Last summer, our family reunion brought everyone together at my parents’ place. Cousins, aunts, uncles, and kids filled the backyard, and the kitchen turned into the busiest spot in the house. I had promised to bring a hearty dish that could stretch to feed a crowd without leaving anyone hungry. Standing in the kitchen with my sister, both of us elbow-deep in chopping and stirring, I knew I needed something quick but satisfying. That’s when this creamy beef and bowtie pasta came to the rescue.

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We had ground beef ready to go, a big block of cheddar that my brother-in-law insisted on grating by hand, and a bag of farfalle pasta I had tucked into my tote. Before long, the skillet was bubbling with savory sauce, and the smell of garlic and paprika filled the whole house. My nieces were peeking over the counter, sneaking tastes of cheese while the adults tried to keep them busy outside.

When the big serving bowl hit the picnic table, it didn’t last long. Plates piled high with pasta disappeared in minutes, and even my health-conscious cousin went back for seconds. Watching everyone eat together—laughing, chatting, and enjoying food made with love—reminded me why I keep coming back to simple, comforting meals like this one. It’s the kind of recipe that makes ordinary evenings feel special and gatherings even warmer.

Short Description

A rich, creamy beef and bowtie pasta skillet made with tender farfalle, ground beef, cheddar, Parmesan, and a touch of paprika for warmth. A hearty, family-friendly dinner ready in under 40 minutes.

Key Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (80/20 or leaner if preferred)
8 oz bowtie pasta (about 3½ cups dry)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 small onion, diced (about ½ cup)
2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 tsp)
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)

Tools Needed

Large pot for pasta
Deep skillet or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon or spatula
Sharp knife and cutting board
Measuring cups and spoons

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook 8–10 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside. Do not rinse—starch helps sauce cling.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatics & Cook Beef
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 3–4 minutes until soft. Stir in garlic for 1 minute. Add ground beef, breaking it apart with a spoon, and cook 5–7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce
With beef still in the skillet, stir in beef broth and bring to a simmer. Lower heat and add heavy cream, cheddar, Parmesan, and paprika. Stir until cheese melts and sauce thickens, 3–4 minutes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add cooked pasta to skillet and stir gently until coated. Taste and season with salt and pepper. If sauce feels too thick, loosen with a splash of reserved pasta water or milk.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish
Spoon into bowls or plates. Top with parsley for freshness. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Comforting Flavor: Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly seasoned.

Weeknight Friendly: On the table in about 35 minutes.

Family Approved: A dish both kids and adults dig into happily.

Budget Smart: Uses pantry staples without stretching the wallet.

Customizable: Easy to adapt with veggies, different cheeses, or seasonings.

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

Overcooking the pasta: Pasta should be al dente. If too soft, it will turn mushy in the sauce. Always taste a piece before draining.

Skipping the browning step: Browning beef until it caramelizes creates flavor. Don’t rush—let it get some color.

Too thin or thick sauce: If it’s watery, simmer longer to reduce. If too thick, add a splash of milk or pasta water.

Adding cheese too early: Cheese can separate if added to very hot liquid. Reduce heat before stirring it in.

Under-seasoning: Taste before serving. A pinch more salt or pepper can make all the difference.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve as a main course with garlic bread or a crisp green salad.

Pairs well with roasted vegetables or steamed broccoli.

For drinks, try iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a light red wine like Pinot Noir.

Great for family-style serving at the table or portioned into bowls for a casual dinner.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheat on the stove with a splash of milk to keep sauce creamy.

Microwave single portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between.

Not freezer-friendly—cream sauces often separate after thawing.

FAQs

1. Can I use whole wheat pasta instead of bowtie?
Yes, but it may need an extra minute or two to cook, and the flavor will be nuttier.

2. What’s the best cheese substitute for cheddar?
Mozzarella for a mild melt, or Gruyère for a stronger, nuttier flavor.

3. Can I make this lighter?
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half and reduce the cheese slightly. Lean beef also cuts down on fat.

4. Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Absolutely! The creamy sauce and fun bowtie pasta shape usually win kids over.

5. Can I add vegetables?
Yes. Peas, spinach, or mushrooms work beautifully—just sauté or stir them in with the beef.

Tips & Tricks

Salt your pasta water generously; it’s your first chance to season.

Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting.

Don’t skimp on paprika—it adds subtle warmth without overpowering.

If doubling the recipe, cook pasta in a separate pot to avoid overcrowding.

Recipe Variations

Spicy Beef and Bowtie Pasta: Add ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes in Step 3 for a gentle kick.

Mushroom Cream Version: Sauté 1 cup sliced mushrooms with onions in Step 2 before adding beef.

Tex-Mex Twist: Use taco seasoning instead of paprika, swap cheddar for pepper jack, and stir in corn and black beans.

Lighter Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut milk in place of cream and nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan. Flavor will be slightly sweet and nutty.

Italian Style: Replace cheddar with mozzarella, stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and finish with fresh basil.

Final Thoughts

Cooking this dish for my family always reminds me how small efforts can turn into big rewards. After a long day at work, I’m often tempted to lean on shortcuts, but recipes like this prove that real comfort doesn’t have to be complicated. A skillet full of creamy bowtie pasta feels like a hug at the dinner table, bringing everyone together without fuss.

My kids love twirling the pasta on their forks, my husband heaps on seconds, and I get to enjoy the smiles across the table. For me, that’s the real joy—sharing food that makes life a little easier and a lot tastier. If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that guarantees clean plates and happy faces, this one’s worth keeping in your rotation.

Creamy Beef And Bowtie Pasta