The Most Comforting Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe Ever

Twirling a delectable creamy beef and bowtie pasta around your fork, bursting with rich flavors that dance across your palate.

Comfort food reaches new heights with this irresistible dish that combines tender beef and perfectly cooked pasta.

Weeknight dinners just got an exciting upgrade with these elegant little bow-shaped noodles nestled in a velvety sauce.

Home cooks adore how quickly this meal comes together without compromising on taste or texture.

Each forkful promises a symphony of savory notes that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Hungry diners will appreciate how simple ingredients transform into something truly spectacular at the dinner table.

You can’t wait to see smiling faces enjoying this hearty, satisfying meal that feels like a warm culinary embrace.

Helpful Cooking Tips For Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Pasta Perfection: Choose high-quality bowtie pasta for the best texture and ensure it's cooked al dente to maintain a slight bite.
• Beef Browning Technique: Pat the ground beef dry before cooking to achieve a perfect golden-brown sear and develop deeper flavor profiles.
• Cream Sauce Smoothness: Add heavy cream slowly and stir continuously to prevent separation and create a silky, consistent sauce.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Remove the skillet from direct heat when adding cheese to prevent potential graininess and ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
• Dietary Flexibility: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option or use gluten-free pasta to make the dish celiac-friendly.

How To Save Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Refrigerate: Transfer leftover pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping the flavors fresh and delicious.
• Microwave Reheat: Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until thoroughly warmed.
• Stovetop Refresh: Revive the pasta's creamy texture by gently reheating in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking.
• Freezer Storage: Freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, ensuring you have a quick meal ready when needed. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Side Picks For Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Pair with Robust Red Wine: Complement the rich, creamy beef pasta with a full-bodied red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot, which can stand up to the hearty flavors and cut through the creaminess.
• Serve with Crisp Green Salad: Balance the heavy pasta dish with a light, refreshing side salad featuring mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to provide a fresh contrast.
• Match with Garlic Bread: Enhance the meal with warm, buttery garlic bread to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy texture that complements the creamy pasta.
• Choose Fresh Herb Garnish: Top the dish with additional chopped parsley or basil to brighten the flavors and add a pop of color and freshness to the rich, comforting meal.

Easy Ways To Mix Up Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Mediterranean Flair: Swap ground beef with lamb, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped kalamata olives for a Greek-inspired version that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors to the classic pasta dish.
• Spicy Southwest Kick: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, use pepper jack cheese, and add diced green chiles to create a zesty southwestern-style pasta with a spicy punch.
• Mushroom Luxury Edition: Incorporate sautéed wild mushrooms like shiitake or porcini, replace some beef broth with white wine, and use gruyère cheese for an elegant, earthy upgrade that adds depth and sophistication to the original recipe.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils, use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and choose a vegetarian-friendly cheese to craft a hearty meatless version that still delivers rich, satisfying flavors.

Things People Ask About Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• What makes this beef pasta dish special?

This recipe combines rich ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare in just one skillet.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken work great as alternative protein options if you want to switch things up or prefer a leaner meat.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild flavor profile with Italian seasoning and smoked paprika. If you enjoy heat, you can easily add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to increase the spice level.

• How can I make this dish more nutritious?

Consider adding extra vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini during the beef cooking stage to boost the nutritional value and add more color to the dish.

Reasons To Make Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Tonight

• Savor Creamy Comfort: This recipe delivers a rich, indulgent pasta dish that wraps you in warm, satisfying flavors perfect for cozy evenings.
• Speed Up Dinner Magic: With just one-pot preparation and quick 30-minute cooking time, you'll transform simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy meal without complicated techniques.
• Crowd-Pleasing Perfection: Kids and adults will love the familiar combination of tender beef, soft pasta, and smooth cheese sauce that offers both protein and deliciousness in every bite.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adaptable recipe allows swapping ground beef for turkey, adding extra vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match your family's taste preferences.

What Goes In Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Bowtie Pasta: Classic pasta shape perfect for catching creamy sauce, holds sauce well, and provides a fun texture to the dish.

• Ground Beef, Diced Onion, Minced Garlic: Rich protein base with flavor-enhancing aromatics, choose lean ground beef for less grease, fresh garlic adds depth.

• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Provides moisture and depth of flavor, use canned tomatoes with juice for convenience.
• Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic herb blend and spices that enhance overall taste profile, adds warmth and complexity.

• Heavy Cream, Shredded Cheese: Creates luxurious, smooth sauce texture, select a melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella for best results.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb that adds color and light herbal note to finished dish.

• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds subtle flavor during initial cooking stages.

How To Cook Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil. Toss in the bowtie pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender yet slightly firm. Drain the pasta in a colander, giving it a quick shake to remove excess water. Set aside while you work on the delicious sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat up a spacious skillet over medium-high flame. Drizzle in some olive oil and wait for it to shimmer. Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into bite-sized pieces. Dice up a fresh onion and toss it into the sizzling meat. Let everything dance and brown together for about 5-7 minutes. Mince some garlic and sprinkle it over the mixture, cooking for another minute or two until the aroma fills your kitchen.

Step 3: Build the Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let the mixture bubble and simmer, allowing all those incredible flavors to mingle and get to know each other for 5-7 minutes.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat and get ready for magic. Splash in some heavy cream, stirring gently. Watch as the sauce transforms and becomes silky smooth. Sprinkle in a generous handful of shredded cheese, stirring until it melts completely and creates a luxurious, velvety coating.

Step 5: Marry the Pasta and Sauce

Introduce the cooked bowtie pasta to your creamy beef sauce. Gently toss everything together, ensuring each pasta piece is lavishly covered in the rich, flavorful sauce.

Step 6: Serve with Flair

Grab your favorite serving dish and transfer the pasta. Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately while it’s hot and steaming!

Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef meets elegantly twirled bowtie pasta in this classic comfort dish that blends rich, smooth flavors with tender meat. Robust seasonings and a luxurious sauce invite you to savor each delightful, satisfying bite of pure home-style goodness.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef
• 1 ½ cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella

Pasta and Vegetables:

• 12 ounces (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• ¼ cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

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Instructions

1. Prepare the pasta by submerging bowtie shapes into rapidly boiling salted water, ensuring they reach a perfect al dente texture. Carefully drain and reserve to the side.
2. Select a spacious skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef and finely chopped onions, sautéing until the meat transforms into a rich golden brown and onions become translucent. Incorporate minced garlic, allowing its aromatic essence to permeate the mixture for an additional minute.
3. Gently fold in diced tomatoes with their natural juices, complemented by robust beef broth. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and freshly cracked pepper to elevate the flavor profile. Allow the concoction to simmer, melding the ingredients into a harmonious sauce.
4. Transition the heat to a gentle low setting and introduce velvety heavy cream. Stir consistently to integrate the liquid seamlessly. Gradually incorporate shredded cheese, creating a luxuriously smooth and creamy texture that coats the bottom of the skillet.
5. Reunite the reserved pasta with the sumptuous beef mixture, tossing meticulously to ensure each bowtie is lavishly enrobed in the decadent sauce.
6. Elevate the presentation by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the surface. Serve immediately while the dish maintains its optimal temperature and creamy consistency.

Notes

• Perfectly cook pasta by salting water generously and testing for al dente texture, ensuring a firm bite without being hard or mushy.
• Balance flavors by adjusting seasoning levels, using low-sodium broth to control salt content and prevent overwhelming taste.
• Transform into a lighter version by substituting ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based protein crumbles for reduced fat content.
• Enhance meal prep by making extra sauce and storing separately from pasta to maintain optimal texture when reheating leftovers.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 42g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 120mg