Get ready for a dish that’s pure comfort in every bite! This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe is the ultimate weeknight winner — rich, hearty, and packed with flavor. Tender bowtie pasta is coated in a luscious, creamy sauce with seasoned ground beef, making it a family favorite that’s perfect for busy evenings or cozy nights in. Trust me, one bite and you’ll be hooked!
What makes this dish special? The velvety cream sauce hugs every twist of the bowtie pasta, while the savory beef brings a satisfying richness. It’s a filling meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Plus, it’s versatile enough to customize — add extra veggies, spice it up, or keep it simple and classic. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or looking for leftovers to savor the next day, this recipe has you covered.
So grab your apron, and let’s dive into a pasta dish that’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. It’s comfort food at its finest — and I promise, it’s easier to make than you think!
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe (Rich, Creamy & Easy!)
Wondering why this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe will become your new favorite dinner? Let me break it down for you — this dish is the perfect combo of cozy, creamy, and downright delicious. Here’s why you’ll love it:
- Creamy Perfection: The rich, velvety sauce wraps around each bowtie noodle, making every bite indulgently smooth and satisfying.
- Hearty & Filling: Ground beef adds a savory depth that turns this pasta into a complete, stick-to-your-ribs meal.
- Quick & Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort without the fuss.
- Kid-Approved: The creamy sauce and fun bowtie pasta shape make this a family favorite that picky eaters will actually enjoy!
- Customizable Goodness: Toss in extra veggies, swap the meat, or add a sprinkle of your favorite cheese — this recipe is endlessly adaptable.
Trust me, this is one of those meals you’ll find yourself craving again and again. Whether you’re hosting friends or just need a fast dinner solution, this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta hits the spot every single time.
Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this rich and satisfying Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. Each ingredient plays a key role in building that irresistible flavor. Don’t worry — I’ve added a few handy tips along the way!
- Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) – The perfect pasta shape for catching that creamy sauce in every fold. Feel free to swap it with penne or rotini if needed.
- Ground Beef – Adds rich, meaty flavor and makes this dish super satisfying. You can also use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Onion – Diced finely for a sweet, aromatic base that enhances the overall flavor.
- Garlic – Because no comforting pasta dish is complete without a punch of garlicky goodness!
- Tomato Sauce – Adds a rich, tangy layer of flavor to balance the creamy sauce.
- Beef Broth – Infuses the sauce with extra savory depth. Chicken broth works well too!
- Heavy Cream – The magic ingredient that turns the sauce rich, velvety, and oh-so-luxurious.
- Parmesan Cheese – For a salty, cheesy boost that ties everything together. Feel free to sprinkle extra on top!
- Italian Seasoning – A fragrant blend of herbs that elevates the entire dish. Don’t skip this for that signature flavor punch!
- Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning your beef and sauce to perfection.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional) – Adds a pop of color and fresh flavor as a garnish.
💡 Pro Tip: For extra richness, add a handful of shredded mozzarella or cheddar to the sauce for an ultra-cheesy finish!
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Get ready to whip up this delicious Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in just a few easy steps. Trust me, it’s simple enough for a busy weeknight yet impressive enough to serve when you want something extra comforting. Let’s get cooking!
Phase 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Beef: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain any excess grease if needed.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the diced onion to the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This step really builds the flavor base!
Phase 2: Cooking the Sauce & Assembling
- Add the Tomato Sauce: Pour the tomato sauce into the skillet with the beef and onions. Stir well to combine.
- Pour in the Broth: Add the beef broth to the skillet and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Make it Creamy: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce thicken slightly.
- Cheese, Please: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and creamy. The sauce should now be rich, silky, and oh-so-irresistible.
- Combine & Toss: Finally, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in that dreamy sauce.
Phase 3: Serving
- Plate It Up: Spoon generous portions of the creamy beef and bowtie pasta onto plates or bowls.
- Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra pinch of Parmesan for that perfect finishing touch.
- Serve & Enjoy: This pasta is best served warm and fresh off the stove — trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
This recipe is so easy yet packed with rich, comforting flavors that the whole family will love. Whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a lazy weekend indulgence, this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is sure to be a hit!
Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Want to take your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta to the next level? These simple yet game-changing tips will ensure your dish turns out rich, flavorful, and absolutely irresistible!
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook your bowtie pasta just until al dente. It will continue to soften when tossed with the sauce, so keeping it slightly firm ensures the perfect texture.
Drain the Beef Properly: After browning the beef, be sure to drain any excess grease. This keeps your sauce silky smooth without feeling too oily.
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: For the creamiest, dreamiest sauce, skip the pre-shredded Parmesan and grate it fresh. It melts better and blends seamlessly into the sauce.
Save Some Pasta Water: Before draining your pasta, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Adding a splash to your sauce can help thicken it and bind everything together.
Balance the Flavors: If your sauce tastes too rich, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a pinch of red pepper flakes can brighten the flavors beautifully.
Add a Cheesy Crust: Love a cheesy finish? After tossing everything together, sprinkle some mozzarella on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until bubbly and golden brown. It’s next-level delicious!
Follow these tips, and your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta will have that perfect balance of richness, texture, and flavor — every single time. Trust me, these tricks are total game-changers!
FAQs for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some common questions about making the perfect Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is perfect for holding the creamy sauce, you can swap it with penne, rotini, or even rigatoni. Just be sure to cook your pasta al dente for the best texture.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the creamiest results, reheat your pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to revive the sauce. Stir gently until warmed through. The microwave works too — just heat in short bursts, stirring occasionally.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! Cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine just before serving. This keeps the pasta from soaking up too much sauce. Store both in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
What vegetables can I add to this dish?
Great question! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers make fantastic additions. Simply sauté them with the beef and onions for extra flavor and nutrition.
Still curious about something else? Feel free to experiment — this recipe is super flexible and easy to make your own!
Conclusion
And there you have it — the ultimate Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe that’s rich, satisfying, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving some cozy comfort food, this dish delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
The creamy sauce hugs every piece of bowtie pasta, while the savory beef adds that hearty touch we all love. Plus, it’s so easy to customize! Toss in some veggies, sprinkle on extra cheese, or spice things up with a dash of red pepper flakes — you really can’t go wrong.
So go ahead, grab your ingredients, and give this recipe a try. Trust me, your taste buds will be dancing, and your family will be asking for seconds (or thirds!). It’s the kind of meal that brings everyone together at the table — warm, comforting, and oh-so-delicious.
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Equipment
- Large Skillet
- Saucepan
Ingredients
Pasta Base
- 12 oz bowtie pasta cooked according to package instructions
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup beef broth low sodium preferred
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add heavy cream, beef broth, garlic powder, and onion powder to the skillet. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in the cooked pasta and shredded cheese. Mix until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
- Serve hot and enjoy your creamy beef and bowtie pasta!