Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

ByLaura

There’s something so comforting about a bowl of pasta that’s rich, creamy, and hearty enough to warm your soul. Imagine tender bowtie pasta hugging a velvety sauce infused with savory ground beef, a hint of garlic, and just the right balance of creaminess to make every bite irresistible. This dish is the kind of weeknight hero that comes together quickly but feels indulgent, making it perfect for both busy evenings and cozy family dinners. Trust me, you’re going to love this one.

Behind the Recipe

Growing up, pasta night was always a highlight in my family. While spaghetti was the usual star, sometimes we’d switch things up with bowtie pasta—its playful shape always felt like a treat. This creamy beef version was inspired by those comforting nights, where food wasn’t just about nourishment but about togetherness, laughter, and second helpings at the table. It’s a dish that feels nostalgic yet timeless.

Recipe Origin or Trivia

Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, comes from Northern Italy. Its name means “butterflies” in Italian, though most of us fondly call them bowties. Traditionally, it was made for festive occasions, and its shape is perfect for holding onto creamy sauces. The combination of pasta, cream, and beef isn’t traditional Italian, but rather a fusion comfort food beloved in American kitchens for its heartiness and ease. It’s a recipe that blends Italian roots with family-friendly flair.

Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

This dish has so much going for it, and here’s why it’s worth a permanent spot on your dinner rotation:

Versatile: Works as a main course for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.

Budget-Friendly: Uses everyday ingredients that are affordable and easy to find at any grocery store.

Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes, perfect for weeknights when time is tight.

Customizable: Swap proteins, veggies, or even the pasta shape to make it your own.

Crowd-Pleasing: Creamy, hearty, and satisfying, making it a hit with both kids and adults.

Make-Ahead Friendly: The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and reheated for convenience.

Great for Leftovers: Tastes just as good (if not better) the next day, making it a smart choice for batch cooking.

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Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

  • Author: Laura
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American Italian-inspired
  • Diet: Halal
Print Recipe

Description

A cozy, weeknight-friendly farfalle tossed in a silky tomato-cream sauce with savory ground beef, garlic, and Parmesan. Comforting, creamy, and ready in about 35 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 can (15 ounces) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water, as needed

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a rolling boil and set a deep skillet over medium heat.
  2. Heat olive oil in the skillet, add onion and garlic, and cook until softened and fragrant, about 2 to 3 minutes. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook, breaking it up, until browned.
  3. Drain excess fat if needed. Stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Simmer gently for 8 to 10 minutes to meld flavors.
  4. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water before draining. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
  5. Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle in Parmesan. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated and the sauce turns silky. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if you want a looser sauce.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in chopped parsley and remove from heat.
  7. Plate, garnish with extra Parmesan and parsley if desired, and serve hot.

Notes

  • Note: Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and help it cling to the pasta.
  • Cook pasta just to al dente so it holds its shape in the creamy sauce.
  • For reheating, add a splash of broth or cream to bring the sauce back to life.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest melt and best flavor.
  • Swap in gluten-free farfalle if needed.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
  • Calories: 480
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 13 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 25 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg

Keywords: creamy beef bowtie pasta, farfalle, weeknight dinner, comfort food, pasta with cream sauce, kid friendly, easy pasta, one-pan pasta

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Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

Every cook has a few tricks up their sleeve, and these will help make your dish shine:

  1. Season in Layers: Add salt while cooking the beef, pasta water, and sauce to build flavor from start to finish.
  2. Reserve Pasta Water: A splash of starchy water helps the sauce cling beautifully to the bowties.
  3. Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente so the pasta holds up when coated in creamy sauce.
  4. Fresh Garnish Matters: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or Parmesan at the end lifts the whole dish.

ding">Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make the process smooth, gather these essentials:

  • Large Pot: For boiling the pasta evenly.
  • Deep Skillet or Sauté Pan: Perfect for browning beef and simmering the sauce.
  • Wooden Spoon: Helps break up the ground beef as it cooks.
  • Colander: For draining the pasta without losing any bowties.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: To keep proportions balanced.

Ingredients in Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Every ingredient plays its role in harmony, creating that creamy, savory magic you’ll crave again and again:

  1. Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): 12 ounces – The star of the dish, perfect for catching sauce in its folds.
  2. Ground Beef: 1 pound – Brings hearty richness and depth of flavor.
  3. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon – Helps sauté the beef and onions while adding a subtle fruitiness.
  4. Yellow Onion: 1 medium, diced – Adds a sweet-savory base to the sauce.
  5. Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth.
  6. Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon – Provides a balanced herb blend.
  7. Crushed Tomatoes: 1 can (15 ounces) – Adds body and a subtle tang to the sauce.
  8. Beef Broth: 1 cup – Enhances the savory depth and keeps the sauce silky.
  9. Heavy Cream: 1 cup – Creates that luscious creamy finish.
  10. Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated – Adds nuttiness and helps thicken the sauce.
  11. Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped – Brightens and balances the richness.
  12. Salt & Black Pepper: to taste – Essential seasonings to bring everything together.

ding">Ingredient Substitutions

Cooking should be flexible, so here are some easy swaps:

Ground Beef: Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles.
Heavy Cream: Half-and-half or coconut cream for a lighter twist.
Parmesan Cheese: Pecorino Romano or nutritional yeast for dairy-free.
Beef Broth: Vegetable broth or chicken broth in a pinch.

Ingredient Spotlight

Bowtie Pasta: Known for its playful shape, bowtie pasta holds sauce beautifully and adds a fun element to the dish.

Heavy Cream: The key to that velvety, indulgent sauce that clings to each pasta piece like a warm embrace.

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Instructions for Making Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Now let’s bring this dish to life, step by step:

  1. Preheat Your Equipment: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta while heating a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Combine Ingredients: In the skillet, warm olive oil, then add onion and garlic, sautéing until fragrant. Add ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
  3. Prepare Your Cooking Vessel: Drain excess fat from the beef if necessary, then stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Let it simmer for about 10 minutes.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, reserving ½ cup of pasta water before draining. Add pasta to the skillet with the sauce.
  5. Cook to Perfection: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan, tossing pasta until coated in the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
  6. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and adjust seasoning.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Plate generously, garnish with extra Parmesan if desired, and serve warm.

Texture & Flavor Secrets

The beauty of this dish lies in the contrast of textures and flavors. The bowties provide a gentle bite, the beef offers savory depth, and the cream brings smooth indulgence. Parmesan adds a nutty sharpness, while the parsley delivers a fresh lift. It’s a perfect dance of rich and light, hearty and bright.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Keep these tips in mind for an even smoother cooking experience:

  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor.
  • Don’t rush the simmering stage—it deepens the sauce’s richness.
  • Warm your serving bowls so the pasta stays hot longer.