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.

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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.

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.

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