Creamy Parmesan Steak & Sweet Corn Bowtie Recipe

There’s something undeniably comforting about a creamy, cheesy pasta skillet — especially when it’s filled with tender steak bites and sweet, juicy corn. This Creamy Parmesan Steak & Sweet Corn Bowtie brings together everything we love about cozy, homemade dinners: rich flavor, buttery texture, and an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen. Whether it’s a relaxed weeknight meal, a special family dinner, or a quick way to impress guests, this dish delivers satisfaction in every bite.

The inspiration for this recipe comes from classic steakhouse flavors reimagined in a homestyle pasta dish. The sweetness of the corn perfectly complements the savory, seared steak and creamy Parmesan sauce. It’s that perfect balance between rustic comfort and restaurant-quality indulgence — ready in just 30 minutes. This is the kind of meal that makes everyone gather around the table, eager for seconds.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for busy nights.

• Rich & creamy: The Parmesan cream sauce coats every piece of pasta and steak with velvety flavor.

• Balanced flavors: Sweet corn adds a pop of freshness that brightens the dish.

• Comfort food favorite: It’s a hearty, family-style dinner that feels both luxurious and simple.

• Customizable: You can easily swap the pasta shape or add your favorite veggies.

This dish captures the best of both worlds — comforting, yet sophisticated. Each bite blends creamy Parmesan, buttery garlic, and perfectly seasoned steak for a dinner worth savoring.

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Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

• 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size pieces

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• 1 tsp garlic powder

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 2 tbsp olive oil

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 cup heavy cream

• ½ cup beef broth

• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1 tsp Italian seasoning

• 1 cup sweet corn (fresh, frozen, or roasted)

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (plus more for garnish)

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Directions

1. Cook the Bowtie 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 well and set aside while you prepare the sauce and steak.

2. Sear the Steak

Pat the steak pieces dry with a paper towel — this helps them sear beautifully. Season generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak in a single layer and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, or until browned and cooked to your preferred doneness. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

3. Make the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean — those browned bits add flavor!), melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, whisking to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, then gradually whisk in the Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning until smooth and thickened.

4. Add the Corn & Combine Everything

Stir in the sweet corn and the cooked bowtie pasta. Add the seared steak back to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta and steak are coated in the creamy sauce. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Serve & Enjoy

Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. Serve hot straight from the skillet for that rustic, family-style presentation everyone loves.

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Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Notes

• Pasta options: You can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, rotini, or shells — any shape that holds sauce well.

• Cheese choice: Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese, enhancing the sauce’s creamy texture.

• Corn options: Fresh corn offers the best sweetness, but frozen or canned works perfectly too. Roasted corn gives a subtle smoky flavor.

• Steak tip: Let your steak rest for a few minutes before cutting it. This keeps the meat juicy and tender when mixed into the pasta.

• Add-ins: Try tossing in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or sautéed mushrooms for extra depth.

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The Secret Behind the Creamy Parmesan Sauce

The heart of this dish lies in its Parmesan cream sauce — silky, flavorful, and perfectly balanced. The combination of butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan creates a rich base that clings to every piece of pasta and steak. Adding beef broth deepens the savory flavor without overpowering the creaminess.

To achieve that ideal smooth consistency:

1. Use room-temperature heavy cream — it incorporates better into the butter and garlic.

2. Whisk continuously as you add Parmesan to prevent clumping.

3. Simmer gently — don’t boil — so the sauce thickens naturally.

The result is a sauce that’s indulgent but not too heavy, perfect for coating the bowtie pasta and steak bites in pure comfort.

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The Perfect Steak for Pasta

For this recipe, sirloin and ribeye are top choices. They’re tender, flavorful, and cook quickly, making them ideal for a 30-minute meal.

• Sirloin: Leaner, with a classic beefy flavor that pairs beautifully with creamy sauces.

• Ribeye: Slightly more marbled and juicy, offering a richer mouthfeel.

• Other options: Flank steak or New York strip also work well — just slice thinly against the grain.

Whichever cut you choose, remember the key to great flavor: searing. A hot skillet locks in juices and adds a golden crust that elevates the entire dish.

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Why Sweet Corn Works So Well

Sweet corn might seem like an unusual addition to steak pasta, but it’s what makes this recipe special. The corn adds natural sweetness and texture contrast to the creamy sauce and savory steak. Each kernel pops with flavor, breaking up the richness with a light, buttery sweetness.

For best results:

• Fresh corn: Cut from the cob and lightly roasted for a smoky note.

• Frozen corn: A quick and easy option; just thaw before using.

• Grilled corn: Adds a subtle charred flavor that enhances the overall dish.

This small but clever ingredient transforms the entire meal — making it brighter, creamier, and irresistibly satisfying.

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Serving Suggestions

This pasta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides for a cozy dinner spread:

• Garlic bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.

• Green salad: Tossed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness.

• Steamed veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans complement the flavor.

For presentation, serve the pasta in a warm skillet or a deep serving bowl with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan sprinkled on top. It’s rustic, inviting, and picture-perfect for any dinner table.

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Storage & Reheating Tips

If you have leftovers (though it’s rare with this dish!), you can easily store and reheat them:

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s texture.

• Freezer: Not recommended, as creamy sauces can separate once frozen.

Pro tip: Add a fresh sprinkle of Parmesan when reheating to bring back that silky richness.

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Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta Skillet

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Keep it al dente so it holds up well when mixed into the sauce.

• Use fresh Parmesan: It melts smoothly and gives a fresher, nuttier flavor.

• Control the heat: Too high, and the cream can curdle. Gentle simmering is key.

• Taste as you go: Adjust salt and pepper after the cheese has melted — Parmesan naturally adds saltiness.

• Let it rest: Give the finished pasta a minute to sit before serving; this helps the sauce thicken and coat everything evenly.

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Variations to Try

Once you’ve mastered this recipe, experiment with flavorful twists:

• Creamy Steak & Spinach Bowtie: Add sautéed spinach for a pop of color and earthy taste.

• Steak & Mushroom Alfredo Bowtie: Swap corn for mushrooms for a hearty, steakhouse-style version.

• Southern-Style Steak & Corn Bowtie: Add a touch of Cajun seasoning for bold, southern flavor.

• Garlic Parmesan Chicken Bowtie: Replace steak with chicken breast for a lighter protein alternative.

Each version keeps the same creamy base but offers a new spin on the original favorite.

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Why This Recipe Works

This dish succeeds because it combines contrast and balance — rich meets fresh, savory meets sweet, creamy meets crisp. Every element has a purpose:

• The steak adds depth and umami.

• The corn brightens and sweetens.

• The Parmesan sauce ties everything together.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels special yet doesn’t require hours in the kitchen. In half an hour, you can serve a meal that tastes like it came straight from a restaurant — but with that comforting, home-cooked touch.

FAQs

1. Can I use other pasta shapes besides bowtie?

Absolutely. Penne, rotini, or shell pasta are all great options that hold the creamy sauce beautifully. Choose whichever shape you prefer or have on hand.

2. What’s the best cut of steak for this recipe?

Sirloin and ribeye are the top choices for tenderness and flavor. If you want a leaner option, flank steak works well — just slice it thinly against the grain after cooking.

3. Can I make the sauce lighter?

Yes. You can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter version. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still deliciously creamy.

4. How can I add more vegetables?

This recipe is flexible — try adding baby spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers. Simply sauté them before adding the cream and broth for extra layers of flavor.

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