Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Let’s talk comfort food—Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is everything you want in a cozy, indulgent meal. The rich, creamy sauce, perfectly seasoned beef, and tender pasta all come together in a way that’s absolutely irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like you’re being wrapped in a warm blanket after a long day. And the best part? It’s super easy to make, so you can enjoy all that creamy goodness without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this dish is going to become a fast favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Deliciously Creamy:

This dish is like a big bowl of comfort. The creamy sauce envelops the beef and pasta perfectly, giving you that velvety, smooth texture that’s just pure bliss with every bite.

Quick and Easy:

You won’t need a million ingredients or hours of prep to get this dish on the table. It comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you’re craving something comforting but don’t want to spend forever in the kitchen.

Versatile:

While this recipe is already delicious as is, it’s super easy to customize. Want to throw in some veggies? Go for it! You can add bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach to make it your own.

Family-Friendly:

This is the kind of dish that everyone—kids and adults alike—will devour. The combination of creamy sauce, beef, and pasta is a total crowd-pleaser, making it the perfect meal for family dinners.

Hearty and Filling:

With protein-packed beef and satisfying pasta, this dish will keep you full and happy for hours. It’s a meal that sticks with you, so you won’t find yourself looking for snacks an hour later.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this creamy, dreamy pasta dish:

Ground Beef:

The savory base for this dish, ground beef adds that rich, meaty flavor and protein-packed goodness.

Bowtie Pasta:

Also known as farfalle, these cute little bowtie-shaped pasta pieces are the perfect vessel for soaking up that creamy sauce.

Heavy Cream:

This is what gives the sauce its richness and silky smooth texture. It’s the secret to making it perfectly creamy.

Onion:

For a touch of sweetness and savory depth, onions are sautéed and add a nice balance to the dish.

Garlic:

A couple of cloves of garlic bring in that wonderful aromatic flavor, enhancing the overall richness of the sauce.

Beef Broth:

Beef broth deepens the flavor of the sauce, adding that savory, umami quality that makes everything taste so good.

Parmesan Cheese:

Freshly grated parmesan adds that nutty, salty flavor to the sauce and helps thicken it up just the right amount.

Italian Seasoning:

A blend of herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme adds the perfect aromatic touch to the dish. It’s subtle, but makes a big impact.

Salt & Pepper:

To taste, these simple seasonings will round out the flavor and enhance everything.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Here’s how to make this creamy pasta dream come true:

Cook the Pasta:

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.

Brown the Ground Beef:

In a large skillet, heat a bit of olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Sauté the Onion and Garlic:

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the diced onion for 2-3 minutes until softened and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

Make the Creamy Sauce:

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any flavorful bits from the bottom of the skillet. Then add the heavy cream and Italian seasoning, stirring to combine. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly.

Add the Beef and Cheese:

Stir the browned beef back into the skillet, followed by the parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Combine with Pasta:

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.

Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the creamy beef and pasta hot, topped with a little extra parmesan and fresh cracked pepper if desired. A side salad or garlic bread would make the perfect complement to this dish!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 590 kcal
Nutritional Breakdown per serving:

• Fat: 34g
• Saturated Fat: 16g
• Cholesterol: 80mg
• Sodium: 780mg
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 4g
• Protein: 27g

(Note: These values are based on standard ingredients used. Nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is delicious on its own, but you can always enhance the meal with a few simple sides:

Green Salad:

Pair it with a fresh green salad—think romaine, arugula, or spinach—with a light vinaigrette to balance out the richness of the dish.

Garlic Bread:

What’s better than creamy pasta? Creamy pasta with garlic bread to soak up that delicious sauce. It’s an irresistible combination!

Roasted Vegetables:

Roasted broccoli, carrots, or even a mix of bell peppers will add some color and nutrients to your meal. Plus, the slight char on the veggies will pair perfectly with the creamy pasta.

Steamed Asparagus:

If you’re looking for something a bit more elegant, steamed asparagus with a little lemon zest is a great side that adds freshness to the dish.

Additional Tips

Make it Lighter:

If you’re looking for a lighter version, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or use a low-fat cream alternative. You can also opt for lean ground turkey or chicken for a healthier protein.

Add Veggies:

You can easily sneak in some veggies! Throw in some spinach, peas, or mushrooms when you’re cooking the onion and garlic for added flavor and nutrients.

Leftovers:

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk to bring back some of that creamy texture.

Spice It Up:

If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño to the beef mixture. It’ll give the dish an extra layer of flavor.

Double the Recipe:

This recipe is easy to scale up! Double it and enjoy a big batch for leftovers, or serve it for a crowd.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?

A1: Absolutely! You can use any pasta you like—penne, rotini, or even spaghetti will work just fine.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?

A2: Yes, you can make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve. It’s perfect for meal prep!

Q3: Can I make this dish with ground turkey or chicken?

A3: Yes, you can easily swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version of this dish.

Q4: How can I make this dish gluten-free?

A4: To make it gluten-free, simply swap the bowtie pasta for a gluten-free pasta of your choice. Just make sure to check all your other ingredients for any gluten-containing additives.

Q5: Can I freeze the leftovers?

A5: Yes, you can freeze leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Q6: How do I make the sauce thicker?

A6: If you want a thicker sauce, you can simmer it longer to reduce it, or stir in a bit of cornstarch mixed with cold water to thicken it up.

Q7: Can I use a different type of cheese?

A7: Yes, feel free to swap in mozzarella, Gouda, or any cheese you love for the parmesan. Just make sure it melts well for that creamy texture.

Q8: Can I add vegetables to this dish?

A8: Absolutely! Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers are all great additions to make this dish more colorful and nutritious.

Q9: Can I use sour cream instead of heavy cream?

A9: While sour cream can add creaminess, it will give the sauce a tangy flavor. If you like that twist, give it a try!

Q10: Can I use a non-dairy milk for this recipe?

A10: Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy alternative, like coconut milk or almond milk, for a dairy-free version.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is everything you crave in a comfort meal—rich, creamy, and satisfying, with just the right amount of savory goodness. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special treat, this dish is sure to become a favorite. So, grab your ingredients, get cooking, and enjoy the delicious, comforting magic of creamy beef pasta!

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