Rich, cheesy, and packed with flavor — this creamy beef and bowtie pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, combining tender pasta, savory beef, and a luscious creamy sauce!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Comforting and creamy with a rich, cheesy sauce.

• Quick and easy — ready in just 30 minutes.

• Packed with protein from ground beef and full of flavor.

• Perfect for weeknight dinners or family meals.

Ingredients

• 1 lb ground beef (80/20 for flavor or leaner for less fat)

• 8 oz bowtie pasta (about 3½ cups dry)

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 small onion, diced (about ½ cup)

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp)

• 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 (optional, for garnish)

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Kcal: ~620 kcal per serving

Directions

Step 1: Cook Pasta

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions (8–10 minutes). Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté Onion & Garlic

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and sauté 3–4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Cook Ground Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet and cook 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 4: Make Creamy Sauce

Pour in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in heavy cream, cheddar, Parmesan, and paprika. Cook 3–4 minutes until cheese melts and sauce thickens.

Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add cooked pasta to the skillet and stir until well coated. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.

Step 6: Serve

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• Cheese Swap: Use mozzarella, Swiss, or pepper jack for different flavors.

• Veggie Boost: Add peas, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.

• Make Ahead: Cook sauce and pasta separately, then combine when reheating.

• Spice it Up: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use other pasta types?

Yes, penne, rotini, or fusilli all work well.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, store cooked pasta and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stove.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely — just note the sauce may be slightly less rich.

Storage & Reheating

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta is a quick, satisfying, and flavorful dinner option that the whole family will love. With its cheesy sauce, tender pasta, and savory beef, it’s a perfect weeknight comfort meal!