Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta for a Cozy Night In Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Sauté garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
- 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.
- Incorporate cream: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the heavy cream thoroughly, blending it into the simmering beef mixture.
- 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.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts completely and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- 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.
- 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
