Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a comforting, rich, and flavorful dish that combines tender ground beef, creamy sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. With a balance of savory spices and creamy goodness, this pasta dish is a winner for dinner and guaranteed to satisfy your cravings!


Ingredients:

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Optional: Red pepper flakes for some heat

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned (about 5-7 minutes). Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add the veggies and spices: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Stir in the Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. If you want a little extra heat, you can add red pepper flakes at this stage.
  4. Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the beef broth and bring it to a simmer, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. After 2-3 minutes, reduce the heat and stir in the heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and mozzarella cheese. Let it simmer gently until the sauce thickens (about 5 minutes).
  5. Combine with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until it is well-coated with the creamy beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
  6. Serve: Divide the creamy beef and bowtie pasta into bowls and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Add extra grated Parmesan if desired and serve hot!

Tips:

  • Add veggies: You can easily add some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
  • Extra cheese: Feel free to add extra cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or even goat cheese) for an even richer sauce.
  • Make it spicy: If you prefer more heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a bit of hot sauce to the sauce.

Nutrition (per serving, approx. 4 servings):

  • Calories: 500
  • Fat: 30g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Protein: 25g
  • Sodium: 650mg