Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and no longer pink (about 6-8 minutes).
Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Once cooked, drain excess fat if necessary and remove the beef from the pan to a bowl, leaving the flavorful drippings behind.

Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic

In the same skillet, add butter.
Once melted, add the chopped onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant, careful not to burn it.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low.
Pour in the beef broth and stir, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan for flavor.
Add the heavy cream and cream cheese, stirring continuously to melt the cream cheese smoothly into the sauce.
Allow the sauce to simmer gently for 3-5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Beef, Pasta, and Sauce

Return the browned ground beef to the skillet with the sauce. Mix well.
Add the cooked bowtie pasta and grated Parmesan cheese.
Toss everything together gently to coat the pasta in the creamy beef sauce.
If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Taste the dish and add more salt, pepper, or Italian seasoning if needed.
Simmer for another 1-2 minutes to blend all flavors.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

Serve the creamy beef and bowtie pasta hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and freshness.
Optionally, sprinkle more Parmesan cheese on top.

Tips for Perfect Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Use freshly grated Parmesan: It melts better and gives a richer flavor compared to pre-grated cheese.
Don’t overcook the pasta: Al dente pasta holds up well in the sauce without becoming mushy.
For extra veggies: Add chopped mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers when sautéing onions.
Make it spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for a kick.

Conclusion

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a wonderfully comforting dish that’s both simple and satisfying. The creamy sauce clings beautifully to the bowtie pasta, complementing the savory, well-seasoned ground beef perfectly. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe is sure to become a favorite because of its rich flavors and easy preparation.

Give this recipe a try, follow the steps carefully, and enjoy a delicious meal that tastes like it took hours to prepare—but you’ll know the secret is in the simple yet perfect combination of ingredients and technique!