This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights. It combines savory ground beef with a creamy, cheesy sauce and tender bowtie pasta for a satisfying meal. Whether you’re feeding the family or preparing a quick dinner for yourself, this dish is both easy and delicious. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta because it’s a simple yet hearty meal that brings together rich flavors in one skillet. The creamy sauce, loaded with cheddar cheese and Parmesan, coats the bowtie pasta beautifully, and the ground beef adds a savory depth that makes this dish both filling and satisfying. Plus, it’s so quick to make, which is perfect for when you need a comforting meal in a hurry.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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1 lb ground beef
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8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup beef broth
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1 cup heavy cream
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
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Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
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Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute.
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Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
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Stir in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer.
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Add the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Combine
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Add the cooked pasta to the beef and sauce mixture. Stir to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
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Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
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Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
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Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
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Lighter Version: For a lighter dish, you can use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
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Extra Veggies: Add spinach, bell peppers, or other veggies to the dish for added nutrition.
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Cheese Variations: Feel free to swap the cheddar for mozzarella or cream cheese for a slightly different flavor.
Servings and Timing
This recipe yields 4 servings. Prep time is about 10 minutes, and cook time is 20 minutes, for a total of 30 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
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Spicy Beef and Bowtie Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
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Garlic Bread on the Side: Serve this dish with some toasted garlic bread or a side salad for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating
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Leftovers: Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
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Reheating: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a lighter version of this dish. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can make it ahead! Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Definitely! If you don’t have bowtie pasta, you can use any shape of pasta you like, such as penne, rotini, or farfalle.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta for up to 3 months. Just let it cool completely, then store in an airtight container. To reheat, warm it in the oven or on the stovetop, adding a bit of cream or milk if the sauce is too thick.
Can I make it spicier?
Yes! Add some crushed red pepper flakes or a jalapeño to the sauce to give it a spicy twist.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a delicious, comforting meal that’s perfect for any night of the week. It’s packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family or hosting a casual dinner, this dish is a quick and satisfying choice!
Print
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, cheesy sauce all come together in one easy, hearty dish. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a quick and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
Add the diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Stir in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
Pour in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
Step 4: Combine
Add the cooked pasta to the beef and sauce mixture. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot!
Notes
For a lighter version, use lean ground beef or ground turkey.
Add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or peas for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
