Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta: A Comforting Weeknight Dinner

This creamy beef and bowtie pasta is a hearty, satisfying dish that blends tender pasta with flavorful ground beef in a rich, cheesy sauce.

It’s perfect for busy weeknights when comfort food is a must but time is short. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite with its creamy textures and savory flavors.

Emma Franklin

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

This creamy beef and bowtie pasta is a hearty, satisfying dish that blends tender pasta with flavorful ground beef in a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, it’s ready in just 30 minutes and sure to become a family favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, American comfort food
Calories: 640

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
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • salt & pepper, to taste
  • fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Equipment

  • large pot for boiling pasta
  • colander to drain pasta
  • large skillet for cooking beef and sauce
  • Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
  • knife and cutting board for prepping onion and garlic

Method
 

  1. Boil the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 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 1 minute. Add ground beef and brown thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat.
  3. Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and paprika. Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly.
  4. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until evenly coated in the creamy beef sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition

Calories: 640kcalCarbohydrates: 39gProtein: 36gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 18gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 13gTrans Fat: 2gCholesterol: 125mgSodium: 650mgPotassium: 510mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 280mgIron: 4mg

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave with a splash of cream or broth. For variations, add spinach or bell peppers, swap in chicken thighs or venison, or spice it up with red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Quick and easy to make in 30 minutes or less

Creamy, cheesy sauce packed with flavor

Uses simple ingredients available in most kitchens

Family-friendly and perfect for weeknight dinners

Easily customizable with veggies or spice additions

Ingredients: Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

  • 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)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Cook the Pasta:

Boil the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

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 an additional minute. Add ground beef and brown thoroughly, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

Make the Sauce:

Pour in beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Continue stirring until the cheeses melt and the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine:

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with beef and creamy sauce. Toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Serve:

Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and tuck into this creamy, comforting pasta dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to refresh the sauce.

Serving Suggestions and Variations:

Serve alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For extra nutrition, stir in fresh spinach or diced bell peppers when adding the broth. Spice lovers can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a mild kick.

This recipe boasts a creamy texture and rich beef flavor that makes it a perfect quick dinner for busy families craving something warm and hearty.

If desired, chicken thighs or venison roast can be substituted for the ground beef for varied flavor profiles, adjusting cooking times accordingly

Similar Posts

  • the best One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta

    Craving a quick, hearty meal that dazzles with minimal fuss? One-Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta brings comforting, rich flavors to your dinner table with zero hassle. This dish combines tender ground beef cooked with fragrant garlic and creamy butter, simmered together with pasta to create a luscious, satisfying sauce. Whether you’re juggling a…

  • Pumpkin Streusel Bread

    Moist, Sweet, and Perfectly Spiced Fall baking never tasted so good! This Pumpkin Streusel Bread brings together everything you love about cozy autumn treats, a moist pumpkin loaf bursting with warm spices, a buttery streusel topping that adds irresistible crunch, and a maple glaze drizzle for just the right amount of sweetness. It’s a bakery-style…

  • Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken: A Bright, Tender, and Effortless Dinner

    If you’re searching for a comforting yet vibrant meal that feels like a special occasion but requires minimal effort, Slow Cooker Lemon Garlic Chicken is your perfect solution. This dish pairs the zesty brightness of fresh lemon with the warm aroma of garlic and herbs, slowly simmered to juicy tenderness by your slow cooker. It’s…

  • Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff: Creamy Comfort in Every Bite

    If you’re craving a cozy yet effortless dinner, this Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff is your new go-to! With tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich, creamy sauce and bursting with flavor, this dish delivers all the comfort without hours of fuss. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal prepping for the week, slow…

  • Mouthwatering Millionaire Pie

    Mouthwatering Millionaire Pie layers a buttery graham crust with a light, fluffy filling of condensed milk, whipped cream, crushed pineapple, coconut, and pecans for a nostalgic, summer-friendly dessert that sets beautifully in the fridge.Also known as Million Dollar Pie, it’s quick to assemble, easy to customize with cherries or citrus, and perfect for potlucks, holidays,…

  • Chocolate Orange Cheesecake

    Chocolate Orange Cheesecake Chocolate orange cheesecake brings together the rich flavor of chocolate and the refreshing zest of orange in a creamy dessert. This delightful cake is sure to impress your family and friends with its unique combination of flavors. A perfect choice for any occasion, this cheesecake will leave everyone craving for more. Why…