Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Ready in 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
- One-Pan Meal: Minimal cleanup for a stress-free dinner.
- Rich & Creamy: A smooth, velvety sauce coats every bite.
- Family-Friendly: A guaranteed hit for both kids and adults.
- Customizable: Add veggies, different cheeses, or swap the protein.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. 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.
2. Brown the Beef
- In a large skillet or pot, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the beef is browned and the onion is soft.
- Drain any excess grease.
3. Add Seasonings & Tomatoes
- Stir in the garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the drained diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add Cheese & Pasta
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta and mix well.
- Sprinkle the mozzarella cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve & Garnish
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Veggie Boost: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrients.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken instead of beef.
- Lighter Version: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating:
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, adding a splash of broth or milk to maintain creaminess.
- Microwave: Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well.
2. How do I make the sauce thicker?
Let it simmer longer or add a slurry of 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water.
3. Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
Yes, but the sauce won’t be as rich. Add a bit of butter for extra creaminess.
4. What’s the best way to prevent the sauce from curdling?
Use low heat and avoid boiling the heavy cream.
5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! Cook everything except the pasta and store them separately. Combine when ready to serve.
6. What cheese works best?
Parmesan and mozzarella are classic, but cheddar or provolone can add a new twist.
7. Can I make this without cheese?
Yes! The sauce will still be creamy from the heavy cream.
8. How can I make this a one-pot meal?
Cook the pasta in the sauce with extra broth, letting it absorb the flavors.
9. What can I serve with this dish?
A simple salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables make great sides.
10. Can I use canned tomato sauce instead of diced tomatoes?
Yes, substitute with 1/2 cup tomato sauce for a smoother texture.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a rich, comforting dish that comes together quickly with minimal effort. Perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to become a family favorite!
PrintCreamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate comfort food! Featuring tender ground beef, perfectly cooked farfalle pasta, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce, this easy one-pan meal is ready in just 30 minutes. A quick and satisfying dish the whole family will love!
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 20min
- Total Time: 30min
- Yield: 4-6servings
- Category: Dinner, Main Course
- Method: One-Pan, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pot over medium heat.
- Add ground beef and onion, cooking until beef is browned and onion is soft.
- Drain excess grease.
3. Add Seasonings & Tomatoes:
- Stir in garlic, salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- Add drained diced tomatoes and cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
- Reduce heat to low and let simmer for 5 minutes.
5. Add Cheese & Pasta:
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted.
- Add cooked bowtie pasta and mix well.
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top, cover, and let it melt for 2-3 minutes.
6. Serve & Garnish:
- Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley (if desired).
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
- For extra veggies, stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers.
- For a protein swap, use ground turkey, sausage, or shredded chicken.
- For a lighter version, replace heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta.
