Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta

This Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta recipe started out as one of those late-week, “use what we’ve got in the fridge” kind of dinners, and it ended up becoming one of my family’s most requested meals. I remember standing in the kitchen with a pound of ground beef and a half-used box of bowtie pasta, hoping inspiration would strike before I gave in and ordered takeout. I spotted a forgotten jar of sun-dried tomatoes, a red bell pepper that was just starting to wrinkle, and a wedge of Parmesan left over from another recipe. Something told me I was onto something.

What came together that night was rich, creamy, and absolutely packed with flavor, a sauce infused with garlic, melty Parmesan, and a little kick from the Rotel tomatoes. The texture of the bowtie pasta gives the whole dish a bit of whimsy (kids love it), and the sun-dried tomatoes bring this warm, tangy sweetness that really rounds out the sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s a lot to love about this one-pan creamy beef pasta, and I could probably go on and on about why I make it so often, but here are the highlights:

• Weeknight-friendly: You can have this on the table in about 30 minutes from start to finish.

• Pantry staples: Most of the ingredients are things you probably already have on hand.

• Creamy comfort food: The garlic-Parmesan sauce is indulgent without being heavy, with just enough spice and richness to feel special.

• Hearty and filling: The combination of pasta and ground beef makes it a complete, satisfying meal.

• Flexible: You can tweak the veggies, adjust the spice, or even swap the protein depending on what’s in your fridge.

I also love how this recipe walks the line between casual and elevated. It’s not fussy at all, but it has enough flavor and complexity that you’d be proud to serve it to guests or even just to yourself after a long day.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to pull together for this recipe. Don’t be intimidated by the list it’s mostly simple pantry and fridge items, and they come together fast:

• 12 oz bowtie pasta
• 1 lb ground beef
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 (10 oz) can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 cup chopped red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Preparation

This dish comes together quickly, so it helps to have everything chopped, measured, and ready before you start. Here’s how it goes, step by step:

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, but be sure to save about half a cup of the pasta water before draining it will come in handy later.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a spoon. Cook until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Add the minced garlic to the beef and sauté for 1 to 2 minutes, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Then stir in the chopped red bell pepper and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, letting the vegetables soften.

Step 4: Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt completely. Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth, stirring everything together. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken.

Step 5: Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want a little heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheese until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 6: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, slowly add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 7: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, then serve immediately while it’s warm and delicious.

Variations

This Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta is a flexible dish that you can easily tailor to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Here are four creative ways to switch things up:

• Make It Vegetarian:
  If you prefer to skip the beef, you can substitute it with hearty vegetables or plant-based proteins. Crumbled tofu or tempeh works great and soaks up the flavors nicely. Another option is using sautéed mushrooms or eggplant for a meaty texture without the meat. Adding more sun-dried tomatoes and bell peppers can enhance the richness and make it just as satisfying.

• Go Gluten-Free:
  For those avoiding gluten, opt for gluten-free bowtie pasta or any other gluten-free pasta shape you like. Pasta made from rice, corn, quinoa, or legumes is an excellent alternative. Just be sure to check cooking times since gluten-free pasta can cook faster or slower than regular pasta.

• Lighten Up the Sauce:
  To reduce calories and fat without sacrificing creaminess, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or a blend of milk and Greek yogurt. This still gives you that silky texture but with fewer calories. You can also cut back on the butter or use olive oil as a healthier fat option.

• Add Extra Heat and Flavor:
  If you love spice, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce. For a smoky twist, sprinkle in some smoked paprika or chipotle powder. These additions will deepen the flavor profile and give the dish a subtle kick.

How to Serve

There’s something about this creamy beef pasta that makes it feel like a complete meal all on its own, but a few thoughtful touches can really take it to the next level. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy dinner for two, a weeknight family meal, or even a small dinner party, here are some of my favorite serving ideas.

1. Garnish like you mean it. A generous sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley right before serving adds brightness and color that really complements the richness of the sauce. If you have fresh basil on hand, a few torn leaves work beautifully, too.

