Quick & Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe That Kids Adore

Weeknight dinners demand a hearty beef and bowtie pasta that satisfies hungry souls without complicated steps.

Comfort flows through every forkful of this delightful dish.

Tender beef chunks nestle between pasta’s curved shapes, creating a perfect marriage of textures.

Savory seasonings dance across each bite, promising rich flavor profiles.

Minimal ingredients combine effortlessly, making this recipe a kitchen champion for busy cooks.

Quick preparation meets maximum taste in this crowd-pleasing meal.

Creamy Beef with Bowtie Pasta Perfection

• Conquer Quick Comfort Food: Transform ordinary ground beef and pasta into a mouthwatering meal that satisfies hunger and delivers rich, cheesy flavor in minutes.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Streamline cooking by preparing everything in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making dinner preparation incredibly simple for busy home cooks.
• Create Crowd-Pleasing Dinner: Craft a universally loved dish that appeals to both kids and adults, with creamy sauce and hearty beef guaranteeing clean plates and happy smiles around the dinner table.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, switching cheese types, or using different pasta shapes to match family preferences and pantry ingredients.

Ingredients for Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta

• Bowtie Pasta: A classic pasta shape that provides a fun and playful texture to the dish.

• Ground Beef: The primary protein that adds rich, hearty flavor to the recipe.
• Olive Oil: A healthy oil that helps cook and brown the beef and onions.

• Onion, Garlic: Provide a deep, savory base flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Beef Broth: Adds depth and moisture to create a flavorful sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creates a rich and smooth texture for the creamy sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Contribute a tangy and sharp cheese flavor that melts into a luxurious sauce.

• Paprika: Offers a subtle warmth and mild smoky undertone to the dish.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Fresh Parsley: Provides a bright, fresh finish and adds a pop of color to the dish.

How to Cook Creamy Beef and Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Pasta

Cook bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted water following the package directions. Once perfectly tender, drain the pasta in a colander and set aside, letting it rest while you prepare the delicious beef sauce.

Step 2: Sizzle the Beef Base

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and cook until they become translucent and soft.

Add minced garlic and let it sizzle for a quick minute, releasing its aromatic flavors. Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking it into small crumbles.

Drain any excess fat from the pan to keep the dish light and tasty.

Step 3: Create the Dreamy Sauce

Pour beef broth into the skillet and bring to a gentle simmer.

• Heavy cream
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Paprika

Stir continuously until the cheese melts completely and the sauce transforms into a smooth, rich coating that will make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Merge Pasta and Beef

Introduce the cooked bowtie pasta to the creamy beef mixture.

Gently fold and stir until every pasta piece is generously covered with the luscious sauce. Season with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavors.

Step 5: Serve and Savor

Transfer the creamy beef bowtie pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and extra freshness.

Enjoy this comforting meal that’s sure to become a family favorite!

Tips to Perfect Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Rinse bowtie pasta with cold water after draining to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
• Use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version of the dish.
• Grate cheese freshly for smoother, more even melting and better sauce consistency.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or dried herbs like thyme for extra depth and complexity.
• Prepare the sauce and beef mixture in advance, then quickly reheat and add pasta when ready to serve for a quick weeknight meal.

Flavorful Twists on Beef Bowtie Pasta

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños and red pepper flakes to the ground beef for a fiery version that brings heat to the classic recipe.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped fresh oregano, and sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Mushroom Lovers' Edition: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions and incorporate them into the beef mixture, adding an earthy depth to the creamy pasta.
• Protein Power Boost: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option while maintaining the rich, creamy sauce.

Pairings to Enjoy with Bowtie Pasta

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Cabernet Franc that complements the rich beef and creamy sauce, cutting through the richness while enhancing the meal's robust flavors.
• Craft Beer Match: Select a malty amber ale or brown ale that balances the creamy texture and provides a complementary nutty undertone to the beef and cheese combination.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or chives on top to add brightness, create visual appeal, and introduce a subtle green freshness that contrasts the heavy cream sauce.
• Side Salad Suggestion: Prepare a crisp mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a refreshing counterpoint to the rich, creamy pasta dish, helping cleanse the palate between bites.

How to Keep Creamy Beef Pasta Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Ensure the pasta is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer the dish to a freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dishes with cream-based sauces, as they may separate when thawed.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of milk or beef broth to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) is ideal due to its fun shape and ability to hold the creamy sauce, but you can also use penne or rotini as alternatives.

• Can I use a different type of ground meat?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or ground chicken are excellent substitutes for ground beef and will work perfectly in this recipe.

• How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef, substitute half the heavy cream with milk, and add some vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to increase the nutritional value.

• Is this recipe good for meal prep?

Yes, this pasta dish reheats well and can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it a convenient option for preparing meals in advance.

Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Comforting creamy beef and bowtie pasta brings Italian-inspired flavors to your dinner table with rich, hearty goodness. Quick weeknight meals become extraordinary when you combine tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a silky sauce that satisfies hunger and delights taste buds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 8 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt, to taste
• Pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook bowtie pasta until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
2. Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature. Sauté diced onions until translucent and softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, releasing its aromatic essence. Introduce ground beef to the skillet and brown completely, breaking meat into fine crumbles.
4. Carefully drain accumulated fat from the meat mixture, ensuring a clean cooking surface.
5. Pour beef broth into the skillet and allow to simmer, creating a rich liquid base for the sauce.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and incorporate heavy cream, stirring smoothly. Gradually blend cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and sauce reaches a velvety consistency.
7. Sprinkle paprika to enhance the sauce’s depth and complexity. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
8. Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is luxuriously coated.
9. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant finish.

Notes

• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free bowtie pasta for a healthier alternative that doesn’t compromise taste or texture.
• Opt for lean ground beef or ground turkey to reduce overall fat content while maintaining rich flavor profile.
• Consider adding vegetable mix like diced bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color contrast in the creamy sauce.
• Use lactose-free cheese and cream options to make this recipe suitable for dairy-sensitive individuals without losing the decadent creaminess.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 33 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg