Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Homestyle Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe for Cozy Nights

Whipping up a delightful beef and bowtie pasta promises pure comfort on chilly evenings.

Pasta lovers crave hearty meals that blend rich flavors with simple ingredients.

Tender beef chunks nestled among perfectly cooked bowtie shapes create a mouthwatering experience.

Creamy sauces coat each pasta curve, delivering incredible depth and satisfaction.

Home cooking becomes magical when familiar ingredients transform into something extraordinary.

Quick preparation means you can have a delicious dinner ready in under 30 minutes.

This recipe will become your new go-to meal that impresses without complicated techniques.

Savor every delectable bite and watch faces light up with pure culinary joy.

Why Bowtie Pasta with Beef Is So Satisfying

  • Conquer One-Pot Cooking: Transform your kitchen into a stress-free zone with this single-skillet wonder that minimizes cleanup and maximizes flavor.
  • Create Comfort in Minutes: Deliver a hearty, restaurant-quality meal that satisfies hunger and warms hearts with minimal cooking skills required.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adapt the recipe by adding vegetables, changing cheese types, or adjusting spices to match your family's taste preferences.
  • Perfect Family Dinner Solution: Designed to please both adults and kids with its creamy texture, familiar ingredients, and irresistible cheesy goodness that brings everyone to the table.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Beef Bowtie Pasta

For the Protein:
  • Ground Beef: A flavorful and hearty base that provides richness and substance to the pasta dish.
For the Pasta:
  • Bowtie Pasta: A fun and textured pasta shape that catches the creamy sauce perfectly.
For the Aromatics:
  • Onion, Garlic: These classic flavor enhancers add depth and a savory foundation to the dish.
For the Liquids:
  • Beef Broth: Adds extra meaty flavor and helps create a delicious cooking liquid for the pasta.
  • Heavy Cream: Creates a luxurious and smooth sauce that coats the pasta and beef.
For the Cheese:
  • Shredded Cheese: Melts into a creamy sauce, adding richness and a tangy flavor to the dish.
For the Seasonings:
  • Salt, Pepper: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.
  • Paprika: Provides a subtle warmth and depth to the overall taste profile.
Optional Garnish:
  • Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor to the finished dish.

How to Cook Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle and Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium flame. Toss in the ground beef, letting it dance with these flavor buddies:
  • Diced onion
  • Minced garlic

Cook until the beef turns a beautiful golden brown and onions become translucent.

Drain any extra grease. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, and a dash of paprika for an extra flavor kick.

Step 2: Create Creamy Liquid Magic

Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring everything into a harmonious blend. Drop bowtie pasta directly into the skillet and let it start swimming in the delicious liquid.

Step 3: Simmer to Perfection

Cover the skillet and let the pasta bubble gently. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Watch for the pasta to become tender and absorb most of the liquid, which should take about 10-12 minutes.

Step 4: Melt in Cheesy Goodness

Lower the heat to a gentle whisper.

Sprinkle shredded cheese over the top and stir until it melts completely, creating a luxurious, creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasonings as your taste buds desire.

Step 5: Serve and Celebrate

Scoop the steaming pasta into bowls. For extra pizzazz, sprinkle some additional cheese or fresh parsley on top.

Your comfort food masterpiece is ready to devour!

Helpful Tips for Better Beef Bowtie Pasta

  • Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish.
  • Experiment with different cheese varieties like sharp cheddar or smoky gouda for unique flavor profiles.
  • Enhance nutrition by adding frozen mixed vegetables during the last few minutes of cooking.
  • Make this recipe gluten-free by substituting regular pasta with chickpea or gluten-free bowtie pasta.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container and reheat gently with a splash of extra broth to maintain creamy consistency.

Flavor Variations for Creamy Bowtie Pasta Dish

  • Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace bowtie pasta with gluten-free penne or rotini for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or lentils for a meat-free protein alternative.
  • Low-Carb Option: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of pasta to reduce carbohydrate intake.
  • Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños to increase heat and create a more intense flavor profile.

What Goes Well with Beef and Bowtie Pasta

  • Pair with Bold Red Wine: Choose a robust Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot that complements the rich, meaty flavors and cuts through the creamy cheese sauce.
  • Match with Crisp Green Salad: Create a light, refreshing side with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette to balance the pasta's heavy texture.
  • Serve with Garlic Bread: Toast crusty French bread with garlic butter to soak up the delicious sauce and add a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.
  • Enhance with Roasted Vegetables: Prepare simple roasted broccoli or asparagus seasoned with olive oil and herbs to add nutritional balance and fresh vegetable notes.

How to Store Beef and Bowtie Pasta Correctly

  • Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the pasta completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
  • Place cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 2 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

FAQs

  • Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works well in this recipe. Just make sure to cook it thoroughly and season it similarly to ground beef.

  • What if I don't have bowtie pasta?

No problem! You can substitute with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. The key is to use a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

  • Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This pasta reheats nicely and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Just add a splash of broth or cream when reheating to restore its creamy texture.

  • Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can try using dairy-free alternatives like coconut cream and plant-based cheese, but the texture and flavor will be slightly different from the original recipe.

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Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe


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4.7 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 22 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Comforting classic Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta brings hearty Italian-American flavors to dinner tables with rich, satisfying ingredients. Succulent ground beef and tender pasta merge in a silky sauce that promises delicious warmth for hungry families seeking quick, memorable meals.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 2 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Aromatics:

  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for added flavor)

Instructions

  1. In a large skillet over medium heat, sauté ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic until meat browns and onions turn translucent, approximately 6-7 minutes.
  2. Drain excess fat from the skillet, then season the beef mixture with salt, pepper, and optional paprika to enhance flavor profile.
  3. Pour beef broth and heavy cream into the skillet, creating a rich liquid base for the pasta.
  4. Add bowtie pasta directly into the liquid, ensuring even distribution throughout the skillet.
  5. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring intermittently to prevent pasta from sticking.
  6. Once pasta reaches al dente texture and most liquid is absorbed, reduce heat to low setting.
  7. Gradually incorporate shredded cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts completely and creates a smooth, velvety sauce.
  8. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, ensuring balanced flavors throughout the dish.
  9. Transfer the creamy beef and bowtie pasta to serving plates, optionally garnishing with additional cheese or freshly chopped parsley for visual appeal and extra flavor dimension.

Notes

  • Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a lighter dish.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lower-calorie version.
  • Use gluten-free bowtie pasta to make this recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Fresh herbs like thyme or basil can elevate the flavor profile and add a bright, aromatic touch to the creamy pasta.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Simmering
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 547 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 510 mg
  • Fat: 33 g
  • Saturated Fat: 15 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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