Silky Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe for Cozy Evenings

Pasta lovers find pure magic in this creamy beef and bowtie pasta that promises comfort in every single bite.

Tender chunks of seasoned meat nestle between delicate pasta shapes, creating a symphony of textures.

Rich, velvety sauce coats each piece with luxurious flavor that feels like a warm embrace.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet satisfying meals that everyone can enjoy.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary plate into something extraordinary.

Quick preparation means you can have this delectable dish on the table in under thirty minutes.

One forkful will convince you this recipe deserves a permanent spot in your cooking rotation.

Why Beef and Bowtie Pasta Is Filling and Fast

• Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe requires just one skillet and basic ingredients, making cleanup a breeze and cooking stress-free.
• Ready in under 30 minutes, this meal delivers restaurant-quality flavor without long preparation times, ideal for hungry families craving quick, delicious dinners.
• Bowtie pasta and creamy cheese sauce create a kid-approved meal that adults will also love, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their dinner without complaints.
• Easily adaptable with optional add-ins like vegetables or different cheese types, this recipe offers flexibility for personalized meal experiences that keep dinner exciting.

Ingredients That Go Into Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• Bowtie Pasta: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy sauce, quick cooking and fun texture.

• Ground Beef, Onion, Garlic: Rich protein base with deep savory flavor, choose lean ground beef for less grease.
• Olive Oil: Helps brown meat and adds subtle fruity undertone.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds bright acidity and moisture to the sauce, canned variety works best.
• Beef Broth: Enhances meat flavor and provides additional liquid for sauce.
• Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Classic blend of herbs and spices for depth and warmth, use dried herbs for consistent flavor.

• Heavy Cream, Shredded Cheese: Creates luxurious, silky sauce texture, select full-fat cream for richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Light, fresh garnish that adds color and subtle herb notes.

How to Cook Beef and Bowtie Pasta in No Time

Step 1: Boil The Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Drop bowtie pasta and cook until perfectly tender but still slightly firm. Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.

Step 2: Brown The Beef

Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high flame. Toss in ground beef and diced onion. Sizzle and stir until beef turns golden brown and onions become translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, releasing aromatic flavors.

Step 3: Build The Flavor Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Beef broth
• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir everything together and let simmer, allowing ingredients to mingle and develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

Lower heat and pour in heavy cream. Stir gently, warming the mixture. Sprinkle shredded cheese and mix until sauce becomes velvety smooth and glossy.

Step 5: Combine And Coat

Slide cooked pasta into the skillet. Gently toss until every pasta piece is lavishly covered in the creamy beef sauce.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

Scatter fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately while piping hot and incredibly delicious.

Smart Tips for Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• Drain Pasta Perfectly: Rinse bowtie pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking, ensuring a perfect al dente texture every time.
• Boost Beef Flavor: Brown the ground beef on high heat to create delicious caramelized bits that add depth and richness to the sauce.
• Cream Sauce Hack: Reduce heat to low when adding cream to prevent curdling and maintain a smooth, silky consistency throughout the dish.
• Cheese Melting Trick: Shred cheese freshly and add gradually while stirring to create a perfectly smooth and creamy sauce without clumping.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the beef sauce ahead of time and refrigerate, then reheat gently with fresh pasta for a quick and delicious meal that tastes just as good the next day.

How to Keep Beef and Bowtie Pasta Ready for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent sticking, stirring gently until heated through.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

What Matches Well With Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Sangiovese to complement the rich beef and creamy sauce, balancing the dish's robust flavors with smooth tannins.
• Select a malty amber ale or brown ale that enhances the smoky paprika and provides a robust counterpoint to the creamy texture, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Sprinkle extra chopped parsley or add fresh basil leaves to brighten the dish, introducing a zesty contrast that cuts through the heaviness of the cream and beef.
• Prepare a light green salad with tangy vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterbalance to the rich pasta, adding a clean, acidic element that cleanses the palate between bites.

Creative Takes on Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace heavy cream with coconut milk or almond milk. Use dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Perfect for lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Vegetarian Swap: Substitute ground beef with plant-based ground meat or crumbled tofu. Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for protein and texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bowtie pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour. Ensure all seasonings and broths are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace bowtie pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Use lean ground turkey or chicken for a lighter protein option.

Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Dive into comfort with this creamy beef and bowtie pasta, where hearty ground beef meets silky sauce over perfectly cooked pasta. Melded flavors and rich textures promise a satisfying meal that brings warmth to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450g) ground beef

Carbohydrates:

• 12 ounces (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Seasonings and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Additional Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cups (480 milliliters) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1 ½ cups (150 grams) shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella
• ¼ cup (15 grams) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Select a large cooking vessel and prepare bowtie pasta according to package guidelines, ensuring a perfectly tender texture. Once cooked, thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Preheat a spacious skillet with olive oil over medium-high temperature. Introduce ground beef and finely chopped onions, sautéing for approximately 6-7 minutes until meat browns and onions become translucent.
3. Incorporate minced garlic and continue cooking briefly to release aromatic flavors, stirring consistently to prevent burning.
4. Pour diced tomatoes with their natural juices, beef broth, and an array of seasonings including Italian herbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Allow the mixture to gently simmer, permitting ingredients to harmonize for 5-6 minutes.
5. Reduce cooking temperature to low, then carefully blend heavy cream into the mixture, warming thoroughly for 2-3 minutes to create a luxurious base.
6. Gradually introduce shredded cheese, stirring methodically until the sauce transforms into a silky, uniform consistency without lumps.
7. Fold reserved bowtie pasta into the creamy beef sauce, ensuring each pasta piece becomes completely enveloped in the rich, flavorful coating.
8. Finish the dish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the top, creating a vibrant garnish that adds visual appeal and a subtle herbal note.
9. Serve immediately while the pasta remains piping hot, offering a comforting and satisfying meal.

Notes

• For the most tender beef, choose ground beef with a slightly higher fat content like 80/20, which adds more flavor and helps keep the meat juicy during cooking.
• Create a quick flavor boost by letting the beef and tomato mixture simmer longer, allowing the spices to develop a deeper, richer taste profile.
• Prevent soggy pasta by cooking it just until al dente and adding it to the sauce right before serving, which helps maintain its perfect texture and prevents overcooking.
• Make this dish gluten-free by substituting regular bowtie pasta with chickpea or gluten-free pasta alternatives, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg