1. Cook the Pasta

Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once the water is boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. After cooking, drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use if you need to adjust the sauce’s consistency. Set the pasta aside.

2. Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up with a spoon or spatula as it cooks. Brown the beef for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the beef is fully cooked and browned. If there is excess fat in the pan, drain it off. This step ensures the beef is cooked evenly and gives it a rich flavor.

3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef and cook for 3-4 minutes, or until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to prevent the garlic from burning. The garlic will release a fragrant aroma, infusing the beef and onion with a delicious savory flavor.

4. Season the Beef

Sprinkle in the dried Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring to coat the beef and onions evenly with the spices. These seasonings help enhance the overall flavor of the dish and give it an extra layer of savory depth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to combine all the ingredients.

5. Add the Beef Broth

Pour the beef broth into the skillet with the beef mixture, stirring to incorporate. Let the broth simmer for about 2-3 minutes, which will help the flavors meld together. Scrape any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet, which adds even more depth to the flavor of the sauce.

6. Create the Creamy Sauce

Once the beef broth has simmered, reduce the heat to low and add the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir to combine. The cream will turn the mixture into a silky, rich sauce that will coat the pasta perfectly. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.

7. Add the Parmesan Cheese

Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the cheese melts and combines into the sauce. The cheese will not only add flavor but will also help thicken the sauce, making it even creamier. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.

8. Combine the Pasta with the Sauce

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing it gently in the creamy beef sauce to coat every piece of pasta. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. The pasta should be evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

9. Add Vegetables (Optional)

If you’d like to add some vegetables to the dish, you can stir in 1/2 cup of frozen peas at this point. The peas will add a pop of color and a mild sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory beef and creamy sauce. Stir the peas into the pasta and cook for a couple more minutes until they’re heated through.

10. Serve and Garnish

Once everything is well mixed and heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Divide the creamy beef and bowtie pasta into individual serving bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If desired, you can also sprinkle a little more grated Parmesan cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy!