Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta for a Cozy Night In Recipe

Introduction

This creamy beef and bowtie pasta is a comforting dish perfect for a cozy night in. With tender ground beef, a rich velvety sauce, and pasta that holds flavors beautifully, it’s a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare.

Ingredients

• 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
• 1 pound ground beef (lean preferred)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup beef broth
• ½ cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, freshly ground, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and reserve half a cup of the pasta water.
2. Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
3. Step 3: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until translucent, around 3-4 minutes.
4. Step 4: Stir in the minced garlic and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in the beef broth and bring to a gentle simmer, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
6. Step 6: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream, mixing well to combine.
7. Step 7: Add Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes.
8. Step 8: Stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes creamy.
9. Step 9: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly. Use reserved pasta water as needed to adjust the sauce consistency.
10. Step 10: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley, if desired, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For added nutrition, toss in seasonal vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers during the onion sauté step.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, adjusting seasoning accordingly.
• To enhance flavor, brown the beef in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan.

Storage

Store leftover creamy beef and bowtie pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape that holds sauce well, such as penne or rotini, works perfectly as a substitute for bowtie pasta.

Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the pasta and sauce separately and combine them just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta for a Cozy Night In Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 61 reviews

This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy nights in. Tender bowtie pasta is coated in a rich, velvety sauce made from heavy cream, beef broth, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, combined with browned lean ground beef, sautéed onions, and garlic for deep flavor. Italian seasoning adds a herbal note, while optional fresh parsley garnish brightens the dish. Simple to prepare on the stovetop, this meal delivers creamy satisfaction with a balanced meat and pasta combination.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 ounces Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle)

Meat

• 1 pound Lean Ground Beef

Vegetables

• 1 medium Onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced

Sauce

• 1 cup Heavy Cream
• 1 cup Beef Broth
• 0.5 cup Parmesan Cheese, freshly grated
• 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning

Seasoning

• Salt, to taste
• Black Pepper, freshly ground, to taste

Garnish

• Fresh Parsley, chopped, optional

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain the pasta, reserving half a cup of the pasta water for later use.
2. Brown the beef: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add lean ground beef and cook, stirring frequently, until browned and fully cooked, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
3. Sauté onion: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Sauté garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
5. Add beef broth and simmer: Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet to incorporate the flavors.
6. Incorporate cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream thoroughly, blending it into the simmering beef mixture.
7. Season the sauce: Add Italian seasoning, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
8. Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
9. Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly in the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, use the reserved pasta water as needed to achieve the desired consistency.
10. Garnish and serve: Garnish the pasta with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve immediately while hot for a cozy, satisfying meal.

Notes

• You can add seasonal vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra nutrition and color.
• If you prefer a lighter sauce, reduce the amount of heavy cream or substitute with half-and-half.
• Make sure to reserve pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting quality and flavor.
• This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: Creamy Beef Pasta, Bowtie Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food, Easy Dinner, Ground Beef Pasta, One-Pan Meal