Name: Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner); 8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small onion, diced; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half); 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

This creamy beef and bowtie pasta is one of those comforting meals I turn to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare. The tender farfalle pasta holds onto the rich, creamy sauce, while the seasoned ground beef gives it that savory, satisfying bite. It’s the perfect balance of simple ingredients coming together to make a family-friendly dinner that always hits the spot.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this dish because it’s a complete meal in one pot—protein, pasta, and sauce all tied together with creamy goodness. The bowtie pasta not only looks fun but also holds onto the sauce really well, so every bite is coated. It’s a recipe I can throw together on a busy weeknight, yet it’s cozy enough to serve when I want something indulgent and filling. Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Ground beef (I use 80/20 for flavor, or leaner if I want to cut fat)
Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Olive oil
Onion, diced
Garlic, minced
Italian seasoning
Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
Beef broth
Heavy cream (or half-and-half for a lighter version)
Parmesan cheese, grated
Salt
Black pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Directions

I cook the bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, I heat olive oil and sauté the onion until soft, then add garlic and cook until fragrant.
I add the ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbled, then season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
I stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth, letting the sauce simmer for 10 minutes.
I reduce the heat and stir in heavy cream, then add Parmesan cheese until the sauce is creamy.
I toss in the cooked bowtie pasta, mixing well so it’s coated in the sauce.
I garnish with parsley and serve warm.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prep and 25 minutes to cook, so I have it ready in about 35 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. If I want a spicy kick, I add red pepper flakes or use Italian sausage instead of ground beef. For a veggie boost, I toss in mushrooms, spinach, or zucchini. I also sometimes substitute ricotta or cream cheese for part of the cream to make it extra rich.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently on the stove with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave works too, but I stir halfway through to keep it creamy.

FAQs

Can I make this without cream?

Yes, I sometimes use milk with a little cream cheese for a lighter sauce.

What pasta shapes can I use instead of bowties?

Penne, rigatoni, or rotini all work well since they hold onto the sauce.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes, I often cook the beef and sauce ahead of time, then boil pasta fresh and combine before serving.

Can I freeze this pasta dish?

Yes, I freeze it in portions for up to 2 months. I reheat gently on the stove with extra cream or broth to bring back the sauce.

How do I keep the pasta from drying out when reheating?

I always add a splash of broth, water, or cream while reheating so the sauce stays creamy.

Conclusion

This creamy beef and bowtie pasta is rich, satisfying, and so easy to make. The hearty beef, tender pasta, and silky sauce come together for a comforting dish that I love making again and again. It’s one of those recipes that always earns a spot at the dinner table.

Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish featuring farfalle pasta in a rich tomato-cream sauce with seasoned ground beef. It’s an easy, family-friendly meal that comes together quickly and delivers cozy, indulgent flavor.

Author: Lizaa
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (80/20 or leaner)
8 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 cup crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
1/2 cup beef broth
1/2 cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté until soft.
Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Add ground beef and cook until browned and crumbled. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Stir in crushed tomatoes and beef broth. Let simmer for 10 minutes.
Reduce heat, stir in heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.