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.

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.

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.

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.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Name: Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound lean ground beef; 1/2 cup medium onion, diced; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; Salt, to taste; Pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon paprika; 3 cups beef broth; 1 cup heavy whipping cream; 3 cups bowtie (farfalle) pasta, dry measurement; 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; Fresh parsley, chopped; Additional shredded cheddar cheese

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

Units Scale

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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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