Irresistible Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe for Family Night

Culinary magic happens when creamy beef and bowtie pasta collide in a symphony of flavors that dance across your plate.

Comfort emerges through each perfectly twirled noodle and tender meat morsel.

Weeknight dinners suddenly become extraordinary with this simple yet sophisticated dish.

Hearty ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a meal that speaks directly to your hunger.

Familiar components transform into something spectacular when combined with just the right technique.

pasta lovers will instantly fall in love with this creamy, savory creation that promises satisfaction in every single bite.

Jump into this delectable adventure and let your taste buds celebrate!

Flavor Variations for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta or zucchini noodles, ensuring all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap pasta with cauliflower rice or spiralized vegetables, using ground turkey for a lighter protein option.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream, substitute cheddar with nutritional yeast or dairy-free cheese alternatives.
• Vegetarian Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles, mushrooms, or lentils, maintaining the creamy sauce and pasta texture.

Serving Ideas for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Robust cabernet sauvignon or merlot perfectly complements the rich, creamy beef pasta with its tannic structure and deep fruit notes.

Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish’s heaviness, adding refreshing acidity and crisp texture.

Create garlic-roasted broccoli or asparagus spears to introduce vibrant green vegetables that cut through the pasta’s richness and provide nutritional contrast.

Serve warm, crusty garlic bread to soak up the creamy sauce, adding extra indulgence and providing a delightful textural element to the meal.

Proper Storage for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons of water or milk to prevent drying. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Transfer pasta to a skillet over medium-low heat. Add a splash of beef broth or milk to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently, heating for 4-5 minutes until completely hot.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is ideal because its shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly and creates a fun, playful texture in the dish.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes if you want to change up the protein while keeping the same delicious creamy sauce.

• Is this recipe considered budget-friendly?

Yes, this dish uses simple, affordable ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and basic pantry spices, making it an economical meal that’s both tasty and filling.

• How can I make this recipe more nutritious?

Add some frozen mixed vegetables like peas or carrots during the cooking process to boost the nutritional value and add extra color and texture to the dish.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Notes

• Rescue Weeknight Dinners: Tackle busy evenings with this simple one-pan meal that combines protein, pasta, and flavor in a single skillet, minimizing cleanup and saving precious time.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty ground beef, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta, this dish delivers rich, satisfying flavors that appeal to both kids and adults.
• Master Quick Cooking Skills: Beginners can confidently prepare this recipe with basic techniques like browning meat, simmering pasta, and melting cheese, making it an excellent learning opportunity for home cooks.
• Customize with Ease: Swap cheddar for different cheeses, add vegetables, or adjust seasonings to match your family's taste preferences, transforming this versatile recipe into a personalized dinner experience.

Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• Ground Beef: A savory and hearty protein that forms the base of this delicious pasta dish.

• Heavy Cream, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy ingredients that add richness and a smooth texture to the sauce.

• Onion, Garlic: Flavorful vegetables that provide a deep, aromatic base for the beef mixture.
• Salt, Pepper, Paprika: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Bowtie Pasta: A fun and playful pasta shape that catches the creamy sauce beautifully.

• Beef Broth: A flavorful liquid that helps cook the pasta and adds depth to the sauce.

• Fresh Parsley: A bright, fresh herb that adds color and a touch of freshness to the final dish.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown the Beef

Grab a large skillet and heat it up over medium flame. Toss in ground beef, diced onions, and minced garlic.

Keep stirring the mixture as it cooks, making sure the beef turns a beautiful golden brown and the onions become soft and translucent. This should take about 6-8 minutes.

Drain away any extra grease that’s collected in the pan. Sprinkle in some salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika to amp up the flavor.

Step 2: Create a Luxurious Sauce Base

Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, giving everything a good stir to blend the liquids. Drop in the bowtie pasta and let the mixture start to simmer gently.

Step 3: Pasta Cooking Magic

Cover the skillet and let the pasta cook, stirring occasionally. Watch as the pasta becomes perfectly tender and the liquid slowly disappears.

This typically takes around 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Cheese Transformation

Turn the heat down low and introduce shredded cheddar cheese to the mix.

Stir until the cheese melts completely, creating a silky, creamy sauce that hugs every single pasta bow. Give it a quick taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Dish out this comforting masterpiece while it’s piping hot. For an extra touch of deliciousness, sprinkle some additional cheese on top or garnish with fresh parsley.

Get ready for a meal that’ll make everyone at the table smile!

Tips for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

• Pat ground beef with paper towels to remove excess grease for a cleaner, less oily dish.
• Select high-quality bowtie pasta that holds sauce well and maintains a perfect al dente texture.
• Remove skillet from heat when adding cheese to prevent separation and ensure smooth, creamy consistency.
• Experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika or Italian seasoning to enhance the overall taste profile.
• Prepare the dish in advance and reheat gently, adding a splash of broth to restore moisture and creamy texture.

Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comfort meets elegance in this creamy beef and bowtie pasta, blending rich ground beef with tender pasta in a luxurious sauce. Hearty Italian-inspired flavors dance across your plate, promising a satisfying meal that wraps warmth and deliciousness into every single bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Pasta and Liquid

• 2 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 3 cups beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream

Aromatics and Seasonings

• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, incorporating diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 6-8 minutes until meat is fully cooked and onions are translucent. Eliminate excess grease from the pan.
2. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and paprika over the beef mixture, ensuring even seasoning throughout the meat and vegetables.
3. Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich liquid base. Gently integrate the bowtie pasta into the mixture.
4. Bring the contents to a gentle simmer, then cover the skillet. Allow pasta to cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
5. Verify pasta has reached al dente texture and most liquid has been absorbed by the pasta.
6. Reduce heat to low and fold in shredded cheddar cheese. Continuously stir until cheese completely melts, forming a smooth, creamy sauce.
7. Taste and fine-tune seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
8. Transfer to serving dishes, optionally garnishing with extra cheese or freshly chopped parsley for enhanced presentation and flavor.

Notes

• Drain beef thoroughly to prevent watery sauce and ensure a rich, concentrated flavor profile.
• Select lean ground beef (85/15 or 90/10) for healthier version without sacrificing taste and texture.
• Customize heat level by adding red pepper flakes or hot sauce for spice lovers seeking extra kick.
• Make gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or lentil pasta for similar hearty consistency.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 655 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 39 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg