Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe is a comforting weeknight dinner that comes together in just 30 minutes. With tender ground beef and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, it’s sure to please the whole family.

Ingredients
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Boil salted water in a large pot, add bowtie pasta, and cook until al dente, about 10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned, about 5 minutes. Drain excess fat.
- Step 3: Add chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with beef; cook until softened, about 3 minutes.
- Step 4: Stir in heavy cream and beef broth. Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 5: Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
- Step 6: Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onion.
- Substitute half-and-half for heavy cream to lighten the sauce.
- Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or peas for a balanced meal.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melting texture and flavor.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce if needed.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, other short pasta shapes like penne or rotini work well for this recipe and will hold the sauce just as nicely.
Is there a way to make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, substitute the ground beef with cooked mushrooms or a plant-based meat alternative, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
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Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A rich and creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe that combines tender ground beef, decadent Parmesan cream sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta for a comforting and flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta
Beef Mixture
- 1 pound lean ground beef (80% lean)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Boil salted water in a large pot and add the bowtie pasta. Cook the pasta until al dente, about 10 minutes, then drain and set aside.
- Brown the Beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the ground beef. Cook, stirring frequently, until the beef is browned and cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the browned beef in the skillet. Cook until the onions are softened and fragrant, approximately 3 minutes.
- Create the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and low-sodium beef broth into the beef mixture. Add the freshly grated Parmesan cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens slightly. Season the sauce with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything: Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the creamy beef sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the creamy beef and bowtie pasta immediately. Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese or fresh herbs if desired, and enjoy while warm.
Notes
- To make it lighter, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Use low-sodium beef broth to better control the salt content in the dish.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese melts better and enhances flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
- For a bit of spice, consider adding red pepper flakes during the sauté step.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, ground beef pasta, Parmesan cream sauce, quick dinner, easy stovetop meal

