Rich, cheesy, and satisfying—this quick weeknight pasta dish is pure comfort in every bite.
There’s something undeniably comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta—especially when it’s packed with hearty ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and two kinds of cheese that melt into a silky, savory sauce. This Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta is the epitome of weeknight dinner perfection. It comes together in just 30 minutes, uses one skillet and one pot, and offers that homestyle flavor you crave when the day’s been long and your energy is low.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, meal prepping for the week, or just indulging in a cozy solo dinner, this dish brings warmth, flavor, and satisfaction to your table. And with easy customizations and a flexible ingredient list, it can quickly become your go-to comfort meal.
 Ingredients (US Cup Measurements)
To recreate this creamy beef and pasta delight, here’s exactly what you’ll need:
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1 lb ground beef – Opt for 80/20 for flavor, or leaner if you want to cut fat.
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8 oz bowtie pasta (about 3½ cups dry) – Known as farfalle; holds sauce beautifully.
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1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing onions and garlic.
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1 small onion, diced (about ½ cup) – Adds sweet, aromatic depth.
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2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp) – Freshly minced for best flavor.
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1 cup beef broth – Adds richness to the sauce.
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1 cup heavy cream – Makes the sauce indulgent and smooth.
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1 cup shredded cheddar cheese – Sharp or mild depending on your preference.
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Adds salty, nutty complexity.
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1 tsp paprika – Adds warmth and slight smokiness.
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Fresh parsley (optional) – For garnish and a pop of color.
 How to Prepare: Step-by-Step Instructions
This recipe breaks down into five manageable stages. Each step is simple yet essential to building deep, layered flavor.
Stage 1: Cook the Pasta
Steps:
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Fill a large pot with water, add a generous amount of salt, and bring to a boil.
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Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions (typically 8–10 minutes).
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Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
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Once cooked to al dente, drain the pasta and set it aside.
Tip: Don’t rinse the pasta—this helps the sauce cling better later.
Stage 2: Sauté Aromatics & Cook Beef
Steps:
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While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium heat.
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Add the diced onion and sauté for 3–4 minutes, or until translucent and slightly golden.
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Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Crumble in the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon.
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Once browned and cooked through, drain excess fat.
Note: Properly browning the beef builds a flavor foundation—don’t rush this step!
Stage 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
Steps:
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With the cooked beef still in the skillet, pour in 1 cup beef broth and bring to a simmer.
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Stir in 1 cup heavy cream and reduce heat to medium-low.
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Add 1 cup cheddar cheese, ½ cup Parmesan, and 1 tsp paprika.
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Stir continuously until cheeses are melted and the sauce begins to thicken (about 3–4 minutes).
Optional: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes here if you like a bit of heat.
Stage 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Steps:
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Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the beef and cheese sauce.
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Gently stir until all the pasta is coated and well combined.
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Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
Pro Tip: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Stage 5: Serve and Garnish
Steps:
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Plate or bowl up the creamy beef and bowtie pasta.
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Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley for brightness and a touch of color.
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Serve immediately while hot.
 Preparation Details
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 20 minutes
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Total Time: 30 minutes
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Servings: 4
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Calories per serving: ~620 kcal (estimated)
 Pro Tips for Perfect Pasta Every Time
To get the best results from this recipe, follow these expert tips:
1. Don’t overcook the pasta
Always aim for al dente, as the pasta will continue to cook slightly when stirred into the hot sauce.
2. Use freshly grated cheese
Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grate for the best texture.
3. Balance the salt
The Parmesan and broth already contain salt. Taste before adding more.
4. Add veggies
Fold in steamed broccoli, baby spinach, or peas right before serving for color and nutrition.
5. Spice it up
Add a teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños with the garlic for heat.
6. Leftovers?
Reheat in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to restore the silky sauce texture.
 Storage & Reheating
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Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Freezer: Not ideal due to the cream base, but you can freeze for up to 1 month.
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To Reheat: Warm in a skillet with a little extra broth, milk, or cream until smooth and hot.
 Variations & Customizations
 Spicy Version:
Add 1 tsp of chili powder or ½ tsp cayenne for a zesty twist.
 Herbaceous:
Add fresh basil, oregano, or thyme to the sauce for added depth.
 Mushroom Lover:
Sauté sliced mushrooms with the onions for an earthy variation.
 Protein Swap:
Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a lighter or more robust version.
 Veggie Boost:
Add roasted red peppers, zucchini, or sautéed spinach at the end for color and nutrition.
 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy: 30 minutes from start to finish—ideal for busy nights.
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One-Skillet Wonder: Less cleanup, more satisfaction.
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Customizable: Tweak it to suit your flavor or dietary preferences.
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Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike love this cheesy, comforting pasta.
 Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta isn’t just another pasta dish—it’s a full-flavored comfort meal that’s fast, flexible, and completely crave-worthy. It combines pantry staples with just the right amount of indulgence. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or just satisfying a comfort food craving, this recipe delivers every time.
Try it tonight, and you’ll see why it’s bound to become a weekly favorite.