Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta: Easy & Delicious Recipe

Introduction

If you’re searching for a comforting, quick, and family-friendly dinner, look no further than creamy beef and bowtie pasta. This rich and hearty dish blends perfectly seasoned ground beef with tender bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a luscious creamy sauce that’s simply irresistible. The best part? It’s easy enough for a busy weeknight yet fancy enough for casual entertaining.

With its combination of protein-rich beef and fun, kid-approved bowtie pasta, this recipe ticks every box: budget-friendly, adaptable, and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for the week, creamy beef and bowtie pasta is a sure-fire winner..Garganelli Pasta

In this blog, you’ll learn everything you need to make this dish a success:
✅ easy-to-find ingredients
✅ step-by-step cooking instructions
✅ nutrition facts
✅ storage tips
✅ FAQs

Plus, we’ll give you pro-level secrets to make your pasta creamy and rich without ending up greasy or bland. Ready? Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

This creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe stands out for so many reasons. First, it offers an unbeatable combination of taste and texture. The ground beef delivers savory, meaty flavor, while the bowtie pasta (also known as farfalle) adds a playful, bite-sized shape that holds the sauce beautifully. Plus, the creamy sauce ties everything together, creating a satisfying dish you’ll crave again and again.

Another reason to love this dish is its convenience. You can prepare it with everyday pantry staples, making it a budget-friendly and practical option for families. The steps are straightforward, so even beginner cooks can tackle this recipe confidently. And because it’s ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy weeknights.

If you’re concerned about nutrition, you’ll be happy to know that this recipe can be adjusted for various dietary needs. Swap in ground turkey or lean beef to reduce saturated fat, use light cream instead of heavy cream, or even incorporate extra veggies for a vitamin boost. The versatility of this creamy beef and bowtie pasta means you can adapt it however you like.

Finally, this pasta is a hit with kids and adults alike. The mild, creamy flavors appeal to picky eaters, while the richness and depth satisfy grown-up palates. Serve it with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a balanced, comforting meal everyone will love..High Protein Pasta Salad

Ingredients Needed for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Before you start cooking, gather these easy-to-find ingredients. Most of them are already staples in the average kitchen:

• 1 pound ground beef (80% lean recommended, or swap for ground turkey)
• 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

If you like, you can add extras such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers to boost the flavor and nutrition.

Beef Choice and Substitutes

Ground beef forms the heart of this dish. An 80/20 blend gives you plenty of flavor without too much grease. If you want a leaner version, 90% lean ground beef or even ground turkey works well. For a vegetarian twist, consider crumbled plant-based ground “beef” alternatives — these absorb the creamy sauce just as beautifully.

Check out Beef. It’s What’s For Dinner to learn more about lean ground beef nutrition if you want to understand beef cuts and their benefits.

Pasta Choice: Why Bowtie Pasta?

Bowtie pasta (or farfalle) isn’t just cute; it’s practical! Its pinched middle and wide ends catch the creamy sauce and ground beef bits perfectly. You’ll get a burst of flavor in every bite. If you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, penne or rotini are also good options because they hold thick sauces well.

For a pro’s take on cooking pasta just right, visit Barilla’s guide on how to cook pasta perfectly.

Creamy Sauce Ingredients

The sauce is what makes this dish shine. It starts with a base of sautéed onions and garlic, then layers on tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth for a savory foundation. Heavy cream brings in that luscious, velvety texture, while Parmesan adds umami and depth..Pasta

If you prefer to lighten things up, you could replace heavy cream with half-and-half or even evaporated milk. Just remember: the creamier the liquid, the richer your sauce!

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Let’s move on to how you’ll actually bring this creamy beef and bowtie pasta together. Follow these steps for perfect results every time.

Preparing the Beef

1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
3. Brown the beef for about 5–7 minutes until it is no longer pink.
4. Drain off excess grease if necessary to keep the sauce from turning oily.
5. Add the diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
6. Cook another 3–4 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant.

Cooking the Pasta

While the beef is browning, you can start cooking 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 about 10–12 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining (this can help adjust sauce thickness later).
5. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Cooking pasta al dente is essential because it will continue to cook slightly when combined with the sauce. That way, you get a nice bite instead of mushy noodles.

Making the Creamy Sauce

After the beef and onions are fully cooked, it’s time to build the sauce.

1. Stir in the tomato paste, letting it caramelize for about 1 minute. This deepens its flavor.
2. Add the diced tomatoes and beef broth, stirring to combine.
3. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes.
4. Reduce heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
5. Let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

If you like a stronger cheesy flavor, toss in a bit of extra Parmesan here — just stir until melted.

Combining and Finishing

Now it’s time to bring everything together!

1. Add the drained bowtie pasta to the creamy beef sauce.
2. Toss gently so that the sauce coats every piece of pasta.
3. If the sauce looks too thick, use a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
4. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan and chopped fresh parsley over the top.
5. Taste for seasoning, and adjust salt and pepper if needed.

Serve hot and enjoy a creamy, rich, and deeply satisfying pasta dish!

