Garlic Beef Farfalle in Creamy Mozzarella Parmesan Sauce
Ingredients:
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
½ small yellow onion, finely diced
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon salt, divided
¾ teaspoon black pepper, divided
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
1½ cups heavy cream
¾ cup whole milk
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1¼ cups shredded mozzarella cheese, divided
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese, divided
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
⅓ to ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, optional
Directions:
Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve about ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it into crumbles as it cooks.
Season the beef with ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Continue cooking until well browned, then transfer the beef to a plate and drain excess grease if needed.
Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, then stir in the garlic for about 30 seconds.
Sprinkle in the flour and stir for 1 minute. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and whole milk, stirring as the sauce comes together.
Add the cream cheese and cook over medium-low heat until completely melted.
Stir in 1 cup mozzarella and ½ cup Parmesan a little at a time. Season with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using.
Fold the bowtie pasta into the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to keep the sauce creamy and thick.
Add most of the browned beef back to the skillet and gently mix it through the pasta.
Sprinkle the remaining ¼ cup mozzarella and ¼ cup Parmesan over the top. Cover for 1 to 2 minutes so the cheese melts.
Spoon into bowls and finish with the reserved beef crumbles and chopped parsley if using.