There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of creamy pasta, especially when it’s loaded with tender beef and perfectly cooked bowtie noodles. I first made this creamy beef and bowtie pasta recipe on a chilly evening when I craved something hearty but still quick to pull together. The result was better than I expected—creamy, savory, and packed with flavor in every bite. The bowtie pasta holds onto the rich sauce beautifully, and the beef adds a satisfying, meaty depth that’s hard to resist.

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Over time, this dish has become one of my most requested weeknight meals, and I don’t blame anyone. It’s simple, filling, and doesn’t require a long list of fancy ingredients. Plus, it’s one of those meals that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prepping. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just want something cozy to enjoy after a long day, this creamy beef and bowtie pasta never disappoints.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
This dish brings everything you want in a dinner—flavor, comfort, and ease. The creamy sauce clings perfectly to the pasta, and the seasoned beef makes each bite satisfying and rich. It’s a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. And let’s not forget—it’s totally customizable, so you can tweak it to your taste.
What Type of Ground Beef Should I Use for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?
For this recipe, I like using 85/15 ground beef—it offers the perfect balance of flavor and richness without being overly greasy. The bit of fat helps give the sauce depth and makes the meat tender and flavorful. However, if you prefer a leaner version, 90/10 works just fine; just be mindful that you might need to add a splash of olive oil while browning it to keep things from drying out.
You can also try ground sirloin or even leftover steak cut into small chunks if you’re looking to elevate the texture. The key is to keep the beef tender and well-seasoned so it complements the creamy sauce rather than overpowering it.
Options for Substitutions
One of the things I love most about this dish is how flexible it is. If you’re out of something or catering to dietary needs, there are plenty of easy swaps:
- Pasta: Don’t have bowtie pasta? Use penne, rotini, or even egg noodles. Any short pasta that holds sauce well will work.
- Beef: Ground turkey or chicken makes a lighter version, while plant-based crumbles turn it into a satisfying vegetarian meal.
- Cream Sauce: If you’re dairy-free, go for a cashew cream or a thick oat milk base. They both bring a creamy texture without the dairy.
- Cheese: Parmesan is classic, but you can use Romano or even a sprinkle of mozzarella for a more melty finish.
- Add-ins: Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes all play nicely in the mix if you want to add veggies.
This recipe is super forgiving, so don’t be afraid to make it your own.
Ingredients for This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a specific role in building flavor, texture, and richness. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:
- Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta: These cute, pinched noodles aren’t just fun to eat—they also hold onto the creamy sauce perfectly, giving you flavor in every bite.
- Ground Beef (85/15): Brings a savory, meaty base to the dish. The bit of fat keeps it juicy and adds depth to the sauce.
- Yellow Onion: Sautéed with the beef to add sweetness and complexity to the overall flavor.
- Garlic: Adds a rich aromatic layer that enhances the savory elements in the sauce.
- Beef Broth: Acts as a flavorful liquid to deglaze the pan and deepen the beefy flavor of the sauce.
- Heavy Cream: Gives the dish its luxurious, creamy consistency. It balances the meatiness and clings to the pasta beautifully.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds saltiness and a nutty richness that sharpens the flavor of the cream sauce.
- Butter: Used to sauté and to finish the sauce with a silky smooth texture.
- Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and onion evenly and adds a subtle earthiness.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning every layer of the dish and bringing out the natural flavors.
- Fresh Parsley (optional): Sprinkled on top at the end, it adds color and a touch of freshness to balance the richness.
These basic ingredients come together to create a dish that tastes anything but basic.

