Description
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, one-pan meal featuring tender ground beef, bowtie pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this easy and comforting dish is ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 pound ground beef (85% lean recommended)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a blend of mozzarella and parmesan)
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- 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, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the chopped onion and cook for 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour in beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Add heavy cream, stirring continuously.
- Melt in the Cheese: Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded cheese and cream cheese until melted and smooth. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- Combine Everything: Toss in the cooked pasta, stirring well to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
- Serve and Enjoy: Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Meat Substitutions: Swap ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage.
- Cheese Variations: Try a mix of parmesan, mozzarella, or gouda for extra creaminess.
- Vegetable Additions: Mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or peas work well in this dish.
- Pasta Alternatives: Use penne, rotini, or rigatoni if bowtie pasta isn’t available.
- Lighter Option: Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and opt for leaner meat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian
Keywords: creamy pasta, beef pasta, one-pan meal, easy dinner, comfort food