Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This creamy beef and bowtie pasta is everything you could want in a weeknight dinner: hearty, creamy, flavorful, and comforting. The ground beef adds a savory depth, while the rich marinara sauce and heavy cream create a velvety smooth sauce. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s a cheesy, delicious dish that’s bound to become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a one-pan meal that’s quick and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Brown the beef until fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Remove any excess grease.
- Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, until the onion softens and the garlic becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Pour in the marinara sauce and stir to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Add the heavy cream to the skillet and stir until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth. Bring to a simmer and cook for another 2-3 minutes.
- Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the pasta with the sauce.
- Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes thick and creamy.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 20-25 minutes
- Total time: 30-35 minutes
Variations
- Vegetarian option: Replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or use sautéed mushrooms for a savory, vegetarian version.
- Spicy version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce for some extra heat.
- Cheese: For a cheesier dish, add more mozzarella or try adding ricotta for extra creaminess.
- Pasta variety: You can substitute the bowtie pasta with any pasta you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or spaghetti.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover creamy beef and bowtie pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much. Alternatively, you can microwave it in a covered dish, stirring halfway through heating.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and will provide a lighter flavor.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Just store them separately in the refrigerator and combine when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the creamy beef and bowtie pasta. Store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
What other cheeses can I use for this recipe?
You can substitute the mozzarella and Parmesan with other cheeses like cheddar, provolone, or even Gouda for a different flavor profile.
Can I make this recipe without cream?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk for a lighter version of the sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Can I use homemade marinara sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade marinara sauce will add an extra layer of flavor to the dish. Just make sure it’s well-seasoned before adding it to the pan.
How do I prevent the pasta from getting soggy?
Be sure to drain the pasta well before adding it to the sauce, and don’t let it sit in the sauce for too long. Toss the pasta gently to coat it evenly.
Can I use non-dairy alternatives for this recipe?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a non-dairy option like coconut cream or almond milk, and use vegan cheese for a dairy-free version.
Can I use another type of pasta?
Of course! You can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne, rigatoni, or rotini.
Conclusion
Creamy beef and bowtie pasta is a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish that brings the best of Italian-inspired ingredients together. With its rich, creamy sauce, hearty beef, and melty cheese, this dish is sure to be a hit with your family or guests. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this pasta recipe will satisfy your cravings and leave everyone asking for seconds!
Print
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, flavorful dish featuring ground beef, creamy marinara sauce, and melted cheese. This easy, one-pan meal is perfect for a weeknight dinner, with rich flavors from Italian seasoning and paprika. Topped with mozzarella and Parmesan, it’s sure to please the whole family.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
-
Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
-
In a large skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it browns, about 6-8 minutes. Remove any excess grease.
-
Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet, cooking for 2-3 minutes until soft.
-
Stir in Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, mixing well.
-
Pour in marinara sauce and let simmer for 5 minutes to meld flavors.
-
Add heavy cream and stir until smooth, letting it simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
-
Toss in cooked bowtie pasta, ensuring it’s coated with the sauce.
-
Sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over the pasta, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.
-
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.
Notes
For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with plant-based meat or mushrooms.
Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeño for extra spice.
Customize the cheese blend with ricotta, cheddar, or Gouda for different flavors.
Feel free to use any pasta shape you like.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