Step 1: Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Once browned, drain excess grease if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Push the beef to one side of the pan and add butter to the empty side. Toss in the chopped onion and cook until soft and translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the Broth
Pour in the beef broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze and pick up all the flavorful bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 5: Stir in the Cream and Cheese
Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in the heavy cream. Once the mixture is smooth, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained bowtie pasta directly into the pan with the creamy beef sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is well-coated. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a little of the reserved pasta water.
Step 7: Finish and Garnish
Taste and adjust with salt and black pepper as needed. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley if desired, and serve hot.
How Long to Cook the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
From start to finish, this dish takes about 30 minutes:
- Pasta Boiling: 10 minutes
- Browning Beef and Sautéing Veggies: 8–10 minutes
- Simmering and Making Sauce: 5–7 minutes
- Combining and Finishing: 3–5 minutes
It’s a quick, weeknight-friendly meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor for speed.
Tips for Perfect Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Salt your pasta water. It’s your first chance to season the pasta and really makes a difference in flavor.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. You want it just al dente so it holds up well when mixed with the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water. Even a splash can help loosen the sauce and make it creamier without adding extra cream.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan. It melts better and gives a smoother texture to the sauce compared to pre-shredded cheese.
- Taste as you go. Adjust salt, pepper, or cheese levels toward the end so the final flavor is just right.
- Let the sauce simmer. Don’t rush it—giving the cream and broth a few minutes to thicken brings everything together beautifully.
- Finish with fresh herbs. A sprinkle of parsley or even fresh basil adds brightness to balance out the rich, creamy elements.
Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking
Even with a simple recipe like this, a few common mistakes can impact the final result. Here’s what to avoid:
- Using high heat for the cream: Once you add the cream, keep the heat low to prevent it from curdling or breaking.
- Not draining the beef properly: If there’s too much grease, it can make the sauce feel heavy and oily. Drain excess fat before adding the other ingredients.
- Overcooking the pasta: Soft, mushy pasta won’t hold the sauce well. Aim for al dente—just firm enough to keep its shape when tossed in sauce.
- Skipping the deglaze: Don’t forget to scrape up the brown bits in the pan when you add broth—they hold so much flavor!
- Adding cheese too quickly: Stir Parmesan in gradually and keep stirring until smooth to avoid clumping.
What to Serve With Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?
Garlic Bread
A classic side. Crisp on the outside, soft and buttery inside—perfect for mopping up extra sauce.
Simple Green Salad
A light salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the pasta.
Roasted Parmesan Broccoli
Crispy and savory, this side dish complements the creamy pasta without competing for attention.
Sautéed Mushrooms
Add an earthy side to play up the umami flavors in the beef.
Caprese Skewers
Fresh mozzarella, basil, and tomatoes on toothpicks make a fun, refreshing appetizer or side.
Garlic Sautéed Spinach
Quick to make and healthy, this gives a nice contrast to the creamy texture of the main dish.
A Glass of Red Wine
A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Chianti pairs perfectly with the savory beef and creamy sauce.
Lemon-Dressed Asparagus
Bright, zesty asparagus lightens up the meal while adding a beautiful color contrast to the plate.
Storage Instructions
This creamy beef and bowtie pasta stores beautifully, making it a great choice for leftovers or meal prep:
- Refrigerate: Allow leftovers to cool completely, then store them in an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm it gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce if it’s thickened too much. Microwave reheating works too—just cover and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.
- Freeze: While it can be frozen, the cream sauce may separate a bit upon reheating. If you do freeze it, use freezer-safe containers and eat within 1 month for best results. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Estimated Nutrition
(Per serving, based on 6 servings)
- Calories: ~520
- Protein: 23g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Cholesterol: 95mg
This recipe is filling and nutrient-dense, offering a balance of carbs, protein, and healthy fats—ideal for a complete dinner that satisfies both cravings and energy needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make this recipe lighter?
You can swap the heavy cream with half-and-half or a thick unsweetened oat milk, and use lean ground beef or turkey. Reducing the amount of cheese will also lower the fat content.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can cook everything, store it in the fridge, and reheat it when ready to serve. Just be sure to add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce when reheating.
Is this pasta good for kids?
Yes! The creamy texture and mild flavors make it very kid-friendly. You can even sneak in finely chopped veggies like carrots or spinach without them noticing.
Can I add vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely. Mushrooms, spinach, peas, or even chopped zucchini work great. Just sauté or steam them before adding to the sauce.
Can I make this without cheese?
Yes, but the cheese adds richness and a salty depth. If skipping cheese, you might want to add a pinch more salt or nutritional yeast for flavor.
What pasta shapes can I use instead of bowtie?
Short shapes like penne, rotini, rigatoni, or shells are excellent alternatives. They hold the sauce well and give a similar bite.
How do I prevent the cream from curdling?
Always reduce the heat before adding cream, and avoid boiling the sauce. Stir continuously and let it gently simmer instead.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use a large enough pan or pot to accommodate the extra volume. Everything scales easily, so it’s perfect for feeding a crowd or saving for later.
Conclusion
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the kind of meal that satisfies every craving—creamy, savory, rich, and comforting, all while being easy enough to whip up on a weeknight. It’s endlessly adaptable, making it a dependable go-to whether you’re feeding a picky family, entertaining guests, or just need a warm bowl of something delicious after a long day. Once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a staple in my kitchen—and soon, it’ll be one in yours too.

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
If you’re looking for the ultimate comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes, this creamy beef and bowtie pasta delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Rich ground beef, al dente bowtie noodles, and a smooth Parmesan cream sauce make this easy recipe a weeknight winner. It’s a perfect go-to for quick dinner ideas, cozy comfort meals, or simple food ideas for busy days. Whether you’re after a quick lunch or a hearty dinner, this dish is packed with savory goodness and creamy perfection.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef (85/15)
1 small yellow onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup beef broth
1 cup heavy cream
¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1 tbsp olive oil
½ tsp salt
¼ tsp black pepper
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
3. Push the beef to one side and add butter to the pan. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low. Add heavy cream and stir gently until combined. Sprinkle in Parmesan and stir until the sauce is smooth and thickened.
6. Add cooked pasta to the pan and toss to coat in the sauce. Use reserved pasta water to thin the sauce if needed.
7. Season with salt and black pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley if using, and serve hot.
Notes
Don’t skip salting your pasta water—it enhances the flavor of the noodles.
For extra richness, use freshly grated cheese rather than pre-shredded.
Store leftovers with a splash of milk to keep the sauce creamy when reheating.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 410mg
- Fat: 29g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: creamy pasta, beef pasta, easy dinner, bowtie pasta, weeknight meals