Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta: A Comforting and Easy Meal

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the perfect comfort food for any night of the week. This dish is a delightful combination of tender beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce that brings everything together. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal to impress your family, this recipe will be a hit. Below, we’ll provide step-by-step instructions, variations, and tips for the best results.

Classic Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 lb ground beef (85% lean)
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, drained
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions (usually 10–12 minutes) until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef Mixture

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
2. Add the ground beef and cook for about 5–7 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Add the diced onion and cook for another 3 minutes until softened.
5. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
7. Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine. Simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Push the beef mixture to one side of the skillet and add butter to the empty space.
2. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk for 1 minute to create a roux.
3. Gradually pour in the heavy cream while whisking constantly.
4. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 3 minutes until slightly thickened.
5. Reduce heat to low and add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese.
6. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 4: Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
2. Let everything simmer for another 2–3 minutes until heated through.
3. Remove from heat and garnish with fresh parsley.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot with a side of garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
• Pair with a light red wine like Pinot Noir or a refreshing iced tea.

Variations to Try

1. Spicy Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

For an extra kick, increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon and add a diced jalapeño while cooking the onion. A splash of hot sauce can also enhance the heat.

2. Mushroom and Spinach Version

Sauté 1 cup of sliced mushrooms and 1 cup of baby spinach along with the onion for added texture and nutrients.

3. Cheesy Alfredo-Style Pasta

Swap the mozzarella and Parmesan for 1 cup of Alfredo sauce and 1/2 cup of cream cheese for an even creamier result.

4. Ground Turkey or Chicken Alternative

Replace the ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version while keeping the same delicious flavors.

5. One-Pot Method

To make this dish even easier, cook the pasta directly in the sauce. Add an extra 1/2 cup of beef broth and simmer the pasta in the sauce for about 12–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until tender.

Meal Prep and Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating Instructions

• Stovetop: Reheat over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to bring back creaminess.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until warm.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a satisfying and easy dish perfect for busy nights or family gatherings. With its rich flavors, creamy sauce, and tender beef, this meal will quickly become a favorite in your home. Try out different variations and enjoy the comforting goodness of this pasta dish