If you’re ready for the ultimate comfort meal, Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is about to steal your heart and your taste buds! Imagine tender bowtie pasta tossed in a velvety sauce loaded with savory ground beef, sweet onions, fragrant garlic, a hint of Italian seasoning, and plenty of oozy, melty cheese. This recipe is pure magic for busy nights when you crave something indulgent and satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, it’s family-friendly, crowd-pleasing, and—trust me—once you make it, you’re going to find yourself craving this dish again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta lies in its lineup of approachable ingredients that, together, create a symphony of flavor and creamy goodness. Each one is simple yet makes a big impact, whether it’s for rich texture, golden color, or irresistible taste.
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: The playful shape catches all that luscious creamy sauce in its little folds—substitute with penne if you prefer, but bowties are just so fun!
- Olive oil: Just a tablespoon for sautéeing keeps things light while adding subtle fruity notes.
- Ground beef: Lean beef cooks up juicy and is the hearty base of the dish, but you can swap for turkey or chicken if you like.
- Onion: One small diced onion sweetens the sauce and adds depth—don’t skip it!
- Garlic: Two cloves, minced, for that essential aromatic punch every pasta needs.
- Italian seasoning: A teaspoon lends herby warmth throughout every bite.
- Salt and black pepper: Just enough to round out the flavors—taste and adjust as you go.
- Tomato paste: Two tablespoons provide a deep, savory backbone with a hint of tang.
- Beef broth: One cup keeps things flavorful and moist, binding the sauce together beautifully.
- Heavy cream: A cup of this makes the sauce rich and ultra-creamy—you can use half-and-half for a lighter touch.
- Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts right into the sauce for an extra gooey, stretchy finish.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: This umami-packed favorite takes the creaminess up another notch—grate your own if you can!
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional): A sprinkle wakes up the dish with color and freshness before serving.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the bowtie pasta. Give it a little stir to prevent sticking and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente. You want the pasta to hold its shape since it’ll get tossed into the sauce soon. Once it’s done, drain well and set aside—you’re only minutes away from Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta perfection!
Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onions
While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion. Cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking up the meat with your spoon as you go. You’re aiming for beautifully browned beef and tender, fragrant onions—this is where a ton of flavor develops, so take your time.
Step 3: Build the Flavor
Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let everything cook for about a minute until the garlic is super aromatic—there’s nothing better than that garlicky smell in the kitchen. Then, add the tomato paste and cook for another minute to let it caramelize a bit, amping up that rich, deep flavor for your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta sauce.
Step 4: Simmer the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and give it a good stir, scraping up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Let everything come to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat. Stir in the heavy cream and let the sauce bubble gently for 3 to 4 minutes, thickening slightly and getting incredibly luscious.
Step 5: Combine and Make It Creamy
Add the cooked bowtie pasta right into the skillet. Next, toss in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan. Keep stirring until the cheeses are completely melted and the pasta is coated in that dreamy, creamy sauce. The result? Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta that practically begs to be devoured immediately!
Step 6: Serve It Up
Once everything’s creamy and bubbling, take the skillet off the heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley, if you like. This little touch adds a lovely pop of color and freshness that’s always welcome. Scoop generous servings into bowls and enjoy every single, cozy bite.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Garnishes
To elevate Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, sprinkle on fresh parsley or extra Parmesan right before serving. Both add a pop of color and a final layer of flavor. For a little kick, try a light drizzle of chili oil or a dusting of cracked black pepper.
Side Dishes
This pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides. Think a crisp green salad dressed in lemony vinaigrette for freshness, or warm garlic bread to soak up every bit of that dreamy sauce. Roasted broccoli or green beans would also round out your meal with a burst of color and crunch.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re entertaining or simply want to shake things up, serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in individual ramekins topped with a little extra cheese, then broil until bubbly. Or, toss in a handful of fresh spinach or peas during the last minute of cooking for a surprise pop of green. Kids love it spooned into mugs for a cozy, “pasta-in-a-cup” treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Transfer cooled Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 3 days, making it a fantastic option for next-day lunches or easy dinners.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish, though the texture might change just slightly after thawing because of the creamy sauce. Cool the pasta completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, defrost it overnight in the fridge for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet or saucepan over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce and stir gently until heated through. For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely, stirring halfway so everything warms up evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta truly catches all the creamy sauce, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even shells if that’s what you have on hand. Just keep an eye on cooking time—different shapes may need a minute or two less or more.
How can I lighten up Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?
To make this a little lighter, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk. You can also add extra veggies, like spinach or peas, right at the end for more nutrition and color.
Does this dish work for meal prep?
It’s a fantastic meal prep recipe! Prepare everything ahead and portion into containers for easy heating all week long. The creamy sauce holds up well, especially with an extra splash of broth or cream when reheating.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Certainly! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms. Use vegetable broth in place of beef broth and keep all the other steps the same for a delicious, vegetarian take on Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta.
What can I do if my sauce gets too thick?
If your sauce tightens up more than you’d like, just add a splash or two of extra beef broth or cream while stirring. It will loosen the sauce and restore that signature creamy texture in no time.
Final Thoughts
If you love comfort food with minimal fuss and maximum flavor, Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta really is a must-try. It’s a warm, satisfying dinner that feels special without requiring fancy ingredients or hours at the stove. Give it a spot on your table this week—you and your loved ones will be craving it again before you know it!
Print
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in a comforting and flavorful dish with this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe. Tender farfalle pasta coated in a rich and creamy sauce with savory ground beef, melted cheese, and aromatic Italian seasonings.
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
Beef Mixture:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish:
- Chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Beef Mixture: In a skillet, cook ground beef and onion. Add garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and tomato paste. Stir in beef broth and simmer. Add heavy cream, then mix in cooked pasta, mozzarella, and Parmesan until creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Top with parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- For added veggies, consider stirring in spinach or peas before serving.
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