It’s 6pm, you’re tired, and everyone’s hungry. You need a meal that fills bellies fast without any stress. This Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta is the perfect solution for your busiest nights. It combines hearty beef with a silky, garlic-infused sauce you will love.
This dish delivers big flavor with very little effort. Your family will enjoy every single bite of this warm comfort food. It is exactly what you need for a satisfying meal right now.
Why This Recipe Is a Winner
This recipe is a total lifesaver for weeknight dinners. It feels like a fancy restaurant meal but uses simple ingredients. The rich parmesan sauce clings perfectly to every piece of bowtie pasta. It is incredibly filling and comes together in just 30 minutes.
This is the best choice for a cozy fall evening at home. It is simple enough for beginners but tastes like a pro made it. Your kids will likely ask for seconds before you even finish yours. It is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any home cook.
Simple Method
You start by boiling your pasta until it is perfectly tender. While that cooks, you brown the beef in one large skillet. The sauce builds right in the same pan with cream and cheese. It is a simple process that minimizes your total cleanup time. Even if you are new to cooking, you can do this.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Most of these items are likely already waiting in your pantry or fridge.
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Step-by-Step
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a light simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and dried parsley.
- Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce begins to thicken, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet.
- Toss the pasta with the beef and sauce until evenly coated and serve immediately.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve this warm in big, shallow bowls for the best experience. Add a side of warm garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly. This is a great kid-approved meal that makes dinner time easy. Gather everyone around the table and enjoy this together.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to the pan. Warm it over low heat to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the best texture. This meal makes a wonderful lunch for the next day.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t skip salting your pasta water for the best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the pasta so it stays firm in the sauce.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the smoothest possible melt.
- Brown the beef well to get those tasty golden edges.
- For a cozy fall twist, add a pinch of ground nutmeg.
- Keep a little pasta water aside to thin the sauce later.
- Always drain the excess fat from the beef for a cleaner sauce.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Swap the beef for ground turkey for a lighter dinner option.
- Use gluten-free bowtie pasta to keep the meal gluten-free.
- Add a handful of fresh spinach at the end for greens.
- Stir in sautéed mushrooms for an earthy autumn flavor profile.
- Swap the parsley for fresh basil for a bright summer finish.
Common Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
You can, but the pasta will absorb the sauce as it sits. If making ahead, keep extra broth handy for reheating. This helps bring the creamy texture back to life easily.
Can I use milk instead of heavy cream?
You can use whole milk, but the sauce will be thinner. You might need a teaspoon of cornstarch to help it thicken. Heavy cream provides the best rich flavor for this dish.
How do I know when the sauce is done?
The sauce should coat the back of a spoon easily. It will continue to thicken once you add the pasta. Aim for a silky consistency before tossing everything together.
I hope this cozy recipe brings a little extra warmth to your table tonight. It is the kind of meal that makes everyone feel loved and full. Happy cooking!
— Alex
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 4 cloves garlic , minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp sal t
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
- Add minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in beef broth and heavy cream. Bring to a light simmer.
- Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, pepper, and dried parsley.
- Continue to stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce begins to thicken, approximately 3 to 5 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and add it directly to the skillet.
- Toss the pasta with the beef and sauce until evenly coated and serve immediately.
