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If you have been searching for a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe. It’s a perfect harmony of tender bowtie pasta tossed in a rich, velvety sauce studded with savory ground beef, tangy tomatoes, and a cheesy finish that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. The luscious cream cheese and Parmesan create a silky texture that clings beautifully to every bowtie, while hints of Italian seasoning and fresh parsley bring the flavors to life. This dish is just the right mix of hearty and indulgent without any fuss, making it your go-to weeknight winner for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe relies on a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that each play a crucial role in building its memorable taste and texture. From the perfectly shaped bowtie pasta holding onto the creamy sauce, to the ground beef setting a savory foundation, every item packs a punch of flavor or freshness that you won’t want to skip.
- 12 oz bowtie pasta: The ideal shape to catch and carry the luscious sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For browning the beef and softening the onions.
- 1 pound ground beef: Adds hearty, meaty richness that anchors the dish.
- 1 small yellow onion (diced): Brings natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses aromatic warmth into the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A perfect blend of herbs to brighten and season.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick without overpowering.
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste: Provides concentrated tomato goodness and color.
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices): Offers freshness and acidity to balance the creaminess.
- 1 cup beef broth: Builds a flavorful base for the sauce to simmer in.
- 4 oz cream cheese (cubed and softened): Creates that irresistibly creamy texture.
- 1/2 cup heavy cream: Adds richness and a silky smooth finish.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce lending nutty, savory depth.
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish): Brings a pop of fresh color and a mild herbal note.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until just al dente—this ensures the pasta won’t turn mushy once combined with the sauce. Drain well and set it aside to keep warm while you make the rich beef sauce. The shape of the bowtie pasta is perfect for holding onto every bit of the creamy goodness you’re about to create.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil then add the ground beef. Break it up with your spoon or spatula and cook until it’s nicely browned and no longer pink. This step builds incredible depth of flavor as the caramelization of the beef develops those irresistible meaty notes. Once browned, you’re ready to layer in the supporting ingredients for the sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Add the diced yellow onion to the skillet and cook until it turns soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic, cooking just about a minute until fragrant but not burnt. These aromatics soften the transition from raw meat to sauce and infuse the base with a mellow sweetness and warm undertones.
Step 4: Season and Simmer the Sauce
Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper, stirring them through to evenly season the meat mixture. Next, add the tomato paste and stir well to coat the beef with that intense tomato flavor. Pour in the canned diced tomatoes plus their juices and the beef broth, bringing everything up to a gentle simmer. Let this mixture cook for about 5 to 7 minutes so the flavors marry and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 5: Make it Creamy
Turn the heat to low and stir in the cream cheese cubes, allowing them to melt smoothly into the sauce. Follow with the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce reaches a silky, fully combined consistency. This step transforms the tomato-beef mixture into a luxuriously creamy sauce that coats every bowtie perfectly.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet, tossing until every piece is lovingly smothered with the creamy beef sauce. Allow the pasta and sauce to cook together for another 2 to 3 minutes so the flavors meld and the dish heats through evenly. Now your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe is ready for that final touch of freshness before serving.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley on top not only adds a refreshing pop of vibrant green but also enhances the taste with a mild herbal brightness. If you love a little extra cheese, a light dusting of freshly grated Parmesan right before serving elevates this dish even further. These simple garnishes make a big difference in presentation and flavor balance.
Side Dishes
This creamy, hearty pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, light side dishes to round out the meal. Try a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness, or some garlic-roasted broccoli to add texture and a bit of bite. For a cozy touch, crusty bread warmed to golden perfection is excellent for sopping up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests or family? Serve this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe in individual shallow bowls garnished with parsley and a Parmesan curl for an elegant touch. For casual dining, pile it high on a family-style platter so everyone can help themselves. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if you want a little heat or a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil just before serving for a glossy finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe stores wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect next-day meal. Just be sure to cool it completely before sealing the container to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags without the parsley garnish. When thawed, the texture may be slightly softer, but the creamy flavors will remain satisfying and intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir frequently until warmed through and creamy again. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to keep everything evenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding the creamy sauce, feel free to use penne, rigatoni, or even rotini if that’s what you have on hand. Just adjust cooking times according to the pasta’s package instructions.
Is it possible to make this recipe with ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes, ground turkey works great as a leaner alternative and will still yield a tasty, creamy sauce. Just be mindful to cook the turkey thoroughly and season well, as it tends to be milder in flavor than beef.
How can I add vegetables to this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe?
For a veggie boost, stir in baby spinach or frozen peas during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll wilt or heat through perfectly and add freshness and color without overpowering the dish.
What can I substitute for cream cheese if I don’t have any?
You could try using mascarpone or ricotta cheese for a similar creamy effect, though the texture and flavor will differ slightly. Another option is to use extra heavy cream and Parmesan to maintain richness.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Definitely! It’s easy to make in advance and tastes just as delicious when reheated. Portion it into individual containers for convenient lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Final Thoughts
I really hope you give this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe a try soon — it’s one of those dishes that feels special but takes surprisingly little effort. Its creamy, comforting nature makes it a go-to recipe that’s sure to bring smiles around your table. Whether for a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend meal, you’ll find yourself coming back to it again and again. Happy cooking!
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Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe offers a comforting, hearty meal perfect for family dinners. Ground beef is cooked with aromatic spices and tomato paste, then simmered with diced tomatoes and beef broth to create a rich sauce. Cream cheese, heavy cream, and Parmesan add a luscious creaminess that coats tender bowtie pasta. Garnished with fresh parsley, it’s an easy stovetop dish bursting with flavor and texture.
Ingredients
pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
meat and vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
seasonings and liquids
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices
- 1 cup beef broth
dairy
- 4 oz cream cheese, cubed and softened
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
garnish
- fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside.
- Brown beef and sauté onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon to crumble evenly. Add the diced onion and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Add garlic and seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Incorporate tomato paste and liquids: Add tomato paste to the skillet and stir to combine thoroughly with the meat mixture. Pour in diced tomatoes with their juices and beef broth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer sauce: Let the sauce simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to allow flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly thicken.
- Add cream cheese: Reduce heat to low, add the softened cream cheese cubes, and stir continuously until fully melted and combined into the sauce.
- Finish sauce with cream and Parmesan: Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth, rich, and creamy in texture.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and carefully toss until each piece is well coated with the creamy beef sauce.
- Heat through: Continue cooking the combined pasta and sauce for an additional 2 to 3 minutes over low heat to ensure everything is warmed through.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for color and freshness, then serve immediately for a satisfying meal.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or Italian sausage for the ground beef to vary the flavor.
- For added nutrition, stir in baby spinach or peas during the last few minutes of cooking.
