Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
If you’re searching for the ultimate comfort food to cozy up your dinner table, Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta ticks every delicious box. Imagine tender farfalle tossed with savory browned ground beef, rich tomato and cream sauce, and two bubbling cheeses—this dish brings perfect harmony to weeknight meals and special occasions alike. You’ll love how the flavors balance and unite in every bite: creamy, cheesy, and deeply savory. Plus, it’s simple enough for anyone to master and quick enough to whip up after work.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta lies in how just a few humble ingredients can come together to make something truly memorable. Each element plays a starring role, delivering flavor, richness, or that irresistible cheesy pull you crave in a great pasta dish.
- Bowtie pasta (farfalle): This playful pasta shape does a fantastic job of holding onto every creamy drop of sauce.
- Olive oil: Gives your onions and garlic a luscious base to sauté and builds flavor from the start.
- Onion: Diced for a sweet, aromatic foundation that really rounds out the sauce.
- Garlic: Infuses the dish with a classic Italian richness—don’t skimp on this!
- Ground beef: Lean or regular both work, adding hearty flavor and protein power.
- Italian seasoning: A quick sprinkle delivers herby complexity quickly and easily.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for amping up all the other flavors.
- Tomato paste: Adds depth, color, and just enough tang to balance the cream.
- Beef broth: Builds the sauce’s body and infuses even more savory goodness.
- Heavy cream: The secret to dreamy, silky texture—go full fat for the best results!
- Shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese: Melts beautifully for stretchy, creamy pockets in every forkful.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds sharp, salty finish for restaurant-worthy flavor.
- Chopped parsley: A fresh, green finishing touch that also brightens the dish visually.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Step 1: Boil the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your bowtie pasta and cook until just al dente—usually about 9 to 10 minutes. Before draining, scoop out about a quarter cup of the pasta water and keep it nearby; this little bit of starchy water is a secret weapon for silky sauce. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a roomy skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, sautéing for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and starting to look translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and stir just until fragrant. Smells like dinner already!
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
To your fragrant base, crumble in the ground beef. Use a spoon or spatula to break it up and stir as it cooks. Give it time to brown well—this step creates all those crave-worthy flavors. Once the beef is no longer pink, drain any excess fat so your dish doesn’t feel greasy.
Step 4: Season and Add Tomato Paste
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Squeeze in the tomato paste and stir to fully coat the beef and aromatics. This mixture quickly deepens in color and aroma, building those luxurious sauce flavors.
Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Heavy Cream
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Give it a minute to meld, then stir in the heavy cream. Let it cook for two or three minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken a bit and turn beautifully creamy—just what you want for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Cheeses
Add your cooked pasta and reserved pasta water straight into the creamy beef sauce. Sprinkle in the mozzarella (or cheddar) and Parmesan, stirring until everything is combined, the cheeses are melted, and the sauce clings to every noodle in luscious perfection. Taste and add a pinch more salt or pepper if needed.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Turn off the heat, then scatter plenty of chopped parsley over the pasta. Serve immediately for maximum cheesy creaminess. Every bite feels like a big, warm hug—this is classic Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta at its best.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is the go-to for a pop of color and brightness, but you can also try a dusting of extra Parmesan, a swirl of black pepper, or even some finely chopped basil for added aroma. For an extra-special twist, a pinch of red chili flakes brings subtle heat that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Side Dishes
You can pair your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with a crisp green side salad (think peppery arugula, spinach, or a simple Caesar) to balance the meal. A basket of warm, crusty bread is another classic choice that the whole family will love—perfect for mopping up every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the pasta in pasta bowls with a sprinkle of parsley and a few curls of shaved Parmesan on top. Hosting guests? Spoon it into a large family-style platter and let everyone help themselves, or portion into individual ramekins for a restaurant-inspired touch. Leftovers are also wonderful packed in colorful lunch containers for a tasty midday treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta can be cooled to room temperature, then transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce stays creamy, and the flavors deepen, making this a meal you’ll look forward to again and again.
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze, portion the cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. It keeps well for up to two months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. For best results, consider slightly undercooking the pasta before freezing so it doesn’t become too soft when reheated.
Reheating
To bring Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta back to its comforting best, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, you can microwave portions in 30-second bursts, stirring in between to distribute the heat and keep that creaminess intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta (farfalle) gives a fun, playful look and holds the sauce well, you can easily swap it for penne, rotini, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. The delicious flavors of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta will carry through no matter the shape.
What’s the best cheese to use?
The recipe is pretty flexible—mozzarella melts beautifully for a stringy, creamy effect, while cheddar gives extra sharpness and depth. Don’t skip the Parmesan for its irresistible salty, nutty notes! Feel free to experiment with your own favorite cheeses as well.
Can I make this dish lighter?
You sure can. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef, and swap in half-and-half or even evaporated milk for a lighter sauce. Adding steamed broccoli or spinach is another great way to lighten things up and sneak in some extra veggies.
Will it still be creamy if I use milk instead of heavy cream?
It can work in a pinch, but keep in mind that heavy cream is what gives Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta its truly rich and velvety sauce. Whole milk will make it lighter and slightly less thick. If you go this route, try adding a bit more cheese or simmering the sauce a touch longer to achieve the perfect texture.
Is this recipe good for meal prepping?
Yes, it’s a fabulous option for meal prep! The flavors get even better after a day or two in the fridge, and it reheats beautifully. Just be sure to store it well sealed and enjoy within three days for best freshness.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta enough for anyone seeking a satisfying, fuss-free dinner with crowd-pleasing flavors. It’s a dish that warms hearts as much as it fills bellies. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with good smells, laughter, and happy forks—enjoy every bite!
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Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in this rich and satisfying Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta – a comforting dish that combines tender pasta with seasoned ground beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce.
Ingredients
Pasta:
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Beef Mixture:
1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/2 onion (diced), 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1/2 lb ground beef, 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 2 tablespoons tomato paste, 1 cup beef broth, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water. Drain.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: In a skillet, sauté onion until soft, add garlic.
- Cook Beef: Brown ground beef, season with Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato paste.
- Add Broth and Cream: Pour in beef broth, simmer, add cream, and thicken.
- Combine: Mix in cooked pasta, cheeses until creamy.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for extra vegetables.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 16 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 48 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
