If you are craving a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe. It combines tender ground beef with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all bathed in a luscious, cheesy cream sauce that is seasoned just right with a hint of paprika. Rich, comforting, and surprisingly easy to whip up, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that invites you to savor every bite and enjoy a genuine homemade dinner experience.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe comes from a handful of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role — from the hearty beef that brings substance, to the creamy blend of cheeses and heavy cream that create that irresistible sauce, plus the bowtie pasta that adds a playful texture and visual appeal.
- 1 lb ground beef: Choose lean beef if you prefer less fat but still want great flavor.
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle): Its shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, making every forkful delightful.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: Helps brown the beef and soften the onions for that savory base.
- 1 small onion, diced: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed to golden perfection.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic infuses the dish with a warm aroma and bold taste.
- 1 cup beef broth: Builds savory richness and balances creamy elements.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates that silky, luscious sauce that coats every ingredient.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Brings sharp, melty goodness that comforts the soul.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps thicken the sauce.
- 1 tsp paprika: Offers a mild smoky spice that gently wakes up the flavors.
- Salt & pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings that perfectly balance every bite.
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional): A pop of color and fresh herbal note to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. This ensures the pasta maintains a slight firmness, which pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the beef and sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Allow it to brown evenly, about 5-7 minutes, which develops the deep, savory flavor that is the heart of this dish. Drain any excess fat to avoid greasiness but leave enough to keep the beef moist.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
To the browned beef, add the diced onion and cook until translucent and soft, about 3 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds just until fragrant. These aromatics enhance the overall depth of the dish without overpowering it.
Step 4: Create the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and all the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy coating. Adjust salt and pepper to taste at this stage.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Gently toss everything together to ensure every bowtie is generously coated in that irresistible sauce. Let it cook together for a minute or two to blend the flavors completely before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds a lovely green pop of color but also a fresh, slightly peppery note that perfectly balances the richness of this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe. If you like a bit of heat, a light pinch of crushed red pepper flakes works wonders too.
Side Dishes
This creamy, cheesy pasta pairs wonderfully with lighter sides like a crisp garden salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or steamed green vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus. These sides add contrast in texture and freshness, making your meal well-rounded and fulfilling.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a delicate drizzle of extra cream or olive oil on top, alongside freshly grated Parmesan. You can also bake the combined pasta and sauce with a golden breadcrumb topping for a crunchy finish that adds yet another textural layer to this already comforting dish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftover Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days without losing its creamy texture or flavor.
Freezing
This recipe is freezer-friendly! Pack the cooled pasta into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Before freezing, it’s best to undercook the pasta slightly so it doesn’t become mushy upon reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in short intervals, stirring in between, to revive that creamy comfort without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is preferred for its sauce-catching shape, penne, rotini, or fusilli can be great alternatives and will work wonderfully with the creamy sauce.
Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?
You can substitute the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian twist while keeping the creaminess intact.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
While milk can be used, heavy cream is key to achieving that rich, velvety texture. Using milk might result in a thinner sauce, but you can thicken it with a little flour or cornstarch if needed.
How spicy is the paprika in this recipe?
The paprika used here is mild and adds a subtle smoky flavor rather than heat, making it accessible to all palates. You can increase the spice with cayenne pepper if you want more kick.
What cheese can I substitute if I don’t have cheddar?
Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or gouda are excellent substitutes for cheddar and will give you a different but still delicious creamy cheese flavor.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe that makes it a go-to comfort food for any day you want a bit of extra warmth and indulgence. I hope you enjoy making and sharing this dish as much as I do, and let it become one of your own favorites to turn to when you need reassuring deliciousness on your plate.
Print
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Ground beef is cooked with onions and garlic, then simmered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made from beef broth, heavy cream, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses, all tossed with tender bowtie pasta for a satisfying meal. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an easy-to-make recipe that offers a delicious blend of savory flavors and creamy textures in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Meat and Protein
- 1 lb ground beef
Pasta
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Fats
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
Cheeses
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté aromatics and brown beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Make the creamy sauce: To the browned beef mixture, stir in paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer, allowing it to reduce slightly for 3-4 minutes. Then reduce heat to low and stir in heavy cream, cheddar cheese, and Parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Gently toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the dish to heat through.
- Serve: Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to reduce richness if preferred.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to control salt levels.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of milk or broth to maintain creaminess.
