Description
Velveeta beef & bowtie pasta brings comfort and flavor together in one delightful dish. Cheesy, hearty goodness awaits with this quick family favorite that will make you crave seconds.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2.25 pounds ground beef
Cheese:
- 1 block Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 (8 ounces/226 grams) block cream cheese, softened
Pasta and Other Ingredients:
- 1 box bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
- 1 cup pasta water, reserved to thin the sauce (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Submerge bowtie noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender yet firm. Extract 1 cup of starchy liquid, then strain pasta and set aside.
- Position a spacious skillet over medium flame. Crumble ground beef into the pan, sizzling and breaking down proteins until uniformly browned and no pink remains. Eliminate excess rendered fat if accumulating.
- Transform the beef landscape by introducing cubed Velveeta, silky cream cheese, aromatic cream of chicken soup, and zesty Rotel tomatoes directly into the skillet. Orchestrate a gentle melting process, stirring continuously until a luxurious, uniform sauce emerges.
- Cascade cooked bowtie noodles into the molten cheese mixture, gently folding to ensure comprehensive sauce coverage. Should the mixture appear dense, strategically introduce reserved pasta water, creating a luscious, clingy consistency.
- Transfer the steaming, cheese-laden creation to serving dishes immediately. Garnish optionally and savor while piping hot, celebrating the rich, comforting fusion of textures and flavors.
Notes
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that still packs delicious flavor.
- Add a splash of milk or heavy cream if the sauce feels too thick, creating an even smoother texture that coats the pasta perfectly.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or green onions on top for a pop of color and extra freshness that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce.
- Consider using gluten-free bowtie pasta to make this dish accessible for those with gluten sensitivities, ensuring everyone can enjoy this comforting meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 794
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 870 mg
- Fat: 59 g
- Saturated Fat: 27 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
- Trans Fat: 1.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 165 mg