Looking for a quick and satisfying dinner? This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the perfect choice! Packed with tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is a comforting meal that the whole family will love. The best part? It’s a one-pan recipe that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
To make this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, you’ll need:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Substitutions
Need to make adjustments? Here are some easy swaps:
- Ground Beef – Use ground turkey, chicken, or sausage for a different flavor.
- Bowtie Pasta – Swap for penne, rotini, or any pasta you have on hand.
- Heavy Cream – Substitute with half-and-half, cream cheese, or even coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Parmesan Cheese – Try mozzarella, cheddar, or nutritional yeast for a vegan-friendly version.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Step 4: Add Liquids and Simmer
Stir in the diced tomatoes, beef broth, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Reduce heat to low and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well, then mix in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy.
Step 6: Combine and Serve
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy beef sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.
Mix-Ins
Customize your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with these tasty mix-ins:
- Veggies – Add spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, or peas for extra nutrition.
- Protein – Mix in cooked bacon or shredded rotisserie chicken.
- Spices – Boost the flavor with smoked paprika, extra garlic, or a dash of cayenne.
Recipe Tips
- Use a deep skillet to prevent spills when mixing the pasta and sauce.
- Stir frequently to avoid the cream from sticking or curdling.
- Let it rest for a few minutes before serving to allow flavors to develop.
- Adjust consistency by adding more broth for a thinner sauce or more cheese for extra creaminess.
Storage Instructions
Refrigeration:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing:
Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to restore the texture.
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Version – Add extra red pepper flakes or use spicy Italian sausage.
- Cheesy Version – Mix in shredded mozzarella for an ultra-cheesy dish.
- Healthy Option – Use whole wheat pasta and swap heavy cream for Greek yogurt.
- Low-Carb Alternative – Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes! Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli works well in this recipe.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely! It reheats well, making it a great meal prep option.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use coconut milk or cashew cream instead of heavy cream and skip the Parmesan.
What can I serve with this dish?
Garlic bread, a side salad, or roasted vegetables make excellent pairings.
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food—rich, satisfying, and easy to make. Try it tonight for a delicious and hassle-free dinner! 
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet or Dutch oven
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef 80/20 or lean
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ onion finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for spice
- 2 cups bowtie pasta farfalle
- 1 can 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk for a lighter version
- ½ cup cream cheese softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella or Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
- Add onion and cook until softened (2-3 minutes).
- Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes, cooking for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Add bowtie pasta, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the skillet. Stir well.
- Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally until pasta is tender.
Step 4: Make It Creamy
- Reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and butter until melted and combined.
- Add shredded cheese and stir until creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy!
- Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
- Serve immediately with extra cheese on top!
Serving Suggestions:
Pair with garlic bread or a side salad.- Enjoy with a glass of red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon).
Pro Tips:
Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.- Add spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies.
- For extra flavor, use half beef broth & half marinara sauce.
Notes
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Add a splash of broth or milk while reheating to keep it creamy.
- Freezing: This dish can be frozen before adding cream for up to 3 months.
