Description
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish featuring tender bowtie pasta tossed in a rich, creamy tomato and beef sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a family dinner, this recipe combines savory ground beef with aromatic herbs and a luscious cream finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Meat & Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Seasonings & Sauces
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
Cheeses & Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Mix well to coat the beef mixture evenly.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and continue simmering for an additional 2–3 minutes, creating a creamy consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat the pasta thoroughly with the creamy beef sauce.
- Add Cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan over the pasta mixture. Stir continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and serve the dish warm.
Notes
- You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream for a dairy-free version.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spiciness according to your preference.
- For a richer flavor, use homemade beef broth if available.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
- Adding a side of steamed vegetables can create a balanced meal.
