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Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

4.5 from 70 reviews

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and delicious dish featuring tender ground beef cooked with aromatic onions and garlic, combined with al dente bowtie pasta, all smothered in a rich, cheesy cream sauce made from cheddar, Parmesan, and a hint of paprika for a subtle smoky kick. This easy skillet recipe makes a perfect weeknight dinner that’s quick to prepare and satisfying for the whole family.

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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 & pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the 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 the pasta well and set aside.
  2. Cook the Beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened and translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat from the skillet.
  3. Make the Sauce: Stir in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Pour in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, creating a rich and creamy consistency.
  4. Combine: Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Taste and season with salt and pepper as desired.
  5. Serve: Garnish the creamy beef and bowtie pasta with freshly chopped parsley if you like, and serve immediately for a delicious and hearty meal.

Notes

  • Drain the cooked ground beef well to avoid a greasy sauce.
  • Feel free to substitute cheddar cheese with mozzarella for a different flavor.
  • You can add vegetables such as mushrooms or bell peppers with the onions for extra nutrition.
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, simmer it a bit longer before adding the pasta.
  • Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.

Keywords: creamy beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta skillet, easy weeknight dinner