Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

If you’re looking for a dish that’s the ultimate combination of creamy, savory, and totally comforting, you’ve just hit the jackpot with this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta! The rich, velvety sauce wraps around tender bowtie pasta and savory beef, making each bite an absolute dream. It’s the kind of meal that’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you need to impress your friends or family without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this creamy pasta is going to be your new go-to for easy, satisfying dinners!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

This dish isn’t just about pasta—it’s about cozying up with a warm bowl of comfort that fills you up and makes you feel good. Here’s why it’s such a winner:

Creamy Goodness: The sauce is indulgent and creamy, made with a perfect balance of heavy cream and savory seasonings. It’s rich without being too heavy, leaving you satisfied but not overwhelmed.

Savory Beef: Ground beef gives this dish a delicious, hearty flavor that perfectly complements the creamy sauce. It’s juicy, tender, and so flavorful.

Bowtie Pasta: The bowtie pasta (also called farfalle) is a fun twist and adds a delightful bite to the dish. Its shape holds the sauce perfectly, making every bite a satisfying mix of textures.

Quick and Easy: This dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect option for busy nights when you still want a homemade meal that’s packed with flavor.

Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this one. It’s simple, delicious, and sure to please both kids and adults alike!

Ingredients

Here’s everything you need to make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta:

Ground Beef
The base of the dish, providing rich, savory flavor. It’s perfect for a creamy sauce that’s hearty enough to satisfy.

Bowtie Pasta
These little pasta shapes are not only cute but also perfect for holding onto the creamy sauce. Farfalle works best, but any pasta you prefer will work.

Heavy Cream
The key to making the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth. It’s what turns this dish into a rich, comforting experience.

Cream Cheese
For an extra layer of creaminess and a slight tang that elevates the overall flavor of the sauce.

Garlic
A little bit of garlic goes a long way in adding depth and savory goodness to the sauce.

Onion
Sautéed onion adds sweetness and richness to the dish, balancing out the richness of the cream and beef.

Beef Broth
A splash of beef broth adds a savory base for the sauce, helping to create the perfect texture.

Parmesan Cheese
A sprinkle of parmesan adds saltiness and an extra cheesy finish to the creamy sauce.

Italian Seasoning
A mix of dried herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme, it gives the dish that classic Italian flavor profile.

Salt and Pepper
To taste, these simple seasonings help bring out all the other flavors and ensure the dish is well-balanced.

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Time to get cooking! Here’s how to make this dreamy, creamy pasta:

Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook it according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Once it’s done, drain and set aside, saving a little pasta water for later.

Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the chopped onion and garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Make the Creamy Sauce
To the skillet with the onions and garlic, add the beef broth, heavy cream, and cream cheese. Stir everything together until the cream cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Bring it to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens up a bit.

Add Seasonings
Stir in the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings if needed.

Combine the Beef and Pasta
Add the browned ground beef back to the skillet with the creamy sauce. Stir to combine. Then, gently fold in the cooked bowtie pasta, tossing everything together to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out.

Finish with Parmesan
Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and give everything one last stir. Let the cheese melt into the sauce for that extra touch of creamy, cheesy goodness.

Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is well combined and the cheese has melted into the sauce, serve the creamy beef and bowtie pasta hot. Garnish with extra parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 550

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

This pasta is delicious all on its own, but here are a few ideas to take your meal to the next level:

With a Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs perfectly with the richness of the creamy pasta. It helps balance the flavors and adds some freshness to the meal.

Garlic Bread: Serve this dish with a side of crispy garlic bread to soak up any leftover creamy sauce. You won’t want to leave any of it behind!

Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, zucchini, or carrots make for a colorful and healthy side that complements the richness of the pasta.

As a Standalone Meal: Honestly, this dish is so satisfying, you can enjoy it on its own. Just top it with extra parmesan and dig in!

Additional Tips

Here are a few tips to help you get the best results:

Use Lean Ground Beef: If you want to lighten it up a bit, opt for lean ground beef or turkey. You’ll still get a hearty flavor without all the extra fat.

Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce or stir in some diced jalapeños for a spicy kick.

Double the Recipe: This recipe is perfect for leftovers. Feel free to double the batch so you have plenty of creamy goodness for the next day!

Add Veggies: Sneak in some veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added nutrition and flavor.

Freezer-Friendly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use penne, fusilli, or even spaghetti if you prefer. Just make sure the pasta holds the sauce well.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: Yes! You can make the sauce and beef mixture ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, just cook the pasta and combine it with the sauce.

Q3: Can I use a different type of meat?
A3: Yes, you can use ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage if you prefer. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to keep the sauce creamy.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, this dish freezes well. Let it cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months and reheat in the oven or microwave.

Q6: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
A6: Yes! You can skip the beef and use plant-based ground meat or even a mix of vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, and zucchini for a vegetarian version.

Q7: Can I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream?
A7: Yes, you can use half-and-half for a slightly lighter version, but the sauce won’t be quite as rich and creamy.

Q8: What’s the best way to reheat this pasta?
A8: Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra cream or broth to loosen up the sauce and bring it back to a creamy consistency.

Q9: Can I add cheese to the sauce?
A9: Absolutely! You can add extra cheese, like mozzarella or Gouda, to the sauce for even more creaminess and flavor.

Q10: Can I make this a one-pot meal?
A10: Yes! You can cook the pasta in the same skillet after sautéing the beef and making the sauce. Just add the pasta directly to the sauce and cook until tender.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate cozy comfort food. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and savory beef, it’s the kind of meal that makes you feel all warm and content inside. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for any occasion, whether you’re feeding your family or impressing friends with a homemade meal. Grab your ingredients, and get ready to indulge in this creamy, flavorful pasta that’s sure to become a new favorite!

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