Description
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting one-pan dish combining lean ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a rich creamy sauce made with beef broth, heavy cream, and sharp cheddar cheese. Ready in just 30 minutes, this hearty meal is perfect for weeknight dinners and garnished with fresh parsley for a burst of freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup medium onion, diced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
Seasoning
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
Liquids and Dairy
- 3 cups beef broth
- 1 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
Pasta
- 3 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle), dry
Garnish (Optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the lean ground beef along with diced onions and minced garlic. Stir constantly to break the beef into small crumbles and cook until no longer pink.
- Season the Meat: Season the browned beef mixture with salt, pepper, and paprika to your taste, mixing well to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add Liquids and Pasta: Stir in the beef broth and heavy whipping cream into the skillet. Add the dry bowtie pasta and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Simmer the Pasta: Once boiling, reduce the heat to a simmer and cover the skillet. Let the pasta cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Finish with Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until just melted and combined, creating a creamy sauce coating the beef and pasta.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the creamy beef and bowtie pasta warm, optionally garnished with freshly chopped parsley and extra shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor and presentation.
Notes
- To prevent sticking during simmering, stir occasionally but gently to avoid breaking the pasta.
- You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter dish, though it will be less creamy.
- Fresh parsley adds a fresh, herby note but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and grease in the dish.
- Adjust seasoning according to your preference, especially salt and pepper.