Tips for the Perfect Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

This dish is easy, but these tips can take it from good to unforgettable:

• Use freshly grated Parmesan — It melts more smoothly than the pre-shredded type.
• Brown the beef properly — Let it get a bit of caramelization for the best flavor.
• Reserve pasta water — The starch in it helps bind the sauce to the pasta.
• Don’t overcook the pasta — Al dente pasta holds up better in the creamy sauce.
• Taste as you go — Adjust seasoning after combining to get the perfect flavor balance.

Ingredient Swaps

If you want to make it your own, here are some easy ingredient swaps:

• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Add mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for extra veggies
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free bowtie pasta for dietary needs
• Try swapping Parmesan for Romano cheese for a bolder taste

Storage and Reheating

This pasta stores beautifully. Simply cool it, then place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or milk to restore its creamy texture.

If you plan to freeze it, know that cream-based sauces can separate a bit when thawed. Stir well while reheating to bring the sauce back together.

Mistakes to Avoid

Even a simple dish like creamy beef and bowtie pasta has a few pitfalls to dodge:

• Overcooking pasta – makes it soggy
• Using too much cream – can make it heavy or greasy
• Not draining beef fat – leaves the sauce oily
• Skipping seasoning – leads to bland results

If you keep these mistakes in mind, you’ll have a restaurant-quality pasta dish every single time.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy beef and bowtie pasta is a full meal on its own, but pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dinner to a restaurant-level feast. Here are a few suggestions:

• Garlic bread — A classic, crispy slice of garlic bread is perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
• Simple green salad — Lightens the richness of the pasta and adds freshness. Try a lemon vinaigrette dressing for a bright contrast.
• Roasted vegetables — Broccoli, zucchini, or carrots roasted with olive oil and herbs make a colorful and healthy addition.
• Steamed green beans — A no-fuss, nutritious side to round out the meal.

For drinks, a sparkling water with lemon or a chilled white wine pairs wonderfully with the creamy, savory flavors.

Nutrition Facts

Here is an approximate breakdown per serving (assuming this recipe makes 6 servings):

Remember, these values can change depending on ingredient swaps or added vegetables. If you want to lighten it up, switch to leaner ground beef, swap in light cream, and reduce the cheese.

For details on safe food preparation, check out USDA’s safe food handling tips to ensure you store and cook your ingredients safely.

FAQs

People have a lot of questions about creamy beef and bowtie pasta, so let’s address them one by one to boost the authority and helpfulness of this post.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can make the entire dish ahead, then cool and store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen up the sauce.

Can I freeze creamy beef and bowtie pasta?

Technically, yes — but cream-based sauces sometimes separate after freezing. If you do freeze it, store in an airtight freezer container for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge. Stir gently while reheating to help the sauce recombine.

What kind of ground beef is best?

An 80/20 ground beef is ideal, balancing flavor and tenderness. If you prefer leaner, go with 90% lean, but you may lose a bit of richness.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Of course! Just substitute bowtie pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta brand. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.

Is there a dairy-free option?

Yes — you could swap out the heavy cream with unsweetened coconut milk or a dairy-free cream substitute. Also, use a vegan Parmesan or nutritional yeast for the cheesy flavor.

Can kids eat this?

Absolutely! This recipe is mild, creamy, and kid-friendly. If you’re worried about spice, just skip the paprika or reduce the black pepper.

Conclusion

Creamy beef and bowtie pasta is the ultimate comfort food that delivers on every front: flavor, simplicity, and family-friendly appeal. With its rich, creamy sauce hugging perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and the savory boost from seasoned ground beef, this dish transforms an ordinary dinner into something memorable.

What makes it even better is how adaptable it is. You can swap in your favorite protein, add extra vegetables, lighten up the sauce, or spice it up to suit your taste. Plus, the recipe is easy to scale — double it to feed a big family gathering, or portion it out for meal prep lunches during the busy workweek.

Whether you’re new to cooking or a confident home chef, creamy beef and bowtie pasta is sure to become one of your go-to meals. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table ask for seconds.

So next time you need a delicious, reliable dinner idea, remember this creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe — you’ll be glad you did!

Name: Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Summary: A quick and hearty pasta dish featuring ground beef, bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy tomato-Parmesan sauce. Perfect for family dinners or easy meal prep!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired

Calories: 560

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• Ingredients:
• 1 pound ground beef 80/20 recommended
• 12 ounces bowtie pasta farfalle
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 can diced tomatoes 14.5 ounces
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Equipment

• Equipment:
• Large skillet
• Large pot
• Wooden spoon
• Colander
• Measuring cups & spoons

Method

 

1. Instructions:
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Brown for 5–7 minutes until no longer pink; drain excess grease.
4. Stir in diced onion, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook 3–4 minutes until the onion softens.
5. Add tomato paste and cook for 1 minute. Stir in diced tomatoes and beef broth. Bring to a simmer for 5 minutes.
6. Reduce heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream until smooth and creamy. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken.
7. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
8. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley, then serve hot.

Notes

Notes:

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Add mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.

Use gluten-free pasta if needed.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days.