Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta

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

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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

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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.