Name: Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 1 lb ground beef; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup beef broth; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste); 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; Chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a rich, comforting dish made with seasoned ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a velvety cream sauce. It’s a quick one-pot dinner that feels indulgent but is easy enough for any night of the week. Every bite is loaded with flavor and coated in cheesy, savory goodness.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Why I Love This Recipe

I love how fast and filling this recipe is. It only takes one pan and a handful of ingredients, but the result tastes like something much more elaborate. The beef adds heartiness, the cream sauce is smooth and flavorful, and the pasta soaks up all the deliciousness. It’s a go-to when I want something easy, cozy, and family-friendly.

Ingredients

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

Bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Ground beef
Olive oil
Yellow onion, finely chopped
Garlic, minced
Beef broth
Heavy cream
Italian seasoning
Salt
Black pepper
Shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Directions

Cook the pasta
I bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Then I drain it and set it aside.
Brown the beef
While the pasta cooks, I heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. I add the ground beef and onion, cooking until the meat is browned and the onions are soft. I stir in the garlic and cook for another minute.
Make the sauce
I pour in the beef broth and heavy cream, then season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. I let it simmer gently for 5–6 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Combine
I stir in the cooked pasta and mix until it’s coated in the sauce. Then I add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until it’s fully melted and creamy.
Serve
I garnish with chopped parsley if I have some on hand, then serve hot and fresh from the skillet.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Cheese swap: I sometimes use mozzarella or a mix of Parmesan and cheddar for a different flavor.
Veggie boost: Adding spinach, peas, or chopped mushrooms works great for extra nutrition.
Spicy version: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a gentle heat that pairs nicely with the cream sauce.
Different pasta: While I love bowties for their texture, I’ve made this with penne, rotini, and shells—all work well.

Storage and Reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. The microwave also works—just stir halfway through and heat until warm.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, I’ve made this with ground turkey and it works really well. It’s lighter but still flavorful, especially with the creamy sauce.

What if I don’t have beef broth?

I sometimes substitute chicken broth or even vegetable broth. If needed, I’ve also used water with a bouillon cube.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

I like to make it fresh, but it holds up well in the fridge and can be made a few hours ahead. I reheat it just before serving and add a splash of broth to freshen it up.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much while sitting, I just stir in a little more cream or broth before serving.

Can I freeze it?

I don’t usually freeze cream-based pastas because the texture changes when reheated, but it’s possible. If I do, I thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is one of those meals I keep coming back to—it’s easy, fast, and incredibly comforting. With simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s perfect for weeknights when I need something warm and satisfying without a lot of fuss. It’s a dish that always hits the spot.