Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta – A Hearty and Comforting Dinner

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience, delivering a rich, satisfying meal that comes together in under an hour. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed in a velvety sauce made with ground beef, cream, and cheese, creating a dish that is both hearty and indulgent. Each bite is filled with savory flavor, creamy texture, and the perfect balance of pasta and protein.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome, filling dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. It is also versatile—easy to customize with vegetables, spices, or different cheeses to suit your taste. Whether you serve it with a crisp green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables, Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is guaranteed to please the whole family. Comforting, rich, and simple, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.

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Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Bowtie pasta – Also called farfalle, this pasta shape holds creamy sauces beautifully and adds a fun, elegant touch to the dish.

Ground beef – Provides savory richness and protein, forming the hearty base of the recipe.

Onion – Adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef mixture.

Garlic – Enhances the overall taste with bold, aromatic notes.

Olive oil – Used for sautéing the beef and vegetables, adding richness to the dish.

Heavy cream – Creates the luscious, creamy sauce that coats the pasta.

Beef broth – Adds savory depth and balances the richness of the cream.

Parmesan cheese – Provides nutty, salty notes that complement the creamy sauce.

Mozzarella cheese – Adds melty, gooey texture that makes the dish extra indulgent.

Italian seasoning – A blend of herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme that gives the pasta a classic flavor.

Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing every layer of flavor.

Fresh parsley (optional) – Used as a garnish for freshness and color.

Directions

Begin by cooking the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

Pour in beef broth and let it simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat thoroughly. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4–6 people as a main course. Preparation takes about 10 minutes, while cooking requires 20–25 minutes, making the total time around 35 minutes.

Storage/reheating

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the pasta.

Variations and Customizations

Vegetable boost – Add mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini for extra flavor and nutrition.

Spicy kick – Stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for heat.

Cheese upgrade – Swap mozzarella for provolone or fontina for a different cheesy depth.

Ground meat swap – Use ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage instead of beef.

Tomato cream sauce – Add a spoonful of tomato paste or marinara to create a rosé-style sauce.

One-pot version – Cook the pasta directly in the beef and broth mixture for fewer dishes.

Gluten-free option – Substitute with gluten-free pasta while keeping the sauce the same.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it in advance, but it’s best reheated gently to maintain creaminess.

What type of cream works best?

Heavy cream is ideal, but half-and-half can be used for a lighter version.

Can I use pre-shredded cheese?

Yes, though freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly into the sauce.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Toss cooked pasta with a small drizzle of olive oil if not adding immediately to the sauce.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that combines simple ingredients into something truly satisfying. With tender pasta, a velvety sauce, and savory ground beef, it delivers both flavor and heartiness in every bite. Easy to prepare, customizable, and perfect for family dinners, this recipe is one you’ll return to whenever you crave a creamy, comforting pasta meal.

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