Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender ground beef simmered in a rich tomato and cream sauce, perfectly combined with al dente bowtie pasta. Topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses and garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe is perfect for a family dinner that comes together in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cheeses and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and optional crushed red pepper flakes, mixing well to incorporate all the flavors.
- Add Tomato and Broth: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 10 minutes to thicken and develop deeper flavors, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative) and simmer for an additional 2 to 3 minutes to blend the creamy texture into the sauce.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss thoroughly to coat each piece evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
- Melt Cheeses: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses over the pasta and stir continuously until the cheeses are melted and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve warm.
Notes
- To lighten the dish, substitute ground turkey or chicken for the beef.
- For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and omit the cheeses or use vegan cheese alternatives.
- Adjust crushed red pepper flakes to control the heat level.
- Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh herbal note. You can substitute with basil or oregano.
- Make sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the sauce.
