Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta – A Comfort Food Classic

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a weeknight dinner dream—hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed with seasoned ground beef, a creamy tomato sauce, and just the right amount of cheese to create a dish that’s comforting yet simple. This one-pan wonder is sure to become a family favorite, offering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick & Easy: Dinner on the table in half an hour.
Kid-Approved: Creamy, cheesy, and mild in flavor.
One-Pan Simplicity: Minimal cleanup required.
Comfort Food Favorite: A hearty dish that satisfies everyone.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 1 small onion, finely diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ½ cup light cream cheese, cubed and softened
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat if needed. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.

3. Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors blend.

4. Make It Creamy
Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until smooth and melted. Add mozzarella and mix until the sauce is creamy and cheesy.

5. Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing until well coated in the creamy beef sauce.

6. Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 370
Carbohydrates: 35g
Fat: 15g
Protein: 25g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

  • Use Lean Beef: Keeps the dish flavorful but not greasy.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: Prevents it from getting mushy when tossed in sauce.
  • Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
  • Cheese Variations: Try Parmesan or cheddar for a different twist.

Why This Recipe Works

The bowtie pasta holds onto the creamy beef sauce perfectly, while the blend of cream cheese and mozzarella adds a rich, velvety texture. With simple ingredients and quick cooking time, this recipe delivers all the satisfaction of comfort food without hours in the kitchen.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is an easy, family-friendly recipe that delivers big on flavor and comfort. It’s rich, cheesy, and hearty enough to satisfy everyone at the table. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you just need a warm, filling meal, this dish is sure to earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta – A Comfort Food Classic

Servings

6

servings
Prep time

10

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes
Calories

370

kcal
Total time

30

minutes

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a weeknight dinner dream—hearty, flavorful, and ready in under 30 minutes. Tender bowtie pasta is tossed with seasoned ground beef, a creamy tomato sauce, and just the right amount of cheese to create a dish that’s comforting yet simple. This one-pan wonder is sure to become a family favorite, offering the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and ease.

Ingredients

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)

  • 1 lb lean ground beef

  • 1 small onion, finely diced

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce

  • 1 cup beef broth

  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning

  • ½ tsp paprika

  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

  • ½ cup light cream cheese, cubed and softened

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the Pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Brown the Beef
    In a large skillet or sauté pan, cook ground beef and onion over medium heat until beef is browned and onion is softened. Drain excess fat if needed. Add garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  • Build the Sauce
    Stir in tomato sauce, beef broth, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes to let flavors blend.
  • Make It Creamy
    Reduce heat to low. Stir in cream cheese until smooth and melted. Add mozzarella and mix until the sauce is creamy and cheesy.
  • Combine with Pasta
    Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing until well coated in the creamy beef sauce.
  • Serve
    Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use Lean Beef: Keeps the dish flavorful but not greasy.
    Cook Pasta Al Dente: Prevents it from getting mushy when tossed in sauce.
    Add Veggies: Stir in spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
    Cheese Variations: Try Parmesan or cheddar for a different twist.

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