The Best Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful beef and bowtie pasta dish can turn an ordinary evening into a culinary adventure.

Comfort meets elegance in this hearty meal that promises to satisfy deep hunger pangs.

Pasta lovers will appreciate the rich, velvety sauce coating every twirled noodle.

Tender beef chunks add a robust protein punch to each satisfying bite.

Seasonings dance through the creamy sauce, creating layers of complex flavor profiles.

Kitchen magic happens when simple ingredients blend into something extraordinary.

You’ll find this recipe becomes an instant favorite that brings smiles around the dinner table.

Grab your apron and let the cooking begin!

Why Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Hits The Spot

• Savor Speedy Satisfaction: Craft this creamy beef and bowtie pasta quickly with minimal prep and cooking steps, perfect for busy weeknights when hunger strikes.
• Master One-Skillet Magic: Prepare the entire dish in a single pan, minimizing kitchen cleanup and making cooking and washing up a breeze for home chefs of all skill levels.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Delight family and friends with a hearty, cheesy pasta that combines familiar flavors of ground beef, tomatoes, and creamy sauce, ensuring everyone at the table asks for seconds.
• Customize with Creativity: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef with ground turkey, adding extra vegetables, or experimenting with different cheese varieties to suit personal taste preferences.

What You’ll Use For Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Bowtie Pasta: A classic pasta shape that catches creamy sauce perfectly and provides a delightful texture to the dish.
• Ground Beef: The protein-rich foundation that adds hearty flavor and substance to the pasta recipe.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and silky sauce that coats the pasta and beef with richness.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic flavor builders provide a deep and savory base for the entire dish.
• Italian Seasoning, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that enhance and complement the beef's natural taste.

• Diced Tomatoes, Beef Broth: Ingredients that add moisture and depth to the sauce, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
• Shredded Cheese: Melts into the sauce, adding creaminess and a subtle tangy note to the overall dish.

• Fresh Parsley: Adds a bright, fresh finish and a pop of color to the creamy pasta.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking the beef and creating a non-stick surface in the skillet.

How To Put Together Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Grab a big pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt to make the water taste like the ocean. Toss in the bowtie pasta and cook until it’s tender and dancing. Once done, drain the water and set the pasta aside, ready for its flavor adventure.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat up some olive oil in a large skillet. Plop in the ground beef and break it into little pieces as it sizzles. Cook until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown. If there’s extra grease, give it a quick drain.

Step 3: Awaken the Aromatics

Toss the diced onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the beef. Let them dance and sizzle together for a few minutes until they become soft and fill the kitchen with an irresistible aroma.

Step 4: Build the Flavor Base

• Italian seasoning
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Let everything bubble and mingle, creating a symphony of taste.

Step 5: Creamy Transformation

Turn the heat down low and pour in the heavy cream. Add the cooked pasta and stir everything together until each pasta piece is wearing a delicious sauce coat.

Step 6: Cheese Magic

Sprinkle in the shredded cheese and watch it melt into a smooth, creamy blanket. Keep stirring for a few minutes to ensure everything is warm and wonderful.

Step 7: Finish and Feast

Take the skillet off the heat and shower it with fresh parsley.

Best Tricks For Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Choose pasta with ridges or curves to help sauce cling better and enhance overall flavor.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to prevent excess grease making sauce too oily.
• Pat beef dry before cooking to achieve perfect browning and develop deeper meat flavor.
• Use freshly grated cheese instead of pre-shredded for smoother, more creamy melting texture.
• Consider low-fat alternatives like ground turkey or lean beef for healthier version without compromising taste.

Different Styles Of Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Spicy Southwest Sensation: Replace Italian seasoning with taco seasoning, add diced green chilies, and top with pepper jack cheese for a zesty kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Swap ground beef for ground lamb, use oregano and mint, add crumbled feta cheese, and mix in chopped kalamata olives.
• Vegetarian Mushroom Magic: Substitute beef with sautéed portobello mushrooms, use vegetable broth, add spinach, and sprinkle with nutritional yeast for depth.
• Creamy Cajun Carnival: Use Cajun seasoning instead of Italian herbs, add andouille sausage, incorporate bell peppers, and finish with a splash of hot sauce.

What Goes Well With Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Robust Red Wine Pairing: Select a bold Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot to complement the rich beef and creamy sauce, cutting through the dish's decadent flavors with its tannic structure.
• Wine-Matching Tip: Choose a medium to full-bodied red wine with enough acidity to balance the pasta's creaminess and enhance the meat's savory profile.
• Crisp Side Salad Companion: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to provide a fresh, zesty contrast against the heavy pasta dish, adding brightness and cutting through the richness.
• Herbal Garnish Suggestion: Sprinkle fresh basil or oregano on top to elevate the pasta's Italian-inspired flavor profile and introduce an aromatic herbal note that complements the meaty sauce.

Save Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta For Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent contamination.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Label with the date and store for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces, as they may separate when thawed.
• Pour pasta into a skillet, add a splash of beef broth or water to prevent drying. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly. This method helps restore the creamy texture and prevents burning.

Common Tips For Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta like penne, rotini, or shells. Just ensure the pasta shape can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish reheats nicely and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore moisture.

• Can I make this dish less spicy?

Definitely. Reduce or omit the smoked paprika if you prefer a milder flavor. You can also use mild spices that complement the beef without adding heat.

• What ground meat alternatives work best?

Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes for beef. They’ll provide similar texture and protein while offering a leaner option for the recipe.

Silky Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 25-30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy beef and bowtie pasta, where tender pasta intertwines with rich, seasoned ground beef. Hearty flavors and velvety sauce will make you crave seconds, promising a delightful meal that satisfies both hunger and culinary desires.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 lb (450g) ground beef
• 12 oz (340g) bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 1/2 cups (150g) shredded cheddar cheese or mozzarella
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream

Secondary Ingredients:

• 2 cups (480ml) beef broth
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup (15g) chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large pot of salted water and bring to a rolling boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Add ground beef and crumble thoroughly while cooking until deep brown and no pink remains.
3. Incorporate finely chopped onions and minced garlic into the browned meat. Sauté for 2-3 minutes, releasing aromatic flavors and softening vegetables.
4. Pour diced tomatoes with their liquid, beef broth, and seasonings into the skillet. Stir components together and allow mixture to gently simmer for 5 minutes, developing rich flavor profiles.
5. Reduce cooking temperature to low. Stream heavy cream into the skillet, creating a luxurious sauce. Fold cooked pasta into the creamy mixture, ensuring complete coating.
6. Sprinkle shredded cheese gradually, stirring continuously until cheese melts completely and sauce transforms into a smooth, velvety consistency. Continue heating for additional 2-3 minutes.
7. Remove skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and added freshness. Serve immediately while sauce remains warm and inviting.

Notes

• Choose whole wheat bowtie pasta for a healthier, fiber-rich alternative that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles to create a lighter, lower-fat version of the dish.
• Let the sauce simmer gently to develop deeper, more complex flavors and prevent cream from separating during cooking.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like sharp cheddar or smoked gouda to add unique depth and richness to the creamy sauce.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 510 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 13 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg