If you are craving a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender bowtie pasta with rich, savory ground beef and a luscious cream sauce, it brings together flavors and textures that satisfy deeply and delight every time. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or wanting to impress friends with an easy yet impressive dish, this recipe checks all the boxes with its balanced spices, melting cheeses, and vibrant finish of fresh parsley.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe uses simple, everyday ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich harmony of flavors and textures. Each one plays a special role, from the hearty ground beef to the silky cream and the al dente bowtie pasta, making your dish irresistibly tasty.
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle): The perfect shape to hold onto sauce and tender bits of beef in every bite.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef for deep flavor.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein, delivering savory richness and satisfying heartiness.
- 1 small onion, finely chopped: Brings sweetness and depth to the sauce as it cooks down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds aromatic warmth and a little zing to wake up the palate.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend that layers in classic Mediterranean herb flavors.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the natural flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat and complexity.
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a subtle spicy kick.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes: Provides fresh acidity and color to brighten the dish.
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce: Thickens the sauce and adds concentrated tomato flavor.
- 3/4 cup beef broth: Builds a savory base that complements the beef perfectly.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream: Creates the silky, indulgent creaminess that defines this pasta.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts into gooey goodness for ultimate comfort.
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a sharp, nutty finish that elevates every bite.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Offers a fresh, vibrant contrast to the creamy sauce.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the bowtie pasta in well-salted water until it is just al dente. This means it should have a slight bite to it, which helps it hold up nicely once tossed in the sauce. After cooking, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside so it’s ready to absorb all the creamy goodness later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and crumbly with no pink left. Browning the beef properly is key — it builds incredible flavor through caramelization, which forms the base for your sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Sauté them together for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step adds sweetness and a cozy aroma that makes the whole kitchen smell like pure comfort.
Step 4: Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if you like a little heat). Stir everything to combine so the spices meld beautifully with the meat and veggies, seasoning the sauce evenly from the start.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Sauce, and Broth
Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), the tomato sauce, and the beef broth. Stir well and bring everything to a gentle simmer on medium-low heat. Let it cook uncovered for about 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to concentrate and the sauce to thicken just right.
Step 6: Stir in the Cream
After the sauce has reduced, pour in the heavy cream and simmer for another 2 to 3 minutes. This gives the dish its signature silky texture and rich flavor, turning a simple tomato sauce into irresistible creamy perfection.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Cheese
Fold the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything gently to make sure each piece of pasta is luxuriously coated. Then sprinkle in the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses, stirring carefully until melted and blended into a creamy, cheesy dream.
Step 8: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat and scatter freshly chopped parsley on top for a bright and fresh touch. Serve immediately while warm, letting the aromas and flavors dazzle your senses.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of vibrant color and a refreshing herbal note that cuts through the richness beautifully. You can also add a few shavings of Parmesan or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for an elegant finish.
Side Dishes
Pair this creamy beef and bowtie pasta with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the richness. Garlic bread or a warm crusty baguette works wonders too, perfect for mopping up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in individual shallow bowls with a sprig of parsley on each plate. Alternatively, you can layer it in a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and broil until bubbly and golden for a comforting baked twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors even deepen as it rests, making it ideal for enjoying throughout the week.
Freezing
To freeze, place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty bag. It’s best eaten within 2 months for maximum freshness. Chill completely before freezing to maintain the creamy texture upon reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir occasionally until heated through and creamy again.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is perfect for this recipe because it holds the sauce well, you can substitute it with penne, rotini, or even shells. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to keep the pasta al dente.
Is there a vegan version of this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe?
Yes! Swap the ground beef for plant-based meat alternatives, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, and replace cheese with vegan mozzarella and Parmesan-style nutritional yeast. It’s just as comforting and delicious.
Can I prepare parts of the recipe in advance?
You can cook the pasta and brown the beef ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge. When ready to eat, combine everything and finish cooking the sauce for fresh flavor in minutes.
What can I do if I don’t have beef broth?
Chicken broth or vegetable broth can work as substitutes if you don’t have beef broth on hand. They will slightly alter the flavor but still make a tasty sauce.
How spicy is this dish?
The dish has a mild warmth from the black pepper and optional crushed red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice level by adding more or less crushed red pepper according to your preference.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe is a treasure to have in your weekly rotation. Its cozy flavors, easy steps, and satisfying textures make it a true crowd-pleaser any night of the week. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again.
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Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe combines tender ground beef with a rich, creamy tomato sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta and a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. A comforting, flavorful dish ready in just 35 minutes, perfect for a hearty family meal.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Tomato and Cream Sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, usually about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the sauce.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it is browned and no longer pink.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Season the Meat: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using, mixing well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add Tomatoes and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes along with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer the Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream and continue to simmer the sauce for an additional 2–3 minutes to make it rich and creamy.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated.
- Incorporate Cheese: Stir in shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt completely, creating a luscious, creamy texture.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve the pasta warm for a comforting meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
- Use coconut cream if you prefer a dairy-free alternative to heavy cream.
- Reserve some pasta water to thin the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- For added veggies, consider stirring in spinach or mushrooms during the sauté step.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
