Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Category: Dinner Ideas That Actually Work

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta brings together savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta and a rich, tomato-infused cream sauce for pure comfort in a bowl. This skillet dish combines cream cheese, heavy cream and a hint of tomato paste for indulgent flavor, all smoothed together in one pan. A quick sauté of onion and garlic builds a flavorful base, while Italian seasoning ties everything together. Easy to prepare in under thirty minutes, this satisfying meal is perfect for busy evenings or casual gatherings. Garnish with grated Parmesan or fresh herbs for a finishing touch and enjoy a hearty dinner any night.

Clare Recipes
Created By Lily Chen
Updated on Sat, 05 Jul 2025 22:56:28 GMT
A bowl of creamy beef and bowtie pasta. Save
A bowl of creamy beef and bowtie pasta. | lilicooks.com

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta makes busy evenings so much easier while still feeling special. The richness of cream cheese and pasta together with savory ground beef is pure comfort food. This dish comes together in one skillet and has rescued my weeknight dinners countless times. Every bite brings together cozy, crowd-pleasing flavors that have everyone sneaking seconds.

I first whipped up this dish when the kids begged for something creamy yet meaty. Now it is their go-to comfort dinner whenever they need a pick-me-up.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: gives the sauce a hearty flavor and meaty texture. Choose eighty five to ninety percent lean for just enough flavor without excess grease
  • Bowtie pasta: holds sauce beautifully because of its shape. Look for sturdy pasta that holds up to stirring
  • Cream cheese: creates the rich creamy base. Use full-fat for best results and smooth melting
  • Heavy cream: adds silkiness and helps balance acidity from the tomato
  • Beef broth: deepens the savory taste without overpowering. Choose low sodium so you can season to taste
  • Tomato paste: gives a subtle tang and rounds out the sauce with sweetness. Pick a tube for easy storage
  • Onion: brings a slight sweetness that melds into the sauce. Go for a firm onion without dark spots
  • Garlic: layers in aromatic flavor and warmth. Pick plump cloves for best flavor
  • Italian seasoning: adds herbal notes and classic comfort. If possible, use a fresh mix for maximum aroma
  • Salt and pepper: enhance everything. Taste and season with care

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef:
Start by heating a large skillet over medium high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a spoon. Let it cook for about eight minutes until browned and crumbly. Drain off any excess fat for a cleaner flavor
Cook Onion and Garlic:
Scatter in finely chopped onion and minced garlic. Stir them into the beef. Sauté for about three minutes until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant but not browned
Bloom the Tomato Paste:
Spoon in the tomato paste. Stir constantly for one minute so it caramelizes slightly. This step draws out sweet and savory depth
Melt the Cream Cheese:
Lower the heat to medium low. Drop in cream cheese cubes. Stir gently until completely melted and silky. It may look slightly lumpy at first but keep stirring and it will become smooth
Create the Sauce:
Slowly pour in heavy cream and beef broth. Stir the mixture together until everything blends into a creamy tomato sauce
Cook and Drain the Pasta:
Meanwhile, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until just al dente. Save about a quarter cup of the cooking water before draining fully
Combine Pasta with Sauce:
Tip the drained pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Stir well so each piece gets coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water
Season and Finish:
Sprinkle in Italian seasoning plus a light pinch of salt and pepper. Stir and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately while hot and creamy
A bowl of creamy beef and bowtie pasta. Save
A bowl of creamy beef and bowtie pasta. | lilicooks.com

I still remember the first time I made this with my daughter scooping up the sauce with just her noodles She declared it the best pasta ever and asked for it every week after

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for four days. For best reheating results use a skillet with a tablespoon of water or cream to loosen the sauce. This keeps things glossy instead of sticky. Freezing is not recommended since the cream can sometimes separate on thawing

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Penne or rotini can step in for bowtie pasta if that’s what you have on hand. Greek yogurt can work in place of some or all of the cream cheese if you want more tang and less richness

Serving Suggestions

Top each serving with grated Parmesan or a handful of fresh chopped herbs like basil or parsley. Add some sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor and color. Garlic bread or a crisp green salad makes this a complete meal the way my grandmother loved to serve it on Sundays

A bowl of creamy beef and bowtie pasta. Save
A bowl of creamy beef and bowtie pasta. | lilicooks.com

Cultural Context

Creamy pasta sauces with tomato and beef are beloved across Europe with every region adding its own twist. This version borrows from Italian American traditions using cream cheese for straightforward creaminess and a family friendly flavor balance that sprang up in my own busy kitchen

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of beef works best for this dish?

Ground beef is ideal, but you can also use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter variation while still enjoying rich flavors.

→ Can I substitute the bowtie pasta?

Yes, penne, rotini, or any pasta with ridges can be used to hold the creamy sauce just as well.

→ Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare the dish, cool it, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat gently before serving.

→ How can I add more vegetables?

Mix in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, bell peppers, or even peas for extra nutrients and texture.

→ What cheese works well as a topping?

Freshly grated Parmesan or mozzarella adds extra creaminess and flavor. For a twist, try Pecorino Romano.

→ Can I make this dish spicy?

For some heat, sprinkle in red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeño when cooking the onions and garlic.

Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Bowtie pasta paired with savory ground beef and a creamy tomato sauce makes a comforting meal.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
20 min
Overall Time
30 min
Created By: Lily Chen

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Beginner-Friendly

Cuisine Type: Italian-American

Output: 4 Serves

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef
02 8 ounces bowtie pasta
03 4 ounces cream cheese
04 1/2 cup heavy cream
05 1/2 cup beef broth
06 1 tablespoon tomato paste
07 1/2 medium onion, finely chopped
08 2 garlic cloves, minced
09 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
10 Salt and pepper, to taste

Steps

Step 01

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 02

Add chopped onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté until onion is soft and garlic is fragrant.

Step 03

Stir in the tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.

Step 04

Reduce heat to medium-low. Add cream cheese and stir until fully melted.

Step 05

Pour in the heavy cream and beef broth. Stir to combine into a smooth sauce.

Step 06

Meanwhile, cook bowtie pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.

Step 07

Add cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix well to coat in the sauce.

Step 08

Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed. Serve warm.

Tips

  1. For extra flavor, top with grated Parmesan or fresh herbs. Feel free to add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or red pepper flakes for a twist. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Allergy Information

Always check each ingredient for allergens, and consult a medical professional if unsure.
  • Contains dairy (cream cheese, heavy cream).
  • Contains gluten (bowtie pasta).

Nutritional Information (per serving)

These details are shared for general guidance and don’t replace professional advice.
  • Calories: 612
  • Fats: 41 g
  • Carbohydrates: 23 g
  • Proteins: 37 g