Description
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a rich, hearty dish featuring tender beef, savory seasonings, and a creamy sauce that perfectly coats the bowtie pasta. This one-pan meal is simple to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner. The combination of beef, cream, and pasta creates a satisfying, comforting meal that everyone will love. A quick and easy family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente (about 9-10 minutes). Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set it aside. - Cook the beef:
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil (or butter) over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked (about 7-8 minutes). Drain any excess fat if necessary. - Sauté the vegetables:
Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is softened. Add the minced garlic, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant. - Make the creamy sauce:
Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Add the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. - Combine the pasta and sauce:
Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the beef mixture. Toss the pasta to coat it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach the desired consistency. - Add Parmesan and finish:
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and mix well until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. - Serve:
Serve the creamy beef and bowtie pasta hot, garnished with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter version, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
- You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner alternative to beef.
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little heat.
- You can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the dish for added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course, Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Italian-inspired