If you’re searching for your next cozy dinner hero, this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is guaranteed to steal the show—and your heart. Imagine tender bowtie pasta cradling a velvety sauce packed with savory ground beef, hints of Italian herbs, plump tomatoes, and a finish of fresh spinach and parsley. It all comes together in just one skillet, making busy weeknights so much easier and far more delicious. Trust me, this is a dish you’ll be craving on repeat.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta brings something special to the table, from rich flavors to tempting textures and vibrant color. With a handful of supermarket staples, you’ll be amazed at how a simple dinner can feel so indulgent.

Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: These whimsical shapes do wonders for capturing all that luscious sauce in every bite.
Olive oil: A drizzle is all you need to perfectly brown the beef and soften the onions.
Ground beef: Go for lean ground beef for big flavor without too much excess fat—so satisfying and hearty.
Onion: Diced small, it melts into the base for an irresistible sweetness and depth.
Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced, infuse the sauce with classic Italian aroma and zing.
Italian seasoning: This blend delivers an instant flavor boost from basil, oregano, and thyme.
Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and gorgeous color to the finished dish.
Salt: For bringing out every nuanced flavor of our savory sauce.
Black pepper: Freshly cracked is best for a gentle kick of spice.
Canned diced tomatoes: Trust a good-quality can for lively tomato flavor that doesn’t overwhelm.
Beef broth: Extra layer of richness ensures the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta sauce is never flat or bland.
Heavy cream: The secret to that dreamy, creamy texture without any fuss.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Makes everything silkier and adds a subtle, nutty bite.
Baby spinach (optional): Toss in a couple of generous handfuls for a pop of color and nutrients.
Fresh parsley: Chopped for garnish, it brings brightness and a hint of freshness to every serving.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions just until al dente—the pasta should still have a little bite since it’ll simmer a bit more in the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prep the rest.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add the ground beef and diced onion, using the back of a spoon to break up the meat as it browns. Sauté for about 6 to 7 minutes until the onion is soft and translucent and the beef is thoroughly cooked. This step is where the savory backbone of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is built, infusing the sauce later on with richness.

Step 3: Flavor with Garlic and Spices

Stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. This quick blast of aromatics only takes about a minute, but it’s transformational—the warmth from the paprika and herbs really comes alive with the heat and wakes up the base flavors of the sauce.

Step 4: Add Tomatoes and Broth

Pour in the diced tomatoes (juices included) and beef broth. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer; this coaxes all those ingredients together into a unified, wonderfully aromatic foundation for your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta.

Step 5: Make It Creamy

Reduce the heat to medium-low, then stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Watch as the sauce transforms, taking on a gorgeous, silky texture. Let it thicken slightly for about 3 minutes—this is where all the magic happens and you start to see why this dish wins hearts.

Step 6: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked bowtie pasta (and spinach, if you’re including it) to the skillet. Toss everything until the pasta is brilliantly coated in that creamy, beefy sauce and the spinach wilts just enough. Let everything bubble away together for another 2 minutes so every piece of farfalle gets perfectly saucy.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Turn off the heat, scatter over fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness, and carry your glorious skillet right to the table. Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is best when it’s hot, luscious, and ready for seconds!

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley right before serving and don’t be shy with extra Parmesan! If you love a peppery kick, a twist of black pepper right at the table adds a delicious touch. For a little zing, a sprinkle of red pepper flakes works wonders.

Side Dishes

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta pairs beautifully with simple sides. I love a fresh green salad with a lemony vinaigrette to cut the richness, or warm, crusty Italian bread that’s perfect for mopping up every last bit of creamy sauce. Roasted vegetables or green beans make colorful, vibrant companions as well.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special touch, serve in shallow pasta bowls, twirling the pasta high with tongs for dramatic flair. Top each portion with a generous dusting of Parmesan and a sprig of parsley. Hosting a dinner party? Try serving the pasta family-style from a big, beautiful skillet in the center of the table—nothing feels more inviting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers are a treat! Store any extra Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for speedy lunches or fuss-free weeknight dinners. If you included spinach, keep in mind it might wilt further after storing, but it still tastes delicious.

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze it! Let the dish cool completely, then portion into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. It’ll keep at its best for about 1 to 2 months. The cream sauce might separate a little upon thawing, but a good stir (and maybe an extra splash of cream or broth) will bring it right back together.

Reheating

To reheat, simply add the pasta to a skillet with a splash of milk or broth and warm over medium heat, stirring gently until everything is hot and creamy again. Individual servings reheat beautifully in the microwave, just cover loosely to keep in the moisture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course, Pasta

Absolutely! While bowties are charming and perfect for holding sauce, you can use penne, rotini, or shells if that’s what you have on hand. The Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta sauce complements almost any pasta shape.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

If you want to lighten things up, half-and-half works as a great swap. For a non-dairy version, try coconut milk, though the flavor will change a bit. Just keep in mind your sauce may be slightly less rich but still tasty.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

You bet! Omit the ground beef and use plant-based crumbles or canned lentils instead. Swap beef broth for vegetable broth, and you’ve got a totally meatless, comfort-packed Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

It’s a hit with kids! The mild, creamy sauce and familiar pasta shape are always popular. You can easily reduce or omit the black pepper and paprika for little ones if you want it extra gentle.

How can I add extra vegetables?

Stir in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, peas, or zucchini along with the spinach, or just swap the spinach for your favorite greens. The creamy sauce is forgiving and pairs deliciously with all kinds of vegetables.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a new weeknight staple or a dish to wow your loved ones, give Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta a try. Every forkful is cozy, rich, and absolutely crave-worthy. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll find yourself excited to make again and again—so ladle up an extra helping and savor the comfort!

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 14 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in a comforting and creamy beef and bowtie pasta dish that’s perfect for a hearty family dinner. This recipe combines tender bowtie pasta with savory ground beef, a rich tomato-based cream sauce, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta

Beef Mixture:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 cups baby spinach (optional)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil the bowtie pasta until al dente; drain and set aside.
Prepare the Beef Mixture: Sauté ground beef and onion, then add garlic, seasonings, diced tomatoes, and broth.
Add Cream Sauce: Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese until slightly thickened.
Combine and Serve: Toss in cooked pasta and spinach, simmer briefly, then garnish with parsley.