Let me share a little secret from my kitchen: this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is pure magic for a quick, comforting meal. It’s my go-to when I’m craving something rich, hearty, and satisfying without spending hours cooking. One busy weeknight, with ground beef and a box of bowtie pasta on hand, I whipped up this creamy, savory dish that’s become a family favorite. The tender pasta, seasoned beef, and velvety cream sauce come together in one pan for minimal cleanup. Each bite is packed with flavor, making it perfect for cozy dinners or kid-friendly meals. If you’re looking for an easy, crowd-pleasing recipe that feels like a warm hug, you’re in for a treat!
Ingredients
- Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean (85/15), for hearty flavor.
- Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): 12 oz, for fun shape and texture.
- Onion: 1 small, finely diced, for savory base.
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for depth.
- Beef Broth: 2 cups, low-sodium, for cooking pasta.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for creamy sauce.
- Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened, for richness.
- Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated, for nutty flavor.
- Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for herby notes.
- Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking.
- Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
- Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste.
- Optional Add-Ins: 1 cup sliced mushrooms or 1 cup spinach, for extra veggies.
- Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped, or red pepper flakes.
- Optional Side: Garlic bread or green salad.
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place): Dice onion, mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and measure broth, cream, and seasonings. If using mushrooms or spinach, prep them now.
- Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in bowtie pasta, beef broth, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most broth is absorbed.
- Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan until melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. If using mushrooms, sauté them with the onions; if using spinach, stir it in now until wilted. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty dish with protein from beef, carbs from pasta, and fats from cream and cheese. Pair with a light side for balance.
- Servings: 4
- Calories per serving: 600-650 kcal
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 35-40g
- Saturated Fat: 18-20g
- Carbohydrates: 50-55g
- Fiber: 2-3g
- Sugar: 3-5g
- Sodium: 800-1000mg (varies with broth and cheese)
Preparation Time
This one-pan dish is perfect for busy nights, with minimal prep and quick cooking time, delivering creamy comfort in under 30 minutes.
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 25-30 minutes
How to Serve
- Family Dinner: Serve straight from the skillet with garlic bread for dipping.
- Kid-Friendly: The bowtie shape and creamy sauce make it a hit with kids.
- Meal Prep: Portion into containers for easy reheating.
- Casual Gathering: Offer with a salad for a hearty, crowd-pleasing meal.
- Comfort Food: Enjoy on a cozy night with a glass of red wine.
Additional Tips
- Sauce Consistency: If sauce is too thick, add a splash of broth or milk; if too thin, simmer uncovered for 1-2 minutes.
- Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor.
- Pasta Choice: Swap bowtie for penne or rotini if preferred; adjust cooking time as needed.
- Make Ahead: Cook beef and onions a day ahead; store in the fridge and finish with pasta and sauce when ready.
- Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat with a splash of cream or broth to revive sauce.
Budgeting the Recipe
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is budget-friendly, using affordable ground beef, pasta, and pantry staples like broth and seasonings. Buy store-brand cream cheese and Parmesan to save more. The recipe serves four, costing roughly $2-3 per serving, making it economical for family dinners or leftovers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different pasta shape?
A: Yes! Penne, rotini, or shells work well; ensure cooking time matches pasta type.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Swap heavy cream for coconut milk, use dairy-free cream cheese, and skip Parmesan or use nutritional yeast.
Q: Why is my pasta undercooked?
A: Insufficient broth or too short a cooking time. Add more liquid and simmer longer if needed.
Q: Can I freeze this dish?
A: Yes, but cream sauces may separate. Freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months; reheat slowly with extra broth.
Q: How do I reheat leftovers?
A: Reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream, or microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring.
PrintCreamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 25-30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Get ready for a super easy and incredibly satisfying weeknight meal with this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta! All cooked in one pan, this dish features savory ground beef and perfectly al dente bowtie pasta swimming in a rich, velvety cream sauce. It’s pure comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it an instant family favorite!
Ingredients
Ground Beef: 1 pound, lean (85/15), for hearty flavor.
Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): 12 oz, for fun shape and texture.
Onion: 1 small, finely diced, for savory base.
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced, for depth.
Beef Broth: 2 cups, low-sodium, for cooking pasta.
Heavy Cream: 1 cup, for creamy sauce.
Cream Cheese: 4 oz, softened, for richness.
Parmesan Cheese: ½ cup, grated, for nutty flavor.
Italian Seasoning: 1 teaspoon, for herby notes.
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon, for cooking.
Salt: ½ teaspoon, or to taste.
Black Pepper: ¼ teaspoon, or to taste.
Optional Add-Ins: 1 cup sliced mushrooms or 1 cup spinach, for extra veggies.
Optional Garnish: Fresh parsley, chopped, or red pepper flakes.
Optional Side: Garlic bread or green salad.
Instructions
1. Prepare Your Ingredients (Mise en Place): Dice onion, mince garlic, grate Parmesan, and measure broth, cream, and seasonings. If using mushrooms or spinach, prep them now.
2. Cook the Beef: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat. Add onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add Pasta and Broth: Stir in bowtie pasta, beef broth, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is al dente and most broth is absorbed.
4. Make the Creamy Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan until melted and smooth, about 2-3 minutes. If using mushrooms, sauté them with the onions; if using spinach, stir it in now until wilted. Taste and adjust salt or pepper if needed.
5. Serve: Remove from heat. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve hot with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta, One-Pan Meal
- Method: One-Pan Cooking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 600-650 kcal
- Sugar: 3-5 g
- Sodium: 800-1000 mg
- Fat: 35-40 g
- Saturated Fat: 18-20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: N/A
- Trans Fat: N/A
- Carbohydrates: 50-55 g
- Fiber: 2-3 g
- Protein: 25-30 g
- Cholesterol: N/A
