Name: Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta; 1 tbsp olive oil; 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey); 1 small onion, finely chopped; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional); Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice); 1/2 cup beef broth or water; 4 oz cream cheese, softened; 1/2 cup heavy cream (or whole milk); 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; Chopped parsley, for garnish

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Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the kind of comforting, hearty meal I crave on busy weeknights. With tender bowtie pasta, a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, and perfectly seasoned ground beef, this one-pan dinner delivers flavor and satisfaction in every bite. Whether I’m feeding a family or looking for something cozy and filling, this recipe checks all the boxes.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)

1 small onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

½ teaspoon paprika (optional)

Salt & black pepper, to taste

1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)

½ cup beef broth or water

4 oz cream cheese, softened

½ cup heavy cream (or whole milk for lighter version)

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Chopped parsley, for garnish

Directions

Cook the Pasta:
I start by boiling the bowtie pasta in salted water until it's al dente. Once done, I drain it and set it aside.

Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet over medium heat, I heat the olive oil and cook the ground beef with chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onions are soft. Then I stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper and cook for another minute.

Simmer the Sauce:
Next, I pour in the diced tomatoes with their juice and the beef broth. I let this simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to reduce slightly and let the flavors come together.

Make it Creamy:
I lower the heat and stir in the softened cream cheese until it melts into the sauce. Then I add the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, mixing until the sauce is smooth and rich.

Combine and Serve:
I toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, making sure it’s fully coated. I let it simmer for a couple more minutes so the flavors can meld.

Garnish:
I top it all off with chopped parsley and maybe a little extra Parmesan before serving it hot.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people. From start to finish, it takes about 30 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels like a treat.

Variations

I like to add spinach, mushrooms, or peas if I want more veggies. For a different twist, I sometimes swap the cream cheese for Boursin or mascarpone, which makes the sauce even more indulgent. When I’m in the mood for spice, I add red pepper flakes or use hot Italian sausage instead of beef.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftovers, I keep the pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a splash of milk or water to loosen the sauce and warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave. It still tastes delicious the next day.

FAQs

How can I make this recipe lighter?

I use whole milk instead of heavy cream and ground turkey instead of beef for a lighter version. Skipping the cream cheese or using a reduced-fat version also helps.

Can I freeze Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?

Yes, but I find the texture of the cream sauce changes slightly after freezing. I recommend freezing without the pasta, then cooking fresh pasta when reheating the sauce.

What vegetables go well in this dish?

Spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, and peas are all great choices. I stir them in just before adding the cream to keep them fresh and vibrant.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. I’ve made this with penne, rotini, and shells. I just make sure to adjust cooking times so the pasta is al dente.

Is this recipe spicy?

Not by default. The paprika adds mild warmth, but it’s easy to add heat with red pepper flakes or spicy sausage if I want more kick.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is my go-to comfort food when I need something filling, flavorful, and easy to make. It’s a crowd-pleaser that can be dressed up or down, and it always leaves me satisfied. Whether I stick to the original or mix things up with variations, it never disappoints.

Recipe:

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 to 6 servings
Diet: Halal

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Description

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting one-pan meal made with tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato-based creamy sauce. It's hearty, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Instructions

Cook the bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook ground beef and chopped onion until the beef is browned and onions are soft.
Add garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
Stir in diced tomatoes with juice and beef broth. Simmer for 5–7 minutes.
Reduce heat and stir in cream cheese until melted. Add heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and mix until well coated. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.