ππ₯© Easy Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta β One-Pan Comfort Favorite
If comfort food had a love language, this dish would be speaking it fluently. Creamy, hearty, and deeply satisfying, Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table fast. Made in one pan with simple pantry ingredients, it delivers rich flavor, tender pasta, and savory beef in every bite β all with minimal cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or whenever you want something warm and indulgent without stress.
π Introduction
This recipe combines the bold, meaty goodness of ground beef with silky cream sauce and perfectly cooked bowtie (farfalle) pasta. The pastaβs shape traps the sauce beautifully, making each forkful creamy and comforting. Itβs a modern, fuss-free take on classic creamy beef pastas β filling, family-friendly, and endlessly customizable.
π Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
- 12 oz (340 g) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or Parmesan)
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- Β½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika or Italian seasoning
- Optional: red pepper flakes, mushrooms, or spinach
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
π©βπ³ Instructions (Step-by-Step)
- Brown the Beef
Heat olive oil or butter in a large deep pan over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat if needed. - Build the Flavor
Add chopped onion and cook for 2β3 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. - Add Pasta & Liquid
Pour in the beef broth and add the dry bowtie pasta. Stir well, bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for 10β12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until pasta is tender. - Make It Creamy
Stir in heavy cream, salt, pepper, and paprika or Italian seasoning. Let it simmer uncovered for 3β5 minutes until slightly thickened. - Cheese Time
Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning. - Finish & Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot.
π₯ Cooking Methods Explained
- One-Pan Method: Pasta cooks directly in the broth, absorbing flavor and releasing starch that naturally thickens the sauce.
- Cream Finish: Adding cream at the end prevents curdling and keeps the sauce silky.
- Cheese Melt: Stirring cheese off direct high heat ensures a smooth, velvety texture.
π A Little History
Creamy beef pasta dishes trace their roots to both European comfort cooking and American one-pot meals. While Italy favors pasta with lighter sauces, creamy beef pastas became popular in the U.S. as hearty, economical family meals β combining pasta, protein, and dairy into one satisfying dish. This recipe is a modern evolution, designed for speed, flavor, and convenience.
𧬠Formation of Flavor
- Beef: Provides deep, savory umami
- Broth: Infuses pasta with richness
- Cream & Cheese: Create body, smoothness, and indulgence
- Seasonings: Tie everything together for balance
Each element builds on the next, forming a cohesive, comforting dish.
β€οΈ For the Lovers of This Dish
This recipe is loved by:
- Busy families
- Creamy-pasta fans
- One-pan meal lovers
- Comfort-food seekers
- Kids and adults alike
Serve it with garlic bread or a simple salad, and it becomes an instant favorite.
π Variations & Methods for Lovers
- Spicy Lovers: Add chili flakes or cayenne
- Veggie Lovers: Stir in mushrooms, peas, or spinach
- Extra Cheesy Lovers: Add cream cheese or more Parmesan
- Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
β Conclusion
Easy Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create big comfort. Rich, creamy, and deeply satisfying, itβs a reliable go-to meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. One pan, bold flavor, happy plates β this is comfort cooking done right.
Enjoy β€οΈπππ
Recipe in first comment π