There’s something about a creamy, cheesy, and utterly comforting pasta dish that just hits the spot every single time. Enter this Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta—a dish that’s simple yet bursting with flavor. Think tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce that coats every bite. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Plus, it’s easy enough to whip up on a busy weeknight but impressive enough to serve when you have guests over. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a get-together with friends, or simply indulging in some comforting flavors for yourself, this dish is versatile enough to fit the occasion. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile
You can switch up the protein, play around with seasonings, or even toss in some veggies to make it your own. It’s a flexible dish that adapts to whatever you have on hand.
Budget-Friendly
Made with simple, everyday ingredients, this pasta dish is easy on the wallet without sacrificing flavor. Perfect for when you need a satisfying meal without breaking the bank.
Quick and Easy
From start to finish, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it a lifesaver on those hectic nights when you need dinner on the table fast.
Customizable
Spice it up with some red pepper flakes, swap the ground beef for turkey, or throw in extra cheese for a richer sauce. The possibilities are endless!
Crowd-Pleasing
A guaranteed hit with both kids and adults. It’s always a win when a single dish can satisfy everyone at the table. This recipe strikes the perfect balance of flavor and comfort, making it a universal favorite.
Ingredients in Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta
Here’s the magic of this pasta dish—it’s made with just a few pantry staples, but the result is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s break it down:
Ground Beef
The heart of this dish! Ground beef adds richness and a satisfying, meaty texture that pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Bowtie Pasta
This fun-shaped pasta holds onto the sauce perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. If you don’t have bowties, penne or rotini work just as well.
Onion & Garlic
A flavor powerhouse! Sautéed onions and garlic add depth and aroma, making the dish even more delicious.
Heavy Cream
This is what makes the sauce so luxuriously creamy. You can also use half-and-half for a lighter version.
Beef Broth
Adds an extra layer of savory goodness and helps create the perfect sauce consistency.
Tomato Sauce
A little tangy, a little sweet, and essential for balancing out the richness of the cream and beef.
Italian Seasoning
A blend of herbs that infuses the dish with classic Italian flavors. You can also add extra basil or oregano for an extra herbaceous kick.
Parmesan Cheese
Because what’s pasta without cheese? Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish that ties everything together.
Butter
A touch of butter makes the sauce even silkier and more indulgent.
Salt & Pepper
Simple yet essential. These two seasonings enhance every ingredient, ensuring a well-balanced dish.
Instructions
Sauté the Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter, then add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.
Cook the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked through.
Add the Liquids
Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Make it Creamy
Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it warm through without boiling. This step ensures a smooth and luscious sauce.
Cook the Pasta
While the sauce is simmering, cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce.
Finish with Cheese
Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce for a final touch of richness.
Serve and Enjoy
Serve warm, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired. Enjoy this creamy, comforting delight!
Notes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 450
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
How to Serve Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta
This dish pairs wonderfully with various sides and accompaniments. Here are a few serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience:
- A crisp green salad with a zesty vinaigrette to balance out the richness
- Garlic bread for the ultimate comfort food experience
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers for added nutrition
- A glass of red wine, such as Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, for an elegant touch
Additional Tips
- Make it ahead: This pasta reheats beautifully, so you can prepare it in advance and enjoy leftovers the next day.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm up leftovers on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to revive the sauce.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen for up to a month. Just thaw and reheat before serving.
- Add veggies: Mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers are great additions for extra texture and flavor.
Faq’s
Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes! While bowtie pasta works great, you can swap it with penne, rotini, or any short pasta.
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and still tastes delicious.
Can I make this dairy-free? You can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a dairy-free alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan.
How can I make this spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a little heat.
Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of tomato sauce? Yes! Just blend fresh tomatoes until smooth and cook them down to concentrate the flavor.
What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How do I prevent the sauce from separating? Make sure to stir the sauce well and avoid boiling after adding the cream.
Can I use pre-shredded cheese? Freshly grated Parmesan melts better, but pre-shredded works in a pinch.
Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Brown the beef first, then combine everything in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4 hours.
Can I double the recipe? Definitely! Just adjust the ingredients accordingly to serve a larger crowd.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—creamy, savory, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner at home or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, whip up this delicious dish, and enjoy every bite!
Print
Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American/Italian
Description
This Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and delicious one-pan meal made with tender ground beef, bowtie pasta, a rich creamy sauce, and flavorful seasonings. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is easy to prepare and packed with flavor!
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté the aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add tomatoes and broth: Stir in the drained diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and paprika. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Make it creamy: Reduce the heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, then add the Parmesan cheese and shredded mozzarella. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine everything: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss until well coated in the sauce. Simmer for 2 more minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Add red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of cream or broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 540 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg