If you’re searching for a dinner that’s impressively creamy, satisfyingly hearty, and comes together with barely any fuss, this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe is your new best friend. Fast, rich, and absolutely brimming with flavor, it’s the comfort food solution you dream of on those busy weeknights. Imagine tender bowtie pasta wrapped in a luscious, cheesy sauce, with savory beef that melts in your mouth—this meal is ready before you know it, and leaves everyone reaching for seconds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: There’s just one skillet and barely 30 minutes between you and a fantastic meal. Cleanup? Almost nonexistent.
- Incredibly Satisfying: Each bite is loaded with tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky cheese sauce that’s pure cozy comfort.
- Weeknight Hero: Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want fabulous leftovers, this recipe is truly fuss-free and filling.
- Customizable: From cheese types to hidden veggies, it adapts effortlessly to what you have on hand.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Lean Ground Beef: Brings a satisfying richness—choose lean to keep the sauce silky, not greasy.
- Onion: Adds a gentle sweetness and depth; skip if you must, but it’s worth including.
- Minced Garlic: Delivers delicious aroma and boosts the base flavors.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balance; taste as you go.
- Paprika: Works magic, lending subtle warmth and color.
- Beef Broth: Infuses the sauce with robust, meaty undertones, making everything taste homemade.
- Heavy Whipping Cream: The secret to that irresistible, velvety sauce—use full-fat for the best texture.
- Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Fun shape, perfect for trapping sauce in every groove. Any short pasta can work, but bowties shine here.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Melts creamily, adding tangy depth and richness. Feel free to mix in other cheeses you love.
- Fresh Parsley & Extra Cheese: Optional, but highly recommended for color and that “wow” finishing touch.
Tip: Always grate your cheese fresh for the smoothest, creamiest melt!
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Variations
- Swap the Protein: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter twist, or crumbled sausage for extra flavor.
- Different Cheese: Go wild with mozzarella, gouda, or a spicy pepper jack for an adventurous kick.
- Vegetable Boost: Stir in a handful of baby spinach, frozen peas, or diced bell peppers during the last minutes of simmering.
- Add a Crunch: Top with toasted breadcrumbs or crispy bacon bits before serving for texture.
- Herb It Up: Add Italian herbs or fresh basil for more fragrance.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the lean ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic. Stir frequently, breaking up the meat until it’s pleasantly crumbly and no longer pink—this step infuses everything with flavor right from the start.
Step 2: Season
Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and paprika. The paprika adds color and gentle depth, while salt and pepper keep all flavors balanced.
Step 3: Build the Sauce and Cook the Pasta
Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then add the dry bowtie pasta. Give everything a good stir to blend those flavors. Bring the mixture to a lively boil, then immediately reduce to a simmer.
Step 4: Simmer
Cover the skillet and cook for 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick and ensure the sauce thickens as it simmers. Pasta should be tender and most of the liquid absorbed.
Step 5: Cheese It Up!
Turn the heat down low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese. Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce turns creamy and glossy.
Step 6: Finish and Serve
Serve up the creamy pasta immediately, garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra cheese if desired.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Use a Good Skillet: A large non-stick or stainless skillet gives you plenty of space for even cooking and easy stirring.
- Pasta Matters: Add the dry pasta right to the sauce—no separate boiling needed, and it soaks up all the delicious flavors.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your pasta; it should be al dente, not mushy. Taste a piece toward the end to check.
- Cheese at the End: Adding cheese off-heat keeps your sauce luscious and prevents graininess.
- Flavor Balance: Always taste before serving—want more pop? Add a dash more salt or paprika.
How to Serve
The beauty of this dish is its versatility—serve it straight from the skillet for a rustic, family-style dinner. Pair it with a crisp green salad (think arugula or mixed leaves with lemon vinaigrette) to add some brightness, or warm up a crusty baguette to soak up every bit of sauce. If you’re a fan of something extra special, a simple side of steamed broccoli or roasted veggies balances those rich flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Spoon leftovers into an airtight container and keep in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors meld nicely, making tomorrow’s lunch even better!
Freezing
This pasta freezes surprisingly well. Transfer to a freezer-safe dish—let it cool completely before sealing—and it’ll keep for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stove with a splash of extra cream or milk to revive that creaminess. The microwave works too; cover loosely and heat until hot, stirring halfway through.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! Any short, sturdy pasta like penne, rotini, or shells will soak up the sauce beautifully. Just adjust cooking time as different shapes might need an extra minute or two.
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Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this pasta tastes great when reheated. If you’re prepping it for later, undercook the pasta just a tad—it’ll finish softening when you reheat, ensuring it stays wonderfully al dente.
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Is there a lighter version?
Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or even evaporated milk, and choose a reduced-fat cheese. Lean ground turkey or chicken makes an even lighter alternative to beef.
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What if my sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce thickens up too much, just stir in a splash of beef broth or milk to loosen things up. For a thinner sauce, let it bubble, uncovered, for a couple of extra minutes to reduce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something downright soothing about this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta—it’s a dish that manages to feel both indulgent and utterly approachable. Weeknight dinners really can taste this delicious and be this easy. Whether you stick to the classic version or riff on your own creative twists, you’re in for a satisfying meal that’s sure to become a regular favorite at your table. Try it soon, and enjoy every rich, cheesy bite!
Print
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, one-pan dinner featuring tender farfalle pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich cheddar cheese sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, this creamy pasta dish is perfect for quick weeknight meals and is loved by both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1/2 cup medium onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Pasta & Sauce
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 3 cups bowtie (farfalle) pasta, dry measurement
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Optional Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Additional shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, brown the ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic over medium heat. Stir constantly to break up the beef into a crumble, cooking until no longer pink. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the beef broth and heavy whipping cream, then add the bowtie pasta. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer.
- Simmer: Cover the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is cooked and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Add Cheese: Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until just combined and the sauce is creamy.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve warm, optionally garnishing with freshly chopped parsley and extra cheddar cheese. Enjoy!
Notes
- Use pre-shredded cheese for easy melting, or freshly shred your own for enhanced flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the heavy cream.
- You can add vegetables like broccoli or peas for added nutrition.
- Leftovers store well in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Stir occasionally while simmering to ensure the pasta doesn’t stick to the skillet.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 570
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 930mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
