If you’re craving comfort in a bowl, Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is about to become your new go-to recipe. Imagine a skillet brimming with tender farfalle pasta, juicy ground beef, and a sauce so creamy and cheesy you can’t help but sneak a taste right from the pan. Italian seasoning, a hint of tomato, and a duo of gooey mozzarella and nutty Parmesan transform everyday ingredients into something magical. This is the weeknight hero that delivers big flavor, irresistible texture, and a guaranteed smile around the table.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is how it makes the most out of simple staples. Each ingredient delivers its own flavor punch, contributing to a dish that’s rich, hearty, and anything but ordinary.

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: These cute little pasta shapes have nooks and crannies to soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Olive oil: Just a touch helps brown the beef and gives a subtle fruity base to the dish.
Ground beef: The star protein adds savory depth and transforms this into a truly filling meal.
Onion: Finely diced onion melts into the sauce, bringing sweetness and balance.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a fragrant, mouthwatering finish.
Italian seasoning: A blend of classic herbs delivers that unmistakable Italian flavor.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and sharpening the dish’s flavors.
Tomato paste: Adds body, tang, and a lovely red hue to the sauce.
Beef broth: Deepens the meaty flavor and helps build the luxurious sauce.
Heavy cream: The key to that ultra-creamy, decadent texture.
Parmesan cheese: Brings a salty, nutty kick and thickens the sauce.
Mozzarella cheese: Melts to irresistible gooiness and makes every bite stretchy and delightful.
Chopped parsley (optional): A bright, fresh sprinkle brings color and a pop of herby flavor to finish.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water. Once it’s roaring, drop in your bowtie pasta and cook until just al dente—check a minute or two before the package instructions for that perfect bite. Drain and set aside, but don’t forget to save a splash of that starchy pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

While the pasta boils, grab your largest skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Crumble in the ground beef. Cook, stirring and breaking up the meat, until it loses all that pink color and starts to gain some golden edges. If there’s excess fat, drain it off, so your sauce stays rich without being greasy.

Step 3: Sauté Onions and Build Flavor

Next, toss in the finely diced onion. Give it 2 to 3 minutes to soften and sweeten up with the beef. Then, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and that vibrant tomato paste. Stir constantly for about a minute—this wakes up the spices and caramelizes the tomato paste into something magical.

Step 4: Simmer with Cream and Broth

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring well to combine everything into a silky sauce. Let it all come up to a gentle simmer, curling around the beef. After 3 to 4 minutes, the sauce will have thickened just enough for maximum richness.

Step 5: Add Cheese and Pasta

Lower the heat and scatter in the Parmesan and mozzarella. Stir until they melt completely, forming that irresistibly creamy, cheesy base. Now add your cooked bowtie pasta back to the skillet, tossing until each piece is thoroughly coated and glossy. Let everything mingle together on low heat for another minute or two—it’s the secret to incredible flavor.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

If you like, shower chopped parsley over the top for a pop of freshness. Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta piping hot and watch it disappear quickly!

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley brightens the creamy, cheesy richness of the dish, while an extra dusting of Parmesan at the table brings a salty, nutty finish. For a hint of heat, try a pinch of red pepper flakes. You’ll love how these easy garnishes highlight every flavor note of this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs wonderfully with something light and crisp—think a simple green salad or steamed broccoli. Warm, buttery garlic bread always finds a welcome spot on the table too, ready to mop up any sauce left behind. Keep it easy so the pasta remains the shining star.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in individual bowls topped with a swirl of cream and a scattering of herbs. Hosting a family-style dinner? Bring the skillet right to the table for a fun, communal feel. Or, try serving it in a baked pasta dish with extra mozzarella melted and bubbling on top for maximum comfort food vibes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta left, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The creamy sauce stays luscious, and the flavors deepen, making it just as delicious (or maybe even better) the next day!

Freezing

This recipe holds up well to freezing. Cool the pasta down completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight for best results. It’s an excellent make-ahead meal for busy nights or packed lunches.

Reheating

To bring back that silky texture, reheat Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir frequently to keep the cheese smooth and prevent sticking.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While bowties capture the creamy sauce beautifully, feel free to swap in penne, rotini, or even rigatoni. Just watch the cooking time so you get that perfect al dente bite.

Can I make this dish lighter?

If you’d like a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lean ground beef or ground turkey. It will still be creamy and flavorful with fewer calories and less fat.

What can I add for more vegetables?

Chopped spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or bell peppers are all tasty ways to amp up the veggies in this dish. Stir them in right after the onions to give them time to tenderize and soak up the flavor.

Is this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta spicy?

The basic recipe is mild and family-friendly, but you can easily spice things up by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or using spicy Italian sausage in place of some or all of the ground beef.

Can I prepare Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the entire dish ahead, store it covered in the refrigerator, and just reheat when ready to serve. Add an extra splash of cream or broth as needed to refresh the sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a sure-to-please family meal, Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is an absolute winner. It delivers comfort and flavor in every bite, with easy steps and ingredients you’ll always have on hand. Try it soon—your weeknight dinners will never be the same!

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and satisfying meal with this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe. Tender bowtie pasta coated in a rich and cheesy beef sauce, perfect for a hearty dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Beef Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, finely diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/2 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Sauce: Brown ground beef in olive oil, add onion, garlic, seasonings, and tomato paste. Pour in broth and cream, simmer until thickened.
Add Cheeses and Pasta: Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella, then add cooked pasta to coat in the sauce.
Finish and Serve: Simmer briefly, garnish with parsley, and serve hot.