky beef flavor, the Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta Skillet is a one-pan comfort food dream. The rich sauce clings perfectly to every twist of bowtie pasta, wrapping each bite in a cozy blend of melty cheese and seasoned beef. Whether you’re cooking for a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, this dish delivers both indulgence and ease.
It comes together quickly on the stovetop with minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The golden crust of baked parmesan and mozzarella on top is optional, but trust us—it’s worth it. Serve it with a crisp green salad or garlic bread and you’ve got a full meal that hits all the right notes.
Ingredients for this Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta Skillet
- 1 lb bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the beef pieces and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Sear until browned on all sides, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, scraping up any browned bits left by the beef.
Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then add the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Add the cooked pasta and seared beef back into the skillet. Toss everything to coat well with the sauce. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella over the top and cover the skillet until the cheese melts.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the gooey, creamy perfection!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well in place of bowties.
What kind of beef is best?
Tender cuts like sirloin or pre-cut stew meat offer great texture and quick cooking.
Can I make it spicy?
Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce if you like some heat.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Not as written, but you can substitute gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and seasonings are gluten-free.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the sauce and beef ahead and combine with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve.
How do I make it vegetarian?
Swap the beef for mushrooms or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
This Cheesy Garlic Parmesan Beef Bowtie Pasta Skillet is the ultimate comfort food recipe you didn’t know you needed. It’s a quick dinner, perfect for busy nights, and has all the makings of a cozy, satisfying meal. With tender seared beef, a garlicky cream sauce, and layers of gooey cheese enveloping bowtie pasta, each bite is rich, flavorful, and unforgettable. Great for easy dinner ideas, hearty food ideas, and family-friendly meals, this recipe is your go-to for indulgent yet accessible cooking.
Ingredients
1 lb bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 lb beef sirloin or stew meat, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add beef, season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and paprika. Sear until browned. Remove and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic to the same skillet. Sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Stir in beef broth and simmer 2-3 minutes. Add heavy cream and parmesan. Stir until sauce thickens.
- Return pasta and beef to the skillet. Toss to coat in sauce. Top with mozzarella and cover until melted.
- Garnish with parsley. Serve hot.