Introduction
When comfort food cravings hit, there’s nothing like a bowl of creamy pasta to bring everything together. This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is rich, savory, and cheesy — everything you want in a one-pan meal. With tender farfalle, seasoned beef, and a luscious cheese sauce made with cheddar and Parmesan, this dish is destined to become a family favorite.
Why I Love This Recipe
I love meals that feel indulgent but come together quickly. This one hits all the right notes: juicy ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of paprika for depth. It’s weeknight-friendly, budget-friendly, and always hits the spot. Bonus? It reheats like a dream.
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)
Swaps & Notes
- Meat options: Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- Pasta shapes: Penne, rotini, or shells also work great.
- Cheese: You can mix in Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or mozzarella for a twist.
- Add veggies: Stir in peas or spinach during the last few minutes for a green boost.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Sauté Onion and Garlic
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook until softened (about 3–4 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute more.
3. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spatula and cook until browned all the way through. Drain any excess fat.
4. Make the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, shredded cheddar, Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Continue stirring until cheese melts and sauce thickens slightly (about 3–5 minutes).
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Stir well until the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy beef sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Garnish & Serve
Top with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve warm and enjoy every creamy, cheesy bite.
Tips for Success
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the best melt and texture.
- Let the sauce simmer briefly before adding pasta to let the flavors come together.
- Don’t skip the paprika — it adds warmth and a subtle smoky flavor.
- Double the batch — it’s that good and reheats beautifully!
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Round out this cozy pasta dish with these easy sides:
- Pair it with garlic bread or a crusty roll.
- Add a simple green salad to lighten things up.
- For bold flavors on the side, serve with Beer Cheese Dip and crackers.
- Make it a Southern-inspired meal with Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo as a starter.
Storage & Leftovers
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce.
- Freezing? Best avoided with cream sauces, but the beef mixture freezes well before combining with pasta.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Craving more comfort food favorites? Check out:
- This Dorito Casserole Is My Favorite Weeknight Dinner Shortcut
- These Easy Turkey Wings Are My Favorite Comfort Food for Lazy Sundays
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is what weeknight dinner dreams are made of — easy to prep, rich with flavor, and full of comfort. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just craving something warm and satisfying, this pasta delivers. Make it once and it’ll quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation.
Tried it? Tag @ChefManiac and share your cheesy skillet masterpiece! 🍝🧀🔥
Leave a Reply