Cozy Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe for Family Nights

Whipping up a comforting beef and bowtie pasta always sparks excitement in my kitchen.

pasta lovers understand the magic of combining tender meat with silky noodles.

Every bite promises a delightful blend of rich flavors and textures.

Hearty ingredients come together effortlessly, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

My secret?

Selecting quality beef and perfectly cooked pasta shapes.

Cheese melts into a luscious sauce that hugs each bowtie, making this dish irresistible.

Let’s dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Can’t-Resist Qualities of Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

• Easily adaptable for picky eaters by adjusting seasonings or adding vegetables, making it a crowd-pleasing option for dinner.
• Perfect for beginner cooks, this one-skillet wonder requires basic cooking techniques and simple ingredients anyone can handle.
• The combination of heavy cream and beef broth creates a luxurious, rich sauce that elevates the classic pasta dish to restaurant-quality comfort food.

Creamy Bowtie Pasta – Your Grocery List

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the pasta dish.

• Bowtie Pasta: A playful pasta shape that captures the creamy sauce beautifully and provides a delightful texture.

• Onion, Garlic: These classic ingredients build a savory base and add depth to the overall taste of the recipe.

• Heavy Cream, Beef Broth: These ingredients create a luxurious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and beef with incredible richness.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the flavors of the creamy beef pasta.

Whipping Up Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil Bowtie Pasta

Cook pasta in salted boiling water following package directions until perfectly tender.

Once cooked, drain in a colander and set aside while preparing the remaining ingredients.

Step 2: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and cook thoroughly, breaking the meat into small crumbles.

Ensure the beef is completely browned and no pink remains.

Drain any excess fat if necessary.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

Toss chopped onions into the same skillet with the browned beef.

Sauté until the onions become soft and translucent.

Add minced garlic and cook for an additional minute, releasing their fragrant flavors.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce

• Heavy cream
• Beef broth

Stir the liquids together and let the mixture simmer gently over low heat.

The sauce will start to thicken and develop a rich, luxurious texture.

Step 5: Combine and Season Pasta

Gently fold the cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy beef sauce.

Ensure every pasta piece gets coated with the delicious sauce.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.

Serve hot and enjoy this comforting meal.

Pro Advice for Creamy Bowtie Pasta Night

• Shake colander vigorously to remove excess water, preventing watery sauce and ensuring better pasta-sauce coating.
• Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a pinch of dried Italian herbs to enhance the beef's richness and complexity.
• Simmer sauce gently to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, velvety texture that clings beautifully to pasta.
• Prepare extra portions and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, reheating with a splash of broth to restore creamy consistency.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles, and use lactose-free cream for alternative diet options.

Saving Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta for Later

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Seal tightly and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and contents. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-based sauces as they may separate.
• Place portion in microwave-safe dish. Add a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture. Cover with microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Pour pasta into skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth or cream. Stir gently to prevent sticking. Warm slowly, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.

What Works Well with Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Perfectly Pair Beef Bowtie Pasta
• Complement Wine Selection: Choose a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Merlot that cuts through the creamy sauce and matches the beef's rich flavor.
• Crisp Side Salad Companion: Prepare a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and add fresh, zesty notes.
• Crusty Bread Enhancer: Serve warm garlic bread or rustic Italian bread to soak up extra sauce and provide delightful textural contrast.
• Herbaceous Green Vegetable: Add roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans with garlic to introduce a green, nutritious element that brightens the overall meal.

Mix-Ins for Creamy Bowtie Pasta

• Vegetarian Pasta Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains rich, hearty flavors.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bowtie pasta made from rice or corn flour, ensuring the same texture and taste for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice to create a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal without sacrificing creamy goodness.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap heavy cream with coconut milk or cashew cream and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a lactose-free adaptation that keeps the sauce smooth and satisfying.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. The key is choosing a pasta that can hold the creamy sauce well.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This creamy beef pasta reheats nicely. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days. Gently reheat on the stovetop with a splash of broth to maintain the sauce’s creaminess.

• Can I make this dish lower in fat?

To reduce calories, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or use whole milk with a small amount of cornstarch to thicken. You can also use lean ground beef or ground turkey for a lighter version.

• What herbs or spices can enhance the flavor?

Fresh parsley, dried oregano, or a pinch of red pepper flakes can add wonderful depth to this recipe. Grated parmesan cheese sprinkled on top also brings extra flavor and richness to the dish.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

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4.9 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty beef and bowtie pasta delivers comfort straight from Italian kitchens, melding rich flavors with perfectly tender noodles. Savory meat and silky sauce promise a satisfying meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 pound (1 lb) lean ground beef

Main Carbohydrates:

• 8 ounces (8 oz) bowtie pasta

Aromatics and Flavor Enhancers:

• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

Liquid and Creamy Components:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup low-sodium beef broth

Seasonings:

• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender, ensuring an al dente texture. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat large skillet over medium-high temperature, crumble ground beef into pan and cook until completely browned, breaking meat into small uniform pieces.
3. Reduce skillet heat, incorporate finely diced onions and cook until softened and translucent, approximately 3-4 minutes.
4. Add minced garlic to onion mixture, stirring continuously for 45-60 seconds to release aromatic flavors without burning.
5. Pour heavy cream and beef broth into skillet, gently stirring to create a smooth, cohesive sauce. Allow liquid to simmer and slightly thicken for 2-3 minutes.
6. Introduce cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy beef mixture, delicately folding to ensure each pasta piece is generously coated with sauce.
7. Season the dish with salt and freshly ground black pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences. Serve immediately while warm and sauce is at its peak consistency.

Notes

• Customize pasta texture by cooking slightly less than package instructions for a firmer bite.
• Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef or substituting ground turkey for a lighter version.
• Balance cream sauce richness by adding a splash of lemon juice or fresh herbs like parsley for brightness.
• Make dish gluten-free by swapping regular bowtie pasta with chickpea or rice-based alternative pasta.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 600
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 15 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg