If you’re craving comfort food that hits every note—creamy, savory, just a little bit cheesy, and super satisfying—look no further than Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. This is the kind of meal that brings the whole family running to the table, twirling farfalle on their forks with gooey strands of melty mozzarella. Each bite is a cozy blend of tender beef, al dente pasta, velvety sauce, and a hint of Italian herbs. Plus, this one-pot wonder comes together in around half an hour, making it both weeknight-friendly and dinner-party special. If you’re ready for the ultimate crowd-pleaser, this dish is it.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is how such a simple set of ingredients can turn out so delicious. Each one brings its own special quality—richness, creaminess, or a pop of color—that turns an ordinary dinner into something truly memorable.

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: This dainty shape soaks up just the right amount of sauce and looks beautiful on the plate.
Olive oil: Adds depth and helps brown the beef for extra flavor.
Ground beef: The hearty foundation of our creamy pasta, adding savory richness to every bite.
Yellow onion: Sautéed until sweet and soft, it’s the classic base for big, comforting flavor.
Garlic: For that irresistible, mouth-watering aroma and a lovely hint of warmth.
Italian seasoning: A fragrant blend of herbs that gives this skillet pasta its signature touch.
Salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors as they meld together.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of subtle spice to balance the creaminess.
Diced tomatoes: The juice and tomatoes bring brightness and a bit of tang to the sauce.
Beef broth: Deepens the overall flavor and helps create the silky sauce.
Heavy cream: The secret to the rich, lush texture you’ll want to lick off your plate.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: Melts right into the sauce for stretch and creaminess.
Grated Parmesan cheese: For a punch of sharp, nutty flavor in every bite.
Chopped parsley (optional): A sprinkle on top for freshness and a touch of green.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in the bowtie pasta and cook it until just al dente—perfectly firm to the bite. Drain well and set aside; giving the farfalle a little head start means they’ll finish perfectly in the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Grab your biggest skillet and heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up as you go, and cook until it’s beautifully browned. This step lays the savory groundwork for your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, so don’t rush it!

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

Once the beef is browned, stir in the diced onion. Sauté together for a few minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant, then add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. These aromatics will perfume your whole kitchen and deepen the flavors of the dish.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in your can of undrained diced tomatoes and the beef broth. Stir everything together and let it simmer for five to seven minutes. You’ll see the sauce thicken and the tomatoes soften, making a savory base ready for all that creamy, cheesy goodness.

Step 5: Make It Creamy and Cheesy

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, shredded mozzarella, and grated Parmesan. Watch as the sauce transforms into pure magic—thick, silky, and utterly inviting. Keep stirring until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is luxuriously creamy.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the skillet with the sauce. Toss it all together until every farfalle is generously coated. Let the whole thing simmer for another minute or two so the flavors can blend together perfectly. Sprinkle with chopped parsley if you love a pop of color, and your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is ready to serve piping hot!

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

A final flourish of chopped parsley brings freshness and brightness to your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. For those who want a little extra flair, a dusting of extra Parmesan or a few cracks of black pepper on top can make every serving feel restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This indulgent pasta loves simple accompaniments. Try serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in a lemony vinaigrette, garlic bread fresh from the oven, or even roasted vegetables for a complete meal. These sides complement the creaminess and balance out the hearty flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

You can spoon your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta into mini cast-iron skillets for individual servings, or swirl it high in shallow pasta bowls for a chic presentation. Add a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a wedge of lemon alongside for a colorful, eye-catching plate that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftover Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta (lucky you!), let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to three days, so lunch or a quick dinner is just a reheat away.

Freezing

This dish also freezes exceptionally well! Just portion it into freezer-safe containers, let cool, and pop them in the freezer for up to two months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results, then reheat gently with a splash of cream or broth to keep things creamy.

Reheating

To bring your leftovers back to their glorious, creamy best, gently reheat them over low heat on the stove or in the microwave. If the sauce thickens up a bit too much in the fridge, simply add a dash of cream or broth while warming, stirring until silky-smooth once again.

FAQs

Can I use another type Main Course

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is a fun and sturdy choice, penne, rotini, or even shells all work beautifully. Just aim for a pasta shape that can hold plenty of sauce for the best Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta experience.

Is it possible to lighten up this dish?

For a lighter twist, use ground turkey or chicken in place of beef and swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk. The result will still be tasty, but a little less rich—perfect if you’re keeping things lighter.

Can I add vegetables to Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?

Yes, and it’s a great idea! Mushrooms, spinach, or even red bell peppers stir in seamlessly. Just sauté any extra veggies along with the onions until tender, then continue with the recipe as written.

How can I prevent the cheese sauce from turning grainy?

Low and slow is the secret. Make sure to reduce the heat before adding the cheeses and cream, and stir gently until everything melts smoothly into a creamy sauce. This prevents separation and keeps your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta luscious and velvety.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Definitely! The mild flavors and creamy texture make this a favorite among little ones. You can also leave out the black pepper or go light on the garlic for especially sensitive palates.

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you give Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta a try the next time you’re searching for a cozy, soul-satisfying meal. It’s the kind of dish you’ll want to make on repeat, whether you’re feeding picky eaters, hosting friends, or just in need of a delicious dinner that comes together with zero fuss. Enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite!

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 7 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a cozy family dinner. This recipe combines tender bowtie pasta with seasoned ground beef in a rich and creamy tomato sauce, topped with a decadent blend of cheeses. Serve this flavorful pasta dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a complete meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale

Bowtie Pasta:

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Ground Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small yellow onion (diced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained)
1 cup beef broth
½ cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Chopped parsley for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Bowtie Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Ground Beef Mixture: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil and cook the ground beef until browned. Add the diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, simmering for 5–7 minutes.
Add Cream and Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mozzarella, and Parmesan until the sauce is creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Simmer for 1–2 more minutes.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve warm.