Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
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This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta combines savory ground beef and tender pasta with a rich tomato cream sauce, fresh basil, and plenty of melted cheese. Parmigiano and mozzarella add a deliciously cheesy finish, while the bowtie pasta catches every bit of the creamy sauce. This comforting pasta comes together in about 30 minutes.
If you love this recipe, you should try my Lasagna Soup and Pasta With Lentils.
Quick Look: Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6-8 servings
- Dietary Info: Family-friendly, high protein
- Method: Stovetop pasta
- Technique: Simmered meat tomato cream sauce
- Flavor/Texture: Creamy, savory, cheesy, comforting
Why You’ll Love This Family Favorite!
This creamy beef and bowtie pasta is the kind of comforting dinner everyone runs to the table to eat. Tender pasta, rich tomato cream sauce, savory beef, fresh basil, and plenty of melty cheese come together in one cozy, flavor-packed meal. It tastes like a cross between creamy baked ziti and meat sauce ragù, and it’s easy enough for a busy weeknight.
This is one of those simple pasta dinners that feels nostalgic, hearty, and guaranteed to become part of your regular dinner rotation. Try my Creamy Chicken Orzo (One Pot Recipe) and White Bolognese (Ragu Bianco Sauce) next time.
Made With Amore,
Table of Contents
Simple Ingredients
Growing up, pasta night was never complicated. It was about gathering around the table, passing extra parmigiano, and making something comforting with simple ingredients- just like this creamy beef pasta recipe!
- Bowtie Pasta: Holds onto the creamy sauce in every fold, making it a great shape for this dish.
- Ground Beef: Adds savory flavor and makes the pasta feel like a complete meal.
- Tomato Sauce and Heavy Cream: Create the rich, creamy tomato sauce that gives this pasta its signature flavor and texture.
- Parmigiano Reggiano and Mozzarella: Add salty flavor and a creamy finish.
- Garlic and Yellow Onion: Build the savory base of the sauce and add depth to every bite.
See recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Variations & Substitutions
- Meat Swap: Replace the ground beef with Italian Sausage or ground turkey.
- Add Greens: Stir in fresh spinach or kale for extra color and flavor. You’ll like my Stuffed Manicotti Recipe with Spinach.
- Extra Creaminess: Add ricotta cheese for a richer, creamier sauce.
- Baked Pasta: Top with extra mozzarella and broil until golden and bubbly. For another baked pasta, try my Easy Cheesy Baked Rotini Pasta Recipe.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
This pasta is a cozy, cheesy pasta dinner with a rich tomato cream sauce that clings to every bite. Follow the step-by step photos and see the recipe card at the bottom for a printable version.
- In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and slightly browned, about 4-5 minutes.
- Stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. Pour in the tomato purée or passata and stir in the Italian seasoning.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil. Simmer another 2-3 minutes until creamy and combined.
- Add the parmigiano and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Add the reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta beautifully. Let simmer another few of minutes to combine.
- Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Beef and Bowtie Pasta FAQs
The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in the refrigerator.
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
To reheat, do so gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce.
Add reserved pasta water a little at a time while stirring. The starch helps loosen the sauce while keeping it silky and cohesive.
Yes. Omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or another hearty vegetable. You can also use a plant-based ground meat alternative.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy beef and bowtie pasta pairs well with fresh sides that balance the rich, cheesy sauce. Serve it with a salad dressed with Parmesan Vinaigrette, Roasted Asparagus, or Parmesan Roasted Broccoli for something fresh and colorful, and add Italian Bread for soaking up the extra sauce. For dessert, Lemon Tiramisu adds a bright finish to the meal.
My Pro Tips
Recipe Tips
- Salt the pasta water well; it flavors the entire dish.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt the same.
- Don’t overcook the pasta since it will continue soaking up sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time for a silky restaurant-style sauce.
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
More Pasta Recipes You’ll Love
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Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Ingredients
- ½ pound bowtie pasta, farfalle, medium shells, or small pasta
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce, purée, or passata
- 1 tablespoon homemade Italian seasoning
- dash paprika, more to tate
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped, plus more for serving
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated mozzarella cheese, or fontina cheese
- 1 cup reserved pasta water, as needed
Instructions
- Cook the Beef and Onions. In a large skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon, about 6-8 minutes. Add the diced onion and cook until softened and slightly browned, about 4-5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook another 30 seconds until fragrant. Season with salt and black pepper.
- Cook the Pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Finish the Sauce: Pour in the tomato purée or passata and stir in the Italian seasoning. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 8-10 minutes. Stir in the heavy cream and fresh basil. Simmer another 2-3 minutes until creamy and combined. Add the parmigiano and mozzarella cheese. Stir until melted and smooth. Add the reserved pasta water as needed until the sauce is silky and coats the pasta beautifully. Let simmer another few of minutes to combine.
- Combine: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
- Salt the pasta water well; it flavors the entire dish.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the smoothest sauce. Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt the same.
- Don’t overcook the pasta since it will continue soaking up sauce.
- Add reserved pasta water a little at a time for a silky restaurant-style sauce.
- Use high-quality canned tomatoes for the best flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
