Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting one-pan dish that blends tender ground beef with a rich, flavorful tomato and cream sauce, tossed together with al dente bowtie pasta and finished with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. Perfect for a family dinner, it balances savory and creamy textures in just 35 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Beef Mixture
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Sauce
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup tomato sauce
- 3/4 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
Cheese and Garnish
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat the olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes.
- Sauté Aromatics: Stir in the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Season Beef: Add Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Stir to evenly distribute the spices.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Let the sauce simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes to thicken and allow the flavors to meld together, stirring occasionally.
- Add Cream: Stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream and continue simmering for an additional 2-3 minutes, letting the sauce become creamy and well combined.
- Toss Pasta: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing gently to ensure the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy beef and tomato sauce.
- Melt Cheese: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta mixture. Stir until the cheeses melt completely and create a rich, creamy texture.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley, and serve the creamy beef and bowtie pasta warm for the best flavor and texture experience.
Notes
- Use heavy cream for a classic creamy texture or coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Add extra vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more nutrients and color.
- Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
