If you’re hunting for a hearty, comforting dinner that checks all the boxes—savory, creamy, and ready in a flash—look no further than Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. This dish features perfectly cooked farfalle tossed in a luscious tomato cream sauce, tender ground beef, and a shower of melty cheeses. With its rich, crowd-pleasing flavors and inviting aroma, this recipe is a hands-down favorite for busy evenings or casual gatherings. It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone happily to the table, eager for seconds!

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta lies in its straightforward ingredient list, each item adding personality or punch to every bite. These basic staples come together to create a meal that tastes like it simmered all day, yet is completely doable on a weeknight.

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): These cheerful little “bowties” expertly hold onto the creamy sauce and add visual fun to your plate.
Olive Oil: A tablespoon is all you need to start the sauté and add subtle richness.
Ground Beef: Savory and flavorful, it gives heartiness to the dish and soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Yellow Onion: Diced small, it softens and brings sweetness to balance the richness.
Garlic: Freshly minced cloves deepen the flavor, making every bite fragrant and satisfying.
Italian Seasoning: Just a teaspoon gives a classic herb blend, adding complexity without fuss.
Salt: Enhances the meat and pasta, ensuring each forkful is deliciously seasoned.
Black Pepper: Adds a gentle kick and rounds out the base flavors.
Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato richness that gives the sauce depth and a lovely red hue.
Diced Tomatoes: Undrained for juiciness, they bring texture and a tangy, bright note.
Beef Broth: Lends body to the sauce and accentuates the beefy flavor profile.
Heavy Cream: The star of the sauce, making it luxuriously smooth and deliciously creamy.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Melts right in, giving that signature cheese-pull you’ll love.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty, and classic—weaving an extra layer of savoriness throughout.
Chopped Parsley (optional): A little fresh greenery to finish, brightening the final look and flavor.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil and drop in your farfalle pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking, and cook until al dente as per package directions. Drain it well, then set aside so it’s ready to soak up every bit of creamy sauce in the next steps.

Step 2: Sauté the Beef and Aromatics

While your pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and let it sizzle, breaking it up with your spoon until it’s beautifully browned. Toss in the diced onion and continue to cook for 3 to 4 minutes, giving the onion time to soften and mingle with the beef.

Step 3: Season and Add Tomato Base

Sprinkle in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together and cook for a minute or so, letting those flavors bloom and fill your kitchen with their tempting aroma. Next, add the tomato paste and stir until the beef mixture is evenly coated, ensuring a deep, savory flavor forms the soul of your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta.

Step 4: Simmer with Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the undrained diced tomatoes and beef broth, and give everything a good stir. Bring the mixture to a lively simmer, then lower the heat. This step melds the sauce ingredients together and makes for a rich, flavorful base you’ll crave again and again.

Step 5: Finish with Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and gently pour in the heavy cream, watching as the sauce transforms into a silky, pink-tinged delight. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens up just right. Then, fold in the drained pasta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, stirring until every bowtie is generously coated and the cheese is melted into pure decadence.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

For a pop of color and a hint of freshness, sprinkle your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with chopped parsley just before serving. A little extra Parmesan or a twist of cracked black pepper on top adds flair and flavor that everyone will notice.

Side Dishes

This pasta is wonderful all on its own, but it pairs beautifully with simple sides like a crisp green salad tossed in a lemony vinaigrette, or crunchy garlic bread ready to dip in any leftover sauce. Roasted broccoli or green beans make lovely, colorful companions if you want to round out the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling playful, serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in individual bowls or shallow pasta plates with a drizzle of olive oil and a scatter of microgreens. For entertaining, try ladling it into a big family-style serving dish in the center of the table, letting guests help themselves. Mini casserole dishes also make a fun touch—and keep the pasta hot!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store any leftover Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, and the flavors continue to deepen over time, making for even better lunches.

Freezing

You can freeze this pasta for up to two months. Let it cool completely, portion it into freezer-safe containers, and label with the date. For best texture, consider freezing the sauce and pasta separately, though it also works well assembled.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between. If the mixture seems a bit dry, just add a splash of milk or broth to revive that creamy texture we all love.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta gives Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta its signature look, other shapes like penne, rotini, or shells will also catch the sauce nicely. Use whatever pasta you have on hand.

How can I make this dish lighter?

For a lighter version, swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken and substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. You’ll still get plenty of flavor and creaminess!

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten free?

Yes! Just use your favorite gluten-free bowtie or similar pasta and double-check that your beef broth and seasonings are gluten free. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten free.

Can I add vegetables to Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?

Definitely. This recipe is very versatile, so feel free to toss in diced bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini when you sauté the onions. It’s a great way to sneak in extra nutrition.

What if I don’t have heavy cream?

No heavy cream? You can use a combination of milk and a tablespoon of butter, or even try plain Greek yogurt stirred in at the end for a tangy, creamy twist. The sauce will be slightly different but still delicious!

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bowl of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta shared over laughter and conversation. It’s cozy, satisfying, and so simple to make—whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for a comforting weeknight dinner. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised when it becomes your next go-to favorite!

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this comforting and flavorful Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, a hearty dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Tender bowtie pasta coated in a rich, creamy beef sauce with a hint of Italian seasoning, topped with melted cheese – it’s a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

Bowtie Pasta:

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Beef Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 lb ground beef
1 small yellow onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 cup beef broth
¾ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Bowtie Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Sauce: Brown the ground beef with onions, garlic, seasonings, and tomato paste. Add diced tomatoes and broth, simmer, then stir in cream.
Combine and Serve: Mix in cooked pasta and cheeses until melted. Serve warm, garnished with parsley.