The Best Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta You’ll Ever Make

This creamy beef bowtie pasta stands out because it brings together everything people love in one comforting bowl. The tender pasta holds a smooth creamy sauce while the seasoned beef and gentle herbs add warmth and depth. It feels rich and hearty yet still simple and familiar in the best way. The ingredients are basic and affordable, and the recipe comes together easily in one pot which makes it perfect for busy days and relaxed evenings. The sauce becomes velvety without feeling heavy, the pasta stays firm, and the beef stays tender. It fills the kitchen with a cozy aroma and delivers a balanced satisfying dish that works for family dinners, meal prep, or anytime you want something warm and comforting.

Ingredients Needed

For the pasta

• 12 ounces bowtie pasta
• Water for boiling
• 1 teaspoon salt for the pasta water

For the beef and sauce

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 medium onion finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ¾ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon chopped parsley for garnish

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the salt. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until it is firm but tender, about ten to eleven minutes. Stir once or twice to prevent sticking. Drain the pasta and set it aside without rinsing so the starch helps the sauce cling better later.

Brown the beef

Heat the olive oil in a skillet. Add the ground beef and cook until browned. Stir in the onion and garlic and cook until the onion is soft and fragrant.

Season and build flavor

Add the salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning and mix well. Pour in the tomato sauce and let it simmer for two to three minutes so it blends smoothly with the beef.

Create the creamy sauce

Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream and stir until the sauce looks smooth. Let it simmer on low heat until it begins to thicken. Add the parmesan and stir as it melts into the sauce, creating a rich silky texture.

Bring it all together

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and fold it into the sauce until coated. Let it simmer for one to two minutes so the flavors blend. Remove from the heat and sprinkle parsley on top for a fresh finish.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

Creamy beef bowtie pasta is easy to customize with what you already have. You can add vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers while cooking the beef and they will blend naturally into the sauce. If you want a stronger tomato flavor, add a little extra tomato sauce. For a lighter texture, replace some of the heavy cream with milk. For a richer taste, add more parmesan or a spoon of cream cheese. You can also swap the beef for chicken or turkey, add red pepper flakes for heat, or use smoked paprika for a warm smoky note. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of broth. If it is too thin, let it simmer longer. This dish adjusts easily and always turns out delicious.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this creamy beef bowtie pasta provides about five hundred and fifty calories with twenty nine grams of protein and forty five grams of carbohydrates. It contains around thirty grams of fat with sixteen grams of saturated fat and about six grams of sugar. These values are approximate and can vary slightly depending on the brands and exact amounts of ingredients used.

Serving Suggestions

Creamy beef bowtie pasta tastes best when served warm and pairs well with a green salad, garlic bread, or simple steamed vegetables. A little extra parmesan or fresh herbs on top makes it look fresh and adds a gentle boost of flavor. This dish works well for family dinners, casual meals, and even meal prep because it reheats easily without losing its creamy texture. Serving it in warm bowls with a sprinkle of parsley or basil makes it feel comforting and inviting.

Frequently Asked Questions