If you’re craving pure comfort in a bowl that’s both irresistibly creamy and perfectly hearty, Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is about to become your new weeknight hero. This dish is a luscious tangle of tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a velvety sauce layered with Italian herbs, two dreamy cheeses, and just the right kick of garlic. It comes together in a snap but tastes like you’ve been simmering it lovingly all afternoon. No need for fancy ingredients or culinary wizardry—just the kind of satisfying, crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a warm hug after a long day.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is in how each accessible ingredient brings a special note to the dish—whether it’s the pasta’s shape holding onto the sauce, or that final shower of fresh parsley adding a burst of color and flavor.

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta: These little “bows” hold the creamy sauce beautifully, offering playful texture in every bite.
1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle richness and helps brown your beef evenly for the best flavor.
1 pound ground beef: Opt for leaner beef if you prefer less fat, but don’t worry—a little richness is welcome here.
1 small onion, finely chopped: Creates a sweet, aromatic backbone that rounds out the sauce.
3 cloves garlic, minced: For that must-have savory punch—don’t skimp!
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Layers in herbaceous notes for an instant boost of flavor.
½ teaspoon salt: Brings all the components together and amps up the savoriness.
¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to brighten every bite without overpowering.
2 tablespoons tomato paste: Offers richness and a subtle tang to balance the cream.
1 cup beef broth: Adds depth and keeps the sauce lush; low sodium is just fine if that’s your style.
1 cup heavy cream: The secret to the signature silky, decadent sauce you’ll want to scoop up with bread.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it a nutty, salty finish.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: For that stretchy, gooey magic everyone loves in pasta.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional): A fresh pop of green at the end that makes everything look and taste brighter.

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. Add your bowtie pasta and cook just until al dente—they’ll soak up all the wonderful sauce later, so don’t overcook! Drain and set aside, keeping them warm while you tackle the beautiful, beefy sauce.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Set a large skillet over medium heat and drizzle in the olive oil. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as you go. Cook until deeply browned and deliciously caramelized, which gives the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta its crave-worthy savory base. Drain off any excess fat to keep things balanced.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

Mix in the chopped onion and minced garlic, giving them a few minutes to soften and mingle with the beef. This simple step creates an inviting, mouthwatering aroma that sets the foundation for a truly memorable sauce.

Step 4: Build Up the Flavor

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, then stir in the thick, rich tomato paste. Let everything cook together for about a minute; this quick sauté intensifies the flavors and makes the entire dish more savory and robust.

Step 5: Simmer with Broth and Cream

Pour in the beef broth and let it come to a gentle simmer, scraping up any flavorful bits from the pan. This is where the sauce starts to come alive. Lower the heat and add the heavy cream, letting it bubble away for about 3–4 minutes until you start to see the beginnings of that velvety texture every Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta needs.

Step 6: Melt in the Cheeses

Sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella a handful at a time, stirring until everything is luxuriously melted and smooth. The sauce should be creamy, thick, and absolutely irresistible at this point—almost like the best pasta bake you’ve ever had, minus the waiting!

Step 7: Combine and Finish

Add your perfectly al dente bowtie pasta back into the skillet. Toss and stir until every piece is beautifully coated in the sauce. Let everything simmer together for two final minutes, giving the flavors time to truly come together. If you like, scatter chopped fresh parsley over the finished dish for a restaurant-worthy touch.

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

Nothing says “finished” like a flourish of freshly chopped parsley or a dusting of extra Parmesan. For special occasions, add a sprinkle of cracked black pepper or even some red chili flakes to give it a little heat and visual appeal.

Side Dishes

Pair Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with a simple crisp green salad tossed in lemon vinaigrette or perhaps some roasted veggies. A hunk of warm garlic bread or a rustic baguette is pretty much non-negotiable for sopping up all that dreamy sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeding a crowd, serve this dish family-style in a big, beautiful bowl so everyone can dig in. For a more playful approach, ladle the pasta into individual shallow bowls and top with extra cheese for a bubbly finish, or try serving it inside Parmesan “baskets” for a restaurant-style twist that’s bound to impress.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta should be cooled to room temperature, then transferred to an airtight container. It’ll stay fresh and flavorful in the fridge for up to three days—the sauce may thicken slightly, but it’ll still taste dreamy.

Freezing

To freeze, portion cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers or bags. Cream sauces can separate a bit when frozen, but this one holds up surprisingly well. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

For the best texture, reheat Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta gently over low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of beef broth or a dash of cream to bring back the silkiness. You can also microwave it in bursts, stirring in between to ensure everything heats evenly.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While bowties are classic and perfect for scooping up sauce, penne, rigatoni, or rotini would work wonderfully. Use whatever you have in your pantry—this recipe is super flexible.

Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Yes, you can easily swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even whole milk, though the sauce will be slightly less rich. Using ground turkey or chicken instead of beef also lightens things up without sacrificing flavor.

Can I add vegetables to Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?

Go for it! Stir in baby spinach or frozen peas towards the end of cooking, or try diced bell peppers and mushrooms sautéed along with the onion for extra color and nutrition.

What’s the best way to make this ahead for a party?

Prepare the sauce and cook the pasta separately, keeping them refrigerated. Combine and reheat gently just before serving, thinning with a bit of broth or cream if needed so the consistency stays luscious.

Does this pasta work well for meal prep?

Yes! Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta keeps its flavor and texture nicely for several days in the fridge. Pack single-serve portions to grab for an easy, delicious lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistibly comforting about a big dish of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, and it’s honestly so much easier than you think. Don’t wait for a special occasion—treat yourself and your loved ones to this creamy, beefy, cheesy hug in a bowl any night of the week. Try it soon, and get ready for rave reviews at your dinner table!

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 19 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and creamy pasta dish with this recipe for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal, this savory dish combines tender bowtie pasta with seasoned ground beef in a luscious cream and cheese sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Mixture: Brown the ground beef in a skillet, then add onion, garlic, seasonings, and tomato paste. Stir in broth and cream, simmer, and add cheeses until melted.
Combine and Serve: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, simmer briefly, then garnish with parsley and serve hot.