Print

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Print Recipe

A quick and comforting Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe combining tender ground beef and bowtie pasta in a luscious creamy sauce, perfect for easy weeknight dinners that are family-friendly and full of rich flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 1 pound ground beef (lean or regular)
  • 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons butter or olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes or smoked paprika (for spice)
  • Vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers (optional additions)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cooking the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of the pasta water for later if needed.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add butter or olive oil, then cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks for even texture.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef, cooking until softened and fragrant to build a rich flavor base for the creamy sauce.
  4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir, letting it reduce slightly to thicken while blending with the beef and aromatics—add a splash of reserved pasta water here if you want a thinner sauce.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss in the cooked bowtie pasta and grated Parmesan cheese, mixing well so every pasta piece is coated with the luscious creamy sauce and beef throughout.
  6. Season and Finish: Season with salt, pepper, and optional fresh herbs to taste before serving. This final step ensures every bite bursts with balanced flavor.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook pasta; cook bowtie pasta just until al dente since it will continue to cook slightly in the sauce.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and richer flavor.
  • Adjust sauce thickness by adding reserved pasta water gradually until your preferred consistency is reached.
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan when browning beef to ensure proper caramelization and depth of flavor.
  • Add fresh herbs just before serving to retain their vibrant taste and color.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, quick weeknight dinner, creamy pasta with beef, family friendly pasta

Find it online: https://emillycooks.com/creamy-beef-and-bowtie-pasta/