Bring a bowlful of comfort to your table with Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, a rich and satisfying dish that beautifully blends savory ground beef, tender pasta, and a luxuriously creamy sauce. Every bite is a medley of flavors—think juicy tomatoes, warming spices, and gentle ribbons of melted cheese—held together by those cute, irresistible farfalle noodles. This is not just easy to make but also a surefire crowd-pleaser, whether you’re feeding a hungry family on a chilly weeknight or hoping to impress at your next casual get-together.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how such a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into something so memorable! Each component in Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta plays a part in building intense flavor, dreamy texture, and gorgeous color—proof that weeknight dinners can still feel special.

Bowtie Pasta (farfalle): These charming pasta shapes are perfect for catching the creamy sauce in every fold.
Olive Oil: Just a drizzle coats your pan and helps the beef brown beautifully without sticking.
Ground Beef: Pick a quality ground beef for rich, meaty flavor and tender texture throughout the dish.
Onion: Diced onion gives a subtle sweetness and lets the aroma start building right from the start.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds depth and a gentle bite to the sauce.
Diced Tomatoes: Using canned tomatoes with juice gives a tangy, juicy lift—and all those pops of tomato color.
Beef Broth: This liquid gold brings savory depth and helps everything simmer to perfection.
Italian Seasoning: A dash of dried herbs weaves all the flavors together subtly and beautifully.
Smoked Paprika: Just a half teaspoon adds warmth and a hint of smokiness that stands out.
Salt: The classic seasoning to keep everything balanced—taste as you go to get it just right!
Black Pepper: For gentle heat and a touch of sharpness; freshly ground is best.
Heavy Cream: The essential ingredient for that silky, luscious sauce that makes Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta truly creamy.
Shredded Cheddar Cheese or Mozzarella: Melty cheese delivers the ultimate gooeyness; choose one or combine both!
Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of chopped parsley at the end adds fresh color and a little herby brightness.

How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Kick things off by boiling a generous pot of salted water, then cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until they’re perfectly al dente. You want the pasta to have a little bite so it holds up in the sauce later. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, ready for its final creamy destination.

Step 2: Brown the Beef and Onion

Heat up your olive oil in a large skillet or deep pot over medium-high. Add in your ground beef and diced onion. Let them sizzle and cook, breaking up the beef as it browns, until it’s no longer pink and the onion is becoming soft and fragrant—about 5 to 7 minutes. This first step builds the meaty backbone for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, so take your time!

Step 3: Add Garlic

Sprinkle in the minced garlic and give everything a quick stir, letting the garlic cook just enough to release its aroma—about 1 to 2 minutes. Don’t rush, but don’t let it burn! This is where that deep, homey flavor begins to really shine.

Step 4: Stir in Tomatoes and Seasonings

Pour in the diced tomatoes (with all those juices), followed by the beef broth, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine and help all those wonderful flavors meld together. Let the mixture gently simmer for 5 to 7 minutes. Your kitchen will smell incredible!

Step 5: Add Cream and Cheese

Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream, letting it warm through for a couple of minutes to start turning your beef mixture luxuriously silky. Then comes the best part: add the shredded cheese, stirring until everything melts into a beautifully creamy, rich sauce that clings perfectly to each pasta bowtie.

Step 6: Combine and Finish

Toss your cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and fold everything together thoroughly so the sauce coats each noodle. Let it heat together for a minute so all the flavors become one. Top with plenty of fresh chopped parsley right before serving, and bring on the smiles—your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is ready!

How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Garnishes

A generous shower of fresh chopped parsley right before serving brings a pop of color and brightness to every bowl. For even more flavor, consider a sprinkle of extra shredded cheese, a crack of black pepper, or a light dusting of grated Parmesan to make each bite extra special.

Side Dishes

This comforting main dish pairs beautifully with simple sides. I love serving Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with roasted or steamed green veggies like broccoli or green beans, or a crisp leafy salad dressed in tangy vinaigrette. And of course, warm crusty bread makes the perfect companion to scoop up every last bit of sauce!

Creative Ways to Present

Pour your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta into a big serving bowl and garnish in the center for family-style meals, or plate individually in shallow pasta bowls with a tiny swirl of olive oil and parsley on top for date night. For potlucks, keep it warm in a slow cooker and let everyone serve themselves—it’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cool, transfer leftover Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta to airtight containers and pop them in the fridge. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making lunch or dinner the next day an absolute breeze. The flavors deepen overnight, so leftovers taste just as lush!

Freezing

Want to stash some for later? This pasta freezes surprisingly well. Divide cooled portions into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, squeeze out as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best creamy texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place your Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta in a skillet or saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen up the sauce as it warms. If you’re using the microwave, cover the dish and stop to stir halfway through to ensure even heating—add a tiny extra splash of cream if needed.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can! Penne, rotini, or shells all work beautifully with the creamy beef sauce, though bowties are a classic for this recipe. Just adjust cooking time as needed for your chosen shape.

Is it possible to use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?

Absolutely. Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta. You might want to add a bit more seasoning since these proteins are milder than beef.

How can I make this dish a little healthier?

You can cut down on calories by swapping in half-and-half for the heavy cream and using reduced-fat cheese. Adding in extra veggies—like spinach or mushrooms—can also add nutrition and bulk to the meal.

Will this recipe double easily for a crowd?

Yes! Simply double all the ingredients and use a very large skillet or pot. Keep an eye on your seasoning and taste as you go, but otherwise, the method remains the same and feeds a hungry group with ease.

Can I make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta ahead of time?

Definitely. You can assemble the dish and refrigerate it before reheating, though the sauce will thicken as it sits—just add a bit of milk or cream while reheating to revive its signature creaminess.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about a bowl of Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta—it’s like a big, warm hug at the end of a busy day. Don’t be surprised if it becomes a new favorite at your house. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, cheesy, satisfying forkful!