Description
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is the kind of easy dinner recipe that makes weeknights feel like a treat. This hearty, satisfying pasta dish features tender bowtie noodles, savory ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce that clings to every bite. It's one of those comfort food classics that doubles as a quick dinner and a crowd-pleasing meal option for the whole family. Perfect for anyone looking for quick dinner ideas, food ideas with ground beef, or a cozy and creamy pasta night. Whether you're feeding picky eaters or just craving something indulgent, this easy recipe is the answer. A true weeknight lifesaver packed with flavor!
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup beef broth
4 oz cream cheese, softened
1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
Instructions
1. Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
3. Add chopped onion to the skillet and sauté until soft, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in beef broth and simmer for 2 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to medium and add heavy cream and softened cream cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
6. Add shredded cheese and stir until fully melted. Season with salt, pepper, and optional paprika.
7. Stir in the cooked pasta and gently toss to coat it in the creamy beef sauce.
8. Heat everything through, then serve warm, optionally garnished with extra cheese or parsley.
Notes
Let cream cheese sit at room temperature before adding — it melts much smoother this way.
Reserve a bit of pasta water before draining in case you need to loosen the sauce later.
For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or milk for the cream and use lean ground meat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 530
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: creamy beef pasta, quick dinner, easy pasta recipe, bowtie pasta, ground beef dinner, comfort food, family meal, weeknight recipe