This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together quickly with simple ingredients. Featuring tender bowtie pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes!
- Rich & Creamy: A cheesy, velvety sauce coats every bite.
- Family-Friendly: A meal everyone will love, including picky eaters.
- One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup for an easy dinner solution.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
1. Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Make the Sauce
- Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and paprika.
- Mix well until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
4. Combine Everything
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the beef and sauce mixture.
- Stir well to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve warm and enjoy your comforting, cheesy pasta dish!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 640 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Lighter Option: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Different Cheese: Try mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a different flavor.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate when thawed.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Penne, rotini, or fusilli all work well with this sauce.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, but for best results, store the sauce separately from the pasta and combine when reheating.
How do I prevent the cheese from clumping?
Make sure to stir the cheese slowly into the sauce over low heat to ensure a smooth, creamy consistency.
Can I make this without heavy cream?
Yes, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may be slightly less rich.
What side dishes pair well with this?
This dish pairs well with garlic bread, a simple green salad, or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the perfect blend of savory beef, tender pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, this easy one-pan dish is sure to become a favorite. Try it tonight for a delicious, satisfying meal!
Print
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a rich, cheesy, and satisfying meal that comes together in just 30 minutes. Made with tender ground beef, bowtie pasta, and a velvety cheddar-Parmesan sauce, this dish is perfect for a quick and comforting weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Make the Sauce: Stir in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Pour in heavy cream, cheddar, Parmesan, and paprika. Stir until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the beef and sauce. Stir until the pasta is coated in the creamy mixture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
- For extra spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- For added veggies, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- For a protein boost, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Calories: ~640 kcal per serving
