Creamy Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta is the kind of comforting dinner that brings together tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, a rich creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. The bowtie-shaped pasta, also known as farfalle, is especially good at holding onto the sauce, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
This easy one-pan-style pasta meal is perfect for busy weeknights because it uses simple ingredients and comes together without complicated techniques. The combination of savory beef, garlic, tomatoes, cream, and cheese creates a hearty dinner that the whole family can enjoy.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. The pasta should be tender but still have a slight bite in the center.
Before draining, reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water. This starchy water can be used later to loosen the sauce and help it cling beautifully to the pasta.
Drain the pasta and set it aside. Avoid rinsing it because the natural starch on the surface helps the creamy sauce adhere to the noodles.
Brown the Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet or deep sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for approximately 5 to 7 minutes, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it browns.
When the beef is no longer pink, drain excess grease if necessary. If your beef is very lean, you may add a tablespoon of olive oil to help cook the vegetables.
Add the diced onion and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until it begins to soften. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Add the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir everything together so the beef becomes evenly seasoned.
Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour the tomato sauce and beef broth into the skillet. Stir well, scraping the bottom of the pan to loosen any flavorful browned bits.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and allow the mixture to simmer for about 3 to 4 minutes. This gives the flavors time to combine.
Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring. Continue cooking over medium-low heat for another 2 to 3 minutes. The sauce should become warm, creamy, and slightly thickened.
Do not let the cream boil aggressively, as gentle cooking helps maintain a smooth sauce.
Add the Cheese
Reduce the heat to low. Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan a little at a time, stirring continuously.
Allow each addition of cheese to melt before adding more. The cheddar provides a rich savory flavor, mozzarella gives the sauce a smooth, stretchy quality, and Parmesan adds salty depth.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Continue adding small amounts until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Combine the Pasta
Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly to the skillet. Gently toss everything together until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy beef sauce.
Let the pasta cook with the sauce over low heat for 1 to 2 minutes. This short finishing step allows the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and brings all the flavors together.
If the mixture looks too thick, add another splash of pasta water. If it looks too loose, allow it to simmer gently for another minute.
Add the Finishing Touch
Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle the pasta with chopped fresh parsley. For an extra cheesy finish, add a little more Parmesan or mozzarella over the top.
Let the pasta rest for a minute or two before serving. The sauce will thicken slightly as it stands while remaining creamy and delicious.
Helpful Tips
For the best flavor, choose ground beef with enough fat to remain juicy while cooking. If using very lean beef, a small amount of olive oil can help keep the mixture moist.
Freshly shredded cheese generally melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese. For an especially silky sauce, grate the cheddar and Parmesan yourself.
Do not overcook the bowtie pasta. Since it will spend another minute in the sauce, cooking it just until al dente prevents it from becoming mushy.
The reserved pasta water is an important ingredient rather than something to discard immediately. Its starch helps loosen the sauce while keeping it creamy and cohesive.
You can add vegetables to make the meal even more substantial. Sliced mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, zucchini, or diced tomatoes all work well.
Easy Variations
For a spicy version, increase the red pepper flakes or add a little cayenne pepper. You can also stir in chopped jalapeños for extra heat.
For a smoky flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika. Ground turkey or chicken can replace the beef if you prefer a lighter protein.
You can also turn this into a cheesier baked pasta. Transfer the finished mixture to a greased baking dish, sprinkle generously with mozzarella, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbling and golden.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Creamy Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta while it is hot and freshly coated in sauce. A simple green salad makes a refreshing side dish, while steamed broccoli or roasted vegetables add color and extra nutrients.
Warm garlic bread is another excellent choice because it can be used to scoop up any remaining creamy sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because creamy pasta can thicken when chilled, add a splash of milk, cream, or broth when reheating.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid very high heat, which can cause the cheese sauce to separate.
