This Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta is a rich, comforting, family-friendly dinner made with tender ground beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety cream sauce loaded with Parmesan and seasoning. It’s quick, hearty, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want a satisfying homemade meal without the fuss.

⭐ Why You’ll Love This Dish

Ready in 25–30 minutes
Creamy, cheesy, beefy, and comforting

Uses simple, budget-friendly ingredients
A guaranteed family favorite
Perfect for leftovers and meal prep

🍽️ Ingredients

For the Pasta

12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Salt, for boiling water

For the Creamy Beef Sauce

1 lb ground beef

1 tablespoon olive oil (if needed)
1 small onion, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper

½ teaspoon salt (more to taste)
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 cup beef broth

1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Fresh parsley, for garnish

👩‍🍳 Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente.

Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add ground beef (with olive oil only if needed).

Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon.
Drain any excess grease.

3. Add Onion & Garlic

Add the diced onion to the cooked beef.

Sauté 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add the minced garlic and cook another 30 seconds.

4. Season

Stir in:

Italian seasoning
Paprika
Salt

Black pepper
Red pepper flakes (optional)

Mix well so the meat is fully seasoned.

5. Add Tomato Paste & Broth

Add the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Pour in the beef broth and stir to combine.
Simmer for 2–3 minutes.

6. Make It Creamy

Reduce heat to medium.
Pour in the heavy cream and stir.
Add the shredded Parmesan and mix until melted and creamy.

Add a splash of pasta water if the sauce is too thick.

7. Combine with Pasta

Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly into the sauce.
Toss until every piece is coated in the creamy beef mixture.

8. Serve

Garnish with:

Fresh parsley
Extra Parmesan

A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Serve hot!

❤️ Tips for the Best Creamy Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan for the smoothest sauce.

Add more beef broth if you prefer a thinner sauce.
Add some spinach into the sauce to increase nutrients.
Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half (add extra Parmesan to thicken).

🌟 Variations

Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Add 1 cup shredded mozzarella for extra creaminess.

Spicy Version

Use spicy Italian sausage instead of beef or add extra chili flakes.

Veggie Boost

Stir in mushrooms, spinach, peas, or diced tomatoes.

One-Pot Method

Cook pasta directly in broth and cream — then add beef.

🥡 Storage

Refrigerator: 3–4 days
Freezer: Not recommended (cream sauce may separate)

Reheating: Add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creaminess.

Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta

Author: WAFA LI

Print Recipe

Ingredients

• 8 oz bowtie pasta (or farfalle; gluten-free if needed)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb (450g) sirloin or flank steak, thinly sliced
• Salt & black pepper to taste
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 8 oz cremini mushrooms, sliced
• 1 tbsp butter (optional, for richness)
• ½ cup dry white wine (or sub with beef broth)
• 1 cup heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk
• ½ cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for depth)
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Season beef with salt and pepper.
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, warm olive oil. Sear beef in batches until browned. Remove and set aside.

In the same pan, sauté onion 4–5 minutes until soft. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
Stir in mushrooms and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and tender.
Pour in white wine (if using) and simmer 1–2 minutes to deglaze the pan.

Reduce heat to low. Stir in heavy cream, cheese, Dijon (if using), thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and creamy.
Return beef to the pan. Toss gently to coat and heat through (1–2 minutes).
Add cooked pasta and stir to combine. Warm through 1–2 minutes.

Taste and adjust seasoning—add more pepper, salt, or a splash of lemon juice for brightness.
Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.

✨ Great with:
• Garlic bread or crusty baguette
• A crisp green salad
• Steamed broccoli or green beans

💡 Make ahead: Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream to restore richness.

PREP TIME & NUTRITION :
Prep Time : 15 mins , Cook Time : 20 mins , Total Time : 35 mins , Servings : 4 , Calories : 480 per serving , Net Carbs: 32g , Fats: 24g , Protein: 32g