Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

This creamy beef and bowtie pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that combines tender pasta, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce. It’s one of my favorite weeknight dinners because it’s easy to make and always satisfying. The bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful and comforting.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers a rich, creamy pasta dish without being overly complicated. It’s quick to prepare, uses pantry-friendly ingredients, and is perfect for feeding the whole family. The creamy sauce coats the pasta perfectly, and the ground beef adds a hearty, savory flavor that makes it filling enough to be a complete meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Bowtie pasta (farfalle)

• Ground beef

• Onion, diced

• Garlic, minced

• Heavy cream

• Beef broth

• Tomato paste

• Italian seasoning

• Salt

• Pepper

• Olive oil

• Parmesan cheese, grated

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

1. I start by cooking the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.

2. In a large skillet, I heat olive oil over medium heat and sauté the diced onion until soft, then add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds.

3. I add the ground beef to the skillet, cooking until browned and crumbly, then drain excess fat if necessary.

4. I stir in the tomato paste, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, letting it cook for a minute to develop flavor.

5. I pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine, and let the sauce simmer for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.

6. I add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing until well coated in the creamy sauce.

7. I stir in Parmesan cheese and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 6 servings. I usually spend around 10 minutes prepping and about 20 minutes cooking, so it’s ready in roughly 30 minutes.

Variations

I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. For extra flavor, I add mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. If I want it spicier, I add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a richer sauce, I stir in a little cream cheese along with the heavy cream.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce, or I use the microwave for quick portions. I don’t recommend freezing because the cream sauce can separate.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, I sometimes use penne, rotini, or fusilli, and they work just as well.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I cook the pasta and sauce separately, then combine and reheat when ready to serve.

How can I make it lighter?

I use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and lean ground beef or turkey.

Can I add vegetables?

Absolutely, I often add peas, spinach, or bell peppers to make it more colorful and nutritious.

How can I make it cheesier?

I stir in extra Parmesan or add shredded mozzarella for a gooey texture.

Conclusion

This creamy beef and bowtie pasta is one of my go-to comfort meals because it’s rich, filling, and so simple to prepare. I love how it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights while still feeling like a special homemade dinner.