Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and meat ahead of time and refrigerate them. When ready to eat, cook the pasta fresh and combine with the warmed sauce for best texture.

What can I use instead of heavy cream?

You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a mixture of whole milk and a tablespoon of flour. While it won’t be as rich, it will still yield a creamy result.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use lean ground beef or substitute with ground turkey. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers to boost nutrition.

Does this recipe freeze well?

Yes, it freezes beautifully. Store cooled leftovers in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Name: Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb ground beef; 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Description

Creamy beef and bowtie pasta is a quick and comforting one-skillet meal made with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a cheesy, savory cream sauce. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and beginner cooks looking for easy dinner inspiration.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef
8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and set aside while preparing the sauce.
Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant but not browned.
Brown the Meat: Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess fat from the pan to keep the dish from becoming greasy.
Build the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and allow it to simmer briefly with the beef. Stir in the heavy cream, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, and paprika. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is thick and creamy.
Combine and Season: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss gently until all the pasta is coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Serve and Garnish: Plate the pasta immediately while hot and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Notes

For added texture and nutrition, stir in sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or diced bell peppers before combining with the pasta. To add a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne can elevate the flavor. If using a milk-based cream substitute, consider adding a teaspoon of flour or cornstarch to help thicken the sauce.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 640
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 720mg
Fat: 44g
Saturated Fat: 21g
Unsaturated Fat: 14g
Trans Fat: 1g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 90mg