Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Indulge in a comforting and hearty meal with this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. Combining tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce, this dish is both satisfying and flavorful. Ideal for busy weeknights, it comes together in under 30 minutes, making it a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in less than half an hour, perfect for those hectic evenings.
• Rich and Creamy: The combination of heavy cream and melted cheese creates a luscious sauce that coats every piece of pasta.
• Versatile: Easily adaptable with different meats, cheeses, or added vegetables to suit your preferences.
• One-Pot Meal: Minimal cleanup required, as everything comes together in a single skillet.

Ingredients

• 8 oz. bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

(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. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
4. Create the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, mixing well to combine with the sauce. Stir in the shredded cheese until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy this creamy delight hot!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: This recipe yields approximately 4 servings.
• Preparation Time: About 10 minutes.
• Cooking Time: Approximately 15 minutes.
• Total Time: Around 25 minutes.

Variations

• Meat Alternatives: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat for a different flavor or dietary preference.
• Cheese Options: Experiment with different cheeses like Parmesan or Gruyère for a unique twist.
• Vegetable Additions: Incorporate vegetables such as spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added nutrition and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow leftovers to cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to loosen the sauce, until warmed through. Alternatively, microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other types like penne, fusilli, or rotini.

Is there a lighter alternative to heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or whole milk mixed with a bit of flour to thicken the sauce as a lighter alternative.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a little liquid to maintain creaminess.

What other cheeses work well in this recipe?

Parmesan, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack can be used for different flavor profiles.

How can I add more flavor to the dish?

Consider adding herbs like basil or oregano, a splash of Worcestershire sauce, or a dollop of Dijon mustard to enhance the flavor.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, this dish can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

What side dishes pair well with this pasta?

A crisp green salad, garlic bread, or steamed vegetables complement this dish nicely.

How can I make this dish gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and ensure that all other ingredients, like broth and seasonings, are gluten-free.

Can I add wine to the sauce?

Yes, deglazing the pan with a splash of white or red wine before adding the broth can add depth to the flavor.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much, add a little more beef broth or cream to reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a delightful and comforting meal that’s both quick to prepare and rich in flavor. Its versatility allows for various adaptations to suit your taste, making it a perfect addition to your weeknight dinner rotation. Enjoy the creamy sauce, tender beef, and perfectly cooked pasta in every bite!

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

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• Author: Emma
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stove-Top
• Cuisine: American

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Description

Indulge in the creamy, hearty flavors of this one-pot Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. Made with tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich, cheesy sauce, this easy dinner recipe is ready in just 25 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights.

 

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Ingredients

• 8 oz. bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
• 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or mozzarella)
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the Beef:
   In a large skillet, heat over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces with a spatula (about 5-7 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
3. Sauté Aromatics:
   Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
4. Make the Sauce:
   Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Italian seasoning. Allow the sauce to thicken slightly, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix to coat evenly in the sauce. Stir in shredded cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve:
   Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy!

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Notes

• Customizable: Swap the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based alternatives.
• Vegetables: Add spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
• Cheese Variations: Experiment with Parmesan, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor profile.
• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.