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Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

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Author: [Your Name/Website Name]
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 645 kcal

Description

This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the ultimate weeknight comfort food. It’s a rich, flavorful, and satisfying dish that comes together in just one pot, meaning less time cleaning and more time enjoying dinner with your family. Tender bowtie pasta (farfalle) is simmered in a savory, creamy tomato and beef sauce, creating a meal that tastes like it’s been cooking all day but is on the table in under 40 minutes. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pot Wonder: Everything cooks in a single pot or large skillet, from browning the beef to simmering the pasta. Minimal cleanup is a promise we keep!

  • Incredibly Flavorful: The combination of savory ground beef, aromatic garlic and onion, a touch of tomato, and a creamy finish creates a deeply satisfying sauce that perfectly coats every bowtie.

  • Family-Friendly: This is pure, unadulterated comfort food. It’s creamy, cheesy, and full of familiar, delicious flavors that picky eaters will happily devour.

  • Quick & Easy: With simple, everyday ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get a wholesome meal on the table fast.

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

  • 1 pound lean ground beef

  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 teaspoon salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste

  • 4 cups (32 oz) low-sodium beef broth

  • 1 (14.5 oz) can petite diced tomatoes, undrained

  • 12 ounces farfalle (bowtie) pasta

  • 1/2 cup heavy cream

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Time & Intensity: This recipe has a 30-minute total time and is of easy intensity. Perfect for a beginner cook or a busy parent.

  1. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes, until softened. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned. Drain off any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook for another minute until fragrant.

  2. Bloom the Tomato Paste: Push the beef mixture to the sides of the pot. Add the tomato paste to the center and let it cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until it darkens slightly. This “blooms” the paste, deepening its flavor.

  3. Simmer the Pasta: Pour in the beef broth and the undrained can of diced tomatoes. Stir everything together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil.

  4. Add the Pasta: Stir in the uncooked farfalle pasta. Reduce the heat to a medium-low simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the pasta is tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The sauce will thicken as the pasta releases its starch.

  5. Make it Creamy: Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the heavy cream until fully incorporated. The sauce will turn a beautiful, rich orange color.

  6. Melt the Cheese: Add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir vigorously until the cheeses are completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

  7. Rest and Serve: Let the pasta sit for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken even further. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve warm.

Notes

  • Ground Meat Options: You can easily substitute the ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. If using sausage, you may want to reduce the added salt.

  • Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the garlic for a little heat.

  • Vegetarian Version: Omit the beef and use a plant-based ground meat alternative. Sauté it with the onions and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

  • Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce as it sits. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to help revive the creamy consistency.

  • Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the pasta during the simmering stage. You want it al dente (tender but with a slight bite). Overcooked pasta can become mushy.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

  • Calories: 645 kcal

  • Fat: 28g

  • Carbohydrates: 58g

  • Protein: 37g

  • Fiber: 4g

  • Sugar: 9g

  • Sodium: 980mg

(Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary based on the specific brands and ingredients used.)

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