Name: Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Savory Ground Beef
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 ounces bow tie (farfalle) pasta; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 pound ground beef; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk; 1/2 cup beef broth; 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Bow tie pasta, also known as farfalle, is tossed in a rich and creamy sauce made with ground beef, garlic, and herbs, creating a delicious, hearty meal that comes together quickly.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This is the kind of comfort food everyone asks for seconds of—creamy, cheesy, and incredibly filling. It’s also a one-pot dish, making cleanup a breeze.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
• Bow tie (farfalle) pasta
• Ground beef
• Onion
• Garlic
• Cream cheese or heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan
• Beef broth
• Olive oil
• Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper

directions

Brown ground beef in olive oil with onion and garlic. Drain excess fat. Stir in broth and bring to a simmer. Add cream cheese or heavy cream, stirring until fully incorporated. Fold in cooked pasta and Parmesan, then season to taste.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–5. Prep time: 10 minutes. Cook time: 25 minutes.

Variations

• Substitute ground turkey or plant-based crumbles.
• Add steamed broccoli or spinach for color and nutrients.
• Use a mix of cheeses like mozzarella and Romano for more depth.

storage/reheating

Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.

FAQs

What type of cream works best?

Heavy cream gives the richest texture, but cream cheese is a good alternative for added tanginess.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, use gluten-free pasta and check labels on broth and seasonings.

How do I prevent the sauce from becoming too thick?

Add more broth or cream gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I use a different pasta shape?

Yes, penne, rotini, or shells also hold creamy sauces well.

How can I make this spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce during cooking.

Will this dish freeze well?

It can be frozen, but the sauce may separate slightly upon thawing.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just ensure your pot is large enough and adjust cooking time slightly.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese can work, but freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly.

What’s the best beef fat percentage?

Use 85/15 for flavor without too much grease.

Can I add tomatoes?

Yes, sun-dried or diced tomatoes can add extra flavor and texture.

Conclusion

A weeknight favorite that’s rich, creamy, and incredibly satisfying—perfect for feeding a hungry family or batch-cooking for the week.

Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Savory Ground Beef

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Creamy Bow Tