Forfoodiefriends

  • Quick and Easy Recipes
  • Recipe Roundups
  • Browse Recipes
  • About Sana Umer | Home Cook Behind For Foodie Friends
  • Newsletter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Quick and Easy Recipes
  • Recipe Roundups
  • Browse Recipes
  • About Sana Umer | Home Cook Behind For Foodie Friends
  • Newsletter
search icon
Homepage link
  • Quick and Easy Recipes
  • Recipe Roundups
  • Browse Recipes
  • About Sana Umer | Home Cook Behind For Foodie Friends
  • Newsletter
×
Home » Main Dishes Recipes » Beef Main Dishes

CREAMY BEEF AND BOWTIE PASTA

Updated: May 4, 2026 · Published: Apr 2, 2025 by Sana Umer · This post may contain affiliate links · Leave a Comment

12 shares
  • Facebook
  • X
↓ Jump to Recipe

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty, comforting dish that brings together tender beef, pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce. With its unique shape, the bowtie pasta perfectly holds onto the creamy sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.

This dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner, special occasions, or whenever you're craving a delicious, filling meal that’s easy to prepare. Together, they make for a deliciously indulgent meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Made with a combination of heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan cheese, it creates a rich and velvety base for the beef and pasta. The meat is seasoned to perfection and browned until tender, creating a savory contrast to the creamy sauce.

What makes this recipe even better is how customizable it is. You can easily swap the beef for ground turkey or chicken or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.

Whether serving it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta will surely be a hit. Let's dive into how you can make this rich, creamy, and delicious dish at home!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • Creamy and Comforting: The rich, creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the savory beef and tender pasta, making every bite indulgent.

  • Quick and Easy: This dish is simple to make with just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, even on busy weeknights.

  • Hearty and Filling: The combination of beef, pasta, and creamy sauce makes for a satisfying meal that will keep you full and content.

  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences, whether adding more vegetables or swapping the beef for a different protein.

  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it's a family dinner, date night, or special celebration, this creamy pasta dish is ideal for any meal.

Ingredients

For the Beef:

  • 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • Salt, for pasta water

Directions

  • Step No.1: Cook the pasta
    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente.

  • Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water.

  • Step No.2: Cook the beef
    While the pasta is cooking, heat benefits of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon.

  • Cook until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until softened.

  • Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and basil. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

  • Step No.3: Make the creamy sauce
    In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

  • Stir in the heavy cream and beef broth, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

  • Step No.4: Add the cheese and season
    Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and dried Italian seasoning. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.

  • Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

  • Step No.5: Combine the beef and pasta
    Add the cooked beef back to the skillet with the creamy sauce and stir to combine.

  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing it to coat it in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

  • Step No.6: Serve
    Serve the creamy beef and bowtie pasta immediately, garnished with extra parmesan cheese and fresh herbs (like parsley or basil) if desired.

Tips for Success

  • Use Lean Beef: You can use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly to prevent dryness.

  • Customize the Vegetables: For extra flavor and nutrition information, you can add vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers to the beef mixture.

  • Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Be sure to cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the sauce.

  • Use Fresh Parmesan: Freshly grated parmesan cheese melts more smoothly and adds a richer flavor than pre-grated cheese.

Variations

  • Add Vegetables: Add sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor and texture.

  • Spicy Beef and Bowtie Pasta: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some hot sauce to the sauce for a spicy kick.

  • Creamy Chicken and Bowtie Pasta: For a lighter version, replace the ground beef with shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken.

  • Garlic Butter Beef and Bowtie Pasta: For a richer flavor, substitute half of the butter with garlic butter, which will give the sauce a garlicky twist.

Serving and Storage

Serving

Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with a side of garlic bread or a simple green salad for a complete, satisfying meal. It pairs wonderfully with a glass of red wine or iced tea.

Storage

Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to restore the creamy consistency.

FAQ

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the beef and sauce ahead of time and store it separately from the pasta. When ready to serve, reheat the beef and sauce and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer, such as penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti.

Can I add more cheese?

Absolutely! If you love cheese, add more parmesan or mozzarella to the sauce for an extra cheesy experience.

Can I freeze this dish?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked beef and sauce (without the pasta) for up to 2 months. When ready to serve, reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a rich, flavorful, and comforting dish that brings together tender beef, pasta, and a luscious garlic parmesan sauce.

This dish is quick to make, filling, and perfect for any occasion.

Whether you’re looking for a cozy family dinner or a dish to impress guests, this creamy pasta recipe is sure to satisfy everyone’s taste buds.

Try it today and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness!

CREAMY BEEF AND BOWTIE PASTA

Sana Umer
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a rich and hearty dish featuring tender ground beef in a creamy sauce, paired with bowtie pasta. This comforting, one-pan meal is full of flavor and perfect for busy weeknights!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 4 people
Calories 500 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta farfalle
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small onion finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley for garnish optional

Instructions
 

Cook the pasta:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use.

Cook the beef:

  • In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
  • Remove any excess fat from the skillet.

Sauté the onions and garlic:

  • Add the chopped onion and garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is softened and the garlic is fragrant.

Prepare the creamy sauce:

  • Add the beef broth to the skillet, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes.
  • Stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and season with salt and pepper. Continue to simmer for 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly.

Combine the pasta and sauce:

  • Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat in the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes to ensure the pasta is well coated and heated through.

Serve:

  • Garnish with fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
  • Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms to the sauce for added flavor and nutrition.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed.
Keyword beef and bowtie pasta, creamy beef pasta, creamy pasta, easy one-pan meal, easy pasta recipe

  • GOULASH VARIATIONS (CLASSIC, AMERICAN, HUNGARIAN, AND MORE)
  • BEEF STEW VARIATIONS (CLASSIC, SLOW COOKER, INSTANT POT, AND MORE)
  • CLASSIC POT PIE VARIATIONS (CHICKEN, TURKEY, BEEF, AND VEGETARIAN)
  • POT ROAST (CLASSIC, SLOW COOKER, AND INSTANT POT — TENDER EVERY TIME)
12 shares
  • Facebook
  • X

About Sana Umer

I'm Sana Umer — the home cook behind every recipe on For Foodie Friends. I'm a Pakistani-American mom of two based in the US, and I've been cooking seriously for about a decade now, mostly because feeding a family every day is the fastest way to learn how to actually cook.

I'm completely self-taught. I learned by watching my mother in Pakistan, by burning a lot of food in my early years, and by paying attention to which recipes worked and which ones needed fixing. I don't specialize in just one cuisine — I cook the Pakistani dishes I grew up with, the American desserts my kids request, weeknight dinners, holiday roasts, and everything in between.

Every recipe is personally tested in my own kitchen, every word is written by me, and every photo is taken of food I actually made.

Comments

No Comments

Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




for-foodie-frends-logo-1

Hi, I'm Sana Umer — the home cook, recipe tester, and writer behind For Foodie Friends.

I'm a Pakistani-American mom based in the US. I learned to cook in two kitchens — my mother's in Pakistan, where I grew up watching whole spices bloom in oil, and my own kitchen now, where I cook for my husband and kids.

Every recipe on this site has been tested in my own kitchen, often more times than I'd like to admit, before it ever made it here. I cook a little bit of everything: the Pakistani comfort food I grew up with, the American desserts my kids beg for, weeknight dinners that need to come together fast, and the holiday spreads that take all day.

If a recipe is on this site, it earned its place. No ghostwriters, no AI shortcuts, no copy-paste from somewhere else — just real recipes from a real kitchen, written to actually work the first time you make them.

Welcome to my corner of the internet.

— Sana

More about me →

Popular

  • 23 BUDGET CHICKEN RECIPES FOR THE WHOLE WEEK
  • 25 PANTRY STAPLE RECIPES WHEN THE FRIDGE IS EMPTY
  • 31 CHEAP FAMILY DINNERS THAT FEED 4 FOR UNDER $15
  • 27 BUDGET-FRIENDLY MEAL PREP RECIPES FOR THE WHOLE WEEK
  • 29 DINNERS UNDER $5 PER SERVING (REAL RECIPES, REAL MATH)
  • 19 EASY TILAPIA RECIPES THAT DON'T TASTE BLAND
  • 23 SEAFOOD PASTA DISHES FOR COASTAL-INSPIRED DINNERS
  • 21 HEALTHY WHITE FISH RECIPES THE FAMILY WILL LOVE

Footer

↑ back to top

About

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Editorial Principles
  • Corrections Policy
  • Affiliate Disclosure

Newsletter

  • Sign Up! for emails and updates

Contact

  • Contact

Resources

  • Kitchen Essentials
  • Pantry Essentials

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Copyright © 2024 For Foodie Friends

  • Facebook
  • Pinterest