Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe combines tender ground beef with a rich, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta for a hearty and comforting meal ready in just 30 minutes. The blend of cheddar and Parmesan cheeses adds depth to the creamy sauce, while a touch of paprika enhances the flavor. Ideal for a family dinner, it’s easy to prepare and sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Produce
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Pantry Items
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Cook the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the heavy cream, shredded cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, and paprika. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the beef and creamy sauce. Stir thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.
- Serve: Transfer the creamy beef and bowtie pasta to serving dishes. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.
- You can add vegetables like peas or spinach for added nutrition and color.
- To make the dish spicier, sprinkle some red pepper flakes along with the paprika.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American