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