Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta: A Cozy One-Pot Wonder
If you’re on the hunt for a rich and hearty one-pot dish that delivers comfort in every bite, look no further than this Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta! With tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a luxuriously creamy tomato-based sauce, this recipe is the epitome of a satisfying weeknight dinner. It’s quick to whip up, packed with protein, and perfect for feeding a hungry crowd or saving as delicious leftovers.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What’s not to love about a meal that comes together effortlessly in one pan? I adore how easy this dish is to make, which means cleanup is a breeze! The combination of savory ground beef, tomatoes, and aromatic Italian seasoning creates a robust flavor profile, while the addition of cream and melty cheese gives it that luscious, silky finish we all crave. It’s family-friendly, adaptable, and hearty enough to stand on its own or pair beautifully with a simple side salad or some garlic bread. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up whatever ingredients you have on hand!
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package directions. Once al dente, drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet or deep sauté pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, allowing them to sauté for about 2–3 minutes until the onion is soft and fragrant.
- Season It Up: Sprinkle in the Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using) to elevate the flavors.
- Add the Sauces: Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well and bring everything to a simmer.
- Let It Simmer: Reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Cream It Up: Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 2–3 minutes until everything is beautifully combined.
- Combine with Pasta: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing everything until the noodles are well-coated in that creamy sauce.
- Melt the Cheese: Finally, stir in the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until they melt and create a rich, creamy sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve warm. Enjoy every comforting bite!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: This recipe makes 6 generous servings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 520 kcal per serving
Variations
- Protein Swaps: I love swapping ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
- Veggie Delight: For a vegetarian twist, mushrooms and zucchini work beautifully in place of meat.
- Spice It Up: If I’m in the mood for more heat, I’ll add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- Greens Galore: Mixing in a handful of spinach or kale right before serving adds a pop of color and nutrition.
- Cheese Choices: Switching out the mozzarella for sharper cheeses like provolone or fontina gives this dish a fun twist!
Storage and Reheating
- Leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, I usually use the microwave or warm it on the stovetop with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce. I recommend avoiding freezing, as the creamy texture can break down after thawing.
FAQs
How can I make this dish lighter?
I often use lean ground beef and swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a plant-based milk like unsweetened almond or coconut cream. Skipping the extra cheese also lightens it up a bit.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! I’ve used penne, rotini, and even rigatoni when I didn’t have bowties on hand. Any short pasta shape works great.
What can I serve with this?
I usually pair it with a green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables. A nice glass of red wine complements the rich flavors beautifully!
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes! It’s creamy, cheesy, and mild (unless I go heavy on the red pepper flakes). Kids usually love it, especially with the fun bowtie pasta.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Definitely! I’ve made this a day in advance, and it reheats beautifully. I just hold off on adding the cheese until I’m ready to reheat and serve.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta has quickly become one of my go-to comfort meals. It’s simple, flavorful, and brings everyone to the table. Whether I’m cooking for my family or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers on taste and convenience every single time. Enjoy! 🍝✨
