Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta

There’s something utterly comforting about the way creamy sauces cling to perfectly cooked pasta, isn’t there? My Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta is exactly that kind of dish—rich, satisfying, and a little indulgent, but in the best possible way. The silky sauce, packed with savory beef and accented by tender bowtie pasta, makes for a cozy dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day. Plus, this recipe is surprisingly straightforward—you won’t believe how quickly it comes together without sacrificing any of those deep, comforting flavors.

Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta: Why It Works & Ingredients

• 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for that perfect fat balance)
• 1 small onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Why does this recipe work so well? Let me tell you—starting with ground beef that has about 20% fat keeps the beef juicy and flavorful, which is essential because leaner meat can end up dry and stringy. The bowtie pasta is not just charming; its shape traps the creamy sauce like a dream, giving you a delicious bite every single time. I always choose a mix of olive oil and butter for the base; the olive oil adds subtle fruitiness while the butter brings that luscious creaminess. Beef broth balances the richness of the cream, keeping the sauce deep, savory, and not overly heavy. Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, creating a nutty, salty depth few other cheeses can match. A quick sprinkle of Italian seasoning introduces a gentle herbaceous note that ties everything together beautifully.

Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta

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Savor the rich taste of Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta a comforting meal that satisfies hunger and brings warmth to your table

• Author: molly
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

1 lb ground beef (80/20 for that perfect fat balance)

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup beef broth

1 cup heavy cream

1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning

Salt, to taste

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering.

Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning as it cooks.

Pour in the beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all those caramelized bits. Let it simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Don’t boil; simmer for 4-5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese. Stir until sauce thickens and becomes glossy; add more salt and pepper if needed.

Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet, gently coating each piece with the sauce. Stir to combine.

Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta is a rich, satisfying, and indulgent dish featuring a silky sauce packed with savory beef and tender bowtie pasta, perfect for a cozy dinner. This straightforward recipe comes together quickly without sacrificing deep flavors.

Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and butter until melted and shimmering.
3. Add the chopped onion and sauté for about 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it’s delicate at this stage!
4. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook for 6-8 minutes until fully browned. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian seasoning as it cooks.
5. Pour in the beef broth. Scrape the bottom of the pan to lift all those caramelized bits—that’s flavor gold right there! Let it simmer for 3 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting the mixture come to a gentle simmer. Don’t boil; you want the cream to thicken slowly, about 4-5 minutes.
7. Remove the skillet from heat and mix in the Parmesan cheese. The sauce will thicken and become glossy—if it looks a little curdled, keep stirring, and it will come together. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
8. Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet, gently coating each piece with that dreamy sauce. A quick stir to combine, and it’s ready to serve.
9. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh aroma.

Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta: Tips for Success

• Don’t overcook the pasta: Bowtie pasta can quickly go from perfectly al dente to mushy. Keep an eye on the timer and drain it once there’s just a slight bite left.
• Use fresh Parmesan cheese: Pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can prevent it from melting smoothly. Grate your own for a silky sauce.
• Simmer the cream gently: High heat can cause the cream to separate. Keep the heat low and stir often to keep it creamy.
• Season in layers: Add salt gradually throughout the cooking process—not just at the end—to build flavor depth.
• Don’t rush the browning of ground beef: Letting it get a nice crust before stirring enhances taste through the Maillard reaction, which adds those irresistible savory notes.

Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta: Storage & Reheating

If you have leftovers (and trust me, you might), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so when you’re ready to eat, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to loosen the sauce and bring back that luscious texture. Heat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring often. Avoid high heat to keep the cream from breaking or curdling. This pasta also freezes pretty well; just thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as above for a quick weeknight meal.

Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta: FAQ

Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

You absolutely can swap in ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Just keep in mind these meats are leaner and can dry out faster, so add a little extra olive oil when cooking and don’t overcook. You might want to reduce the beef broth slightly to keep the sauce from being too watery.

What can I use if I don’t have heavy cream?

If heavy cream isn’t on hand, full-fat coconut milk or half-and-half can work in a pinch, but they won’t thicken the sauce as much. You could also make a quick roux (butter + flour) to help thicken a lighter dairy option. Just remember the flavor will be a bit different, but still tasty.

Is it okay to prepare this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can cook the pasta and sauce separately then combine and reheat before serving. Just be mindful that leftovers may need cream or broth added during reheating to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Definitely! Spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers work beautifully and add nutrition and color. Add mushrooms and peppers when you sauté the onions, and stir in fresh spinach right at the end—it wilts quickly and adds a lovely freshness.

Why does the sauce sometimes look grainy or separated?

This usually happens if the cream is boiled too hard or cheese is added to hot, boiling liquid. Keep heat low when adding dairy, and stir frequently. Using freshly grated cheese helps it melt smoothly as well.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a rough estimate for one serving of Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta, assuming the recipe serves 4:

• Calories: 630 kcal
• Fat: 38g
• Protein: 36g
• Carbohydrates: 38g

Keep in mind this can vary depending on exact ingredients and portion size, but it gives you a solid idea of the nutritional load—high in protein and fat from the beef and cream, with a decent carb hit from the pasta for energy.

Conclusion

This Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta is one of those recipes I keep coming back to when I need a little comfort, without spending hours in the kitchen. The balance of rich, creamy sauce with savory beef and hearty pasta creates a meal that’s both comforting and a bit fancy, perfect for feeding family or impressing friends with minimal effort. Give it a try and drop a comment letting me know how it turns out—you might just find your new weeknight favorite.