2. Add a little crunch. A side of crusty garlic bread or a warm baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce left in the bowl. You can even brush slices of bread with olive oil, toast them, and top with a pinch of salt for a homemade crostini.

3. Serve with a crisp salad. This pasta is rich and satisfying, so I love balancing it with a light, crisp salad on the side. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or even an arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, is a refreshing counterpoint.

This dish is hearty enough to be the star of the table, but it also plays well with sides if you’re putting together a more complete spread.

Recipe Tips

Here are a few of my go-to tips to help ensure your creamy beef pasta turns out perfect every time:

Reserve that pasta water. Don’t forget to save some of the starchy pasta water before draining it’s liquid gold when it comes to adjusting the thickness of your sauce without watering it down.

Don’t overcook the pasta. Since you’ll be warming the pasta in the sauce for a couple of minutes at the end, it’s best to cook it just shy of al dente. This prevents it from becoming mushy.

Use fresh cheese when possible. Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect how they melt. If you have the time, grating your Parmesan and mozzarella by hand makes a big difference in creaminess.

Taste and adjust as you go. The key to a well-balanced sauce is tasting along the way. Add a pinch more salt, a touch more cheese, or a bit more pepper, depending on what your taste buds are telling you.

Let the sauce simmer, not boil. High heat can cause the dairy in your sauce to break and turn grainy. Keep it at a gentle simmer for the smoothest, silkiest results.

This dish is rich and comforting, but these tips can help you master it like a pro and keep it from feeling too heavy or one-note.

Cooking Note

Here are a few important things to keep in mind as you’re cooking:

• Ground beef should be drained after browning to avoid greasy sauce.
• Sun-dried tomatoes add depth, but if using oil-packed ones, pat them dry first to avoid making the sauce oily.
• Simmering the sauce slowly prevents the cheese from clumping and helps everything blend smoothly.
• Adding pasta water gradually helps control the sauce texture. Add it in small splashes until the sauce reaches your desired creaminess.
• Fresh herbs like parsley should be added right at the end for maximum flavor and brightness.
• Leftovers can be reheated with a splash of milk or broth to restore the creaminess without drying out the pasta.

Keeping these notes in mind will make this a foolproof dish to whip up any night of the week.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These are estimates based on a serving size of about 1½ cups.

• Calories: 680
• Protein: 28g
• Sodium: 720mg

FAQs

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can make the sauce and pasta ahead of time, store them separately, and then combine them when ready to eat. Just keep both in airtight containers in the fridge. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to help loosen the sauce and bring back that creamy texture.

If you’re prepping this for a busy night, you can also cook the ground beef mixture and freeze it. Then just boil fresh pasta and finish the sauce when you’re ready.

2. Can I use another type of pasta?

Yes! While bowtie (farfalle) pasta holds the sauce beautifully and adds a fun visual touch, you can easily swap it for other pasta shapes. Penne, rotini, rigatoni, or even spaghetti will work. Just be sure to cook it al dente and reserve some pasta water, regardless of the type you choose.

If you’re going gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Chickpea or lentil pasta are good options that still hold its shape well.

3. How can I store and reheat leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so when reheating, add a splash of milk, broth, or even water to bring the creamy consistency back. Heat gently on the stove or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.

This dish also makes a great next-day lunch, just toss it into a microwave-safe container and enjoy it at work or school.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta with Garlic Parmesan Sauce is one of those meals that always feels like a little gift to yourself at the end of the day. It’s rich and indulgent without being fussy, packed with flavor, and it comes together with ingredients you probably already have on hand. It’s comforting enough for a rainy night in and impressive enough to serve to guests.

What I love most is how flexible and forgiving it is to swap the meat, change the pasta, load it up with veggies, or add an extra sprinkle of cheese on top. However you choose to make it, it’s the kind of dish that just feels like home.

I hope you give it a try and love it as much as we do. And if you do make it, I’d love to hear how it turned out. Did you add your own twist? Did your family ask for seconds? Leave a comment, share your version, and don’t forget to check out more easy weeknight recipes right here on the site.

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