A rich and comforting pasta dish with tender ground beef, creamy Parmesan sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. I love how this recipe brings together simple ingredients to create a hearty, satisfying meal that feels both cozy and indulgent.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
1 lb ground beef (lean)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil for cooking
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions
I start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and cooking the bowtie pasta according to the package directions. Once cooked, I drain it and set it aside.
In a large skillet, I heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. I add the ground beef and cook it until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. If there is excess fat, I drain it off. Then I stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for about 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Next, I add the Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if I want a bit of heat. I pour in the beef broth and bring everything to a gentle simmer, letting it cook for about 5 to 7 minutes so the liquid reduces slightly.
I then stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. I let the sauce simmer for another 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens into a creamy consistency.
Finally, I add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the sauce. I season with salt and pepper to taste and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 25 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Variations
I sometimes swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a slightly different flavor. When I want to add vegetables, I mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers. For an extra layer of richness, I occasionally add a splash of white wine while the sauce simmers. If I prefer a cheesier finish, I stir in shredded mozzarella or top the pasta with cheese and broil it briefly until bubbly.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, I add a small splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce before warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave. If the pasta has absorbed too much sauce, this helps bring back its creamy texture.
I do not recommend freezing this dish because cream-based sauces can separate when thawed, but if I do freeze it, I reheat it gently while stirring to help restore the texture.
FAQs
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
I can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the pasta. When I am ready to serve, I reheat the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked pasta for the best texture.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
I often use penne, rotini, or shells if I do not have bowtie pasta on hand. I find that any pasta shape that holds sauce well works great.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If I want a thicker sauce, I let it simmer a few extra minutes to reduce further. I can also add a bit more Parmesan cheese to help it thicken naturally.
Is this recipe spicy?
The red pepper flakes add mild heat, but I can easily leave them out if I prefer a completely mild flavor.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
I sometimes substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey. The sauce will be slightly less rich but still creamy and delicious.
Conclusion
This Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta is one of my favorite comfort meals because it is creamy, flavorful, and easy to prepare. I enjoy how simple ingredients come together to create a hearty dish that feels special without requiring complicated steps. Whether I am making it for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal, it always turns out satisfying and delicious.
📖 Recipe:
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Cheesy Beef & Bowtie Pasta
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
A rich and comforting pasta dish made with tender ground beef, bowtie pasta, and a creamy Parmesan sauce. This hearty meal is perfect for busy weeknights and delivers cozy, satisfying flavors in every bite.
Ingredients
1 lb lean ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
2 cups beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Stir in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Italian seasoning and red pepper flakes if using. Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly reduced.
- Stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until fully coated in the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.
Add vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
For a richer flavor, add a splash of white wine while the sauce simmers.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat with a splash of milk or beef broth to loosen the sauce.
Freezing is not recommended as cream-based sauces may separate.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 720 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 42 g
- Saturated Fat: 20 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 55 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 135 mg
