Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

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This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the kind of dish that just makes you feel good. I made it one weeknight when I needed something cozy and filling but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. With ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a luscious creamy sauce, it’s comfort food at its best. And let me tell you, the leftovers the next day were just as delicious.

What I love about this pasta is how the beef soaks up the seasonings perfectly, creating little flavor-packed bites throughout. The bowtie pasta holds onto the creamy sauce in all its nooks and folds, making every forkful a satisfying one. I added just a touch of garlic and Italian herbs to round it all out, and the result was a dish that felt both homey and a little indulgent.

This recipe quickly earned a spot in our regular dinner rotation. It’s the kind of meal that gets requested again and again, especially when paired with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. If you’re into cozy dishes that bring everyone to the table, you’re going to fall hard for this one. For more creamy pasta inspiration, don’t miss my recipes for Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts and Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

This dish brings together everything you want in a hearty dinner: a rich and creamy sauce, savory beef, and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s incredibly easy to make with just one skillet and a pot, making cleanup a breeze. The flavor is family-friendly, meaning even picky eaters will be back for seconds. And perhaps best of all, it’s highly adaptable to what you have on hand.

Ingredients

Ground Beef: The hearty foundation of the dish, adding richness and protein. Choose a leaner blend for less grease, or go full flavor with a higher fat content.

Bowtie Pasta: Also known as farfalle, this pasta shape is ideal for holding onto creamy sauces in its folds and creases.

Heavy Cream: The secret to that luscious, velvety sauce. It brings the whole dish together with luxurious texture.

Beef Broth: Enhances the beefy flavor while adding depth and moisture to the sauce.

Onion and Garlic: Aromatics that build the savory base flavor.

Italian Seasoning: A balanced mix of herbs that lifts the overall taste without overpowering it.

Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty sharpness and helps thicken the sauce slightly.

Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish.

Olive Oil or Butter: Used to sauté the aromatics and brown the beef, giving everything a richer depth.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened, about 3 minutes. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Season the Meat

Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat the beef evenly with the spices.

Step 4: Create the Sauce

Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in heavy cream and let the mixture bubble for 2-3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 5: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook bowtie pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Stir everything together, adding a bit of reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Mix in Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan or chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy the creamy, comforting goodness of this easy weeknight favorite.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

If you’re short on ingredients or just want to switch things up, there are plenty of ways to customize this recipe. Swap out the ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage to change up the flavor profile. You can also use penne, rotini, or any other pasta shape you love if bowtie isn’t available.

For a lighter version, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. If you need it dairy-free, use unsweetened almond milk and dairy-free Parmesan. Want to sneak in veggies? Spinach, peas, or mushrooms make great additions and blend beautifully with the sauce.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a meal on its own, but pairing it right can elevate your dinner. I love serving it with a fresh green salad tossed in balsamic vinaigrette or a simple Caesar. Garlic bread or warm crusty rolls are perfect for mopping up that velvety sauce. For drinks, a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs nicely.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the sauce’s creaminess. Microwave on medium in 30-second intervals or warm gently on the stove over low heat.

This dish also freezes well. Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta ahead of time?

Yes, this recipe is a great make-ahead option. Store it in the fridge and simply reheat with a bit of milk or broth to refresh the sauce.

Can I use a different type of meat in Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?

Absolutely. Ground turkey, chicken, or sausage all work well. Just make sure to adjust the seasoning to complement your choice.

Is Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta gluten-free?

Not as written, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using your favorite gluten-free pasta and confirming that your broth and seasonings are gluten-free too.

What can I use instead of heavy cream in Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?

You can use half-and-half, whole milk, or a non-dairy milk such as coconut or almond. The consistency and richness will vary, so adjust to taste.

Related Recipe You’ll Like

If you loved this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, be sure to check out my One Pot Creamy Beef and Garlic Butter Pasta for another dreamy, comforting dinner. You might also enjoy the Baked Ziti with Ground Beef and Ricotta or this rich Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce. All are hearty, family-friendly favorites.

Save and Share This Recipe for Later

Don’t forget to save this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta for your next cozy night in! Pin it to your favorite dinner board on Pinterest so you always have it handy. If you made and loved it, share it with friends or family through email or your socials. Tag me so I can see your delicious creation!

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