Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any night of the week. Featuring tender bowtie pasta tossed in a rich, creamy sauce loaded with browned ground beef, sautéed onions, garlic, and a blend of Italian spices, it offers a satisfying and hearty meal. The addition of Parmesan and melted mozzarella cheeses creates a luscious texture, while optional peas and fresh parsley add pops of color and freshness, making it an ultimate crowd-pleaser that’s simple to prepare on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Produce and Aromatics
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small yellow onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Condiments
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
Instructions
- Cook the 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 the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
- Sauté onion and garlic: Add diced yellow onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season the mixture: Sprinkle salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and paprika over the beef mixture. Stir to evenly combine the seasonings.
- Add tomato paste and simmer: Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen its flavor. Pour in the beef broth and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Make the creamy sauce: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Blend everything together until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Toss in pasta and cheese: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. Stir in the shredded mozzarella cheese and frozen peas, if using, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese has melted and the peas are warmed through.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top if desired, and serve this creamy beef bowtie pasta warm for a delicious and hearty meal.
Notes
- For extra richness, substitute half-and-half and add a splash of cream cheese instead of heavy cream.
- This dish reheats exceptionally well, making it ideal for leftovers and quick weeknight dinners.
- Optional peas add a subtle sweetness and pop of color but can be omitted if preferred.
- Use fresh parsley garnish to brighten the flavors and presentation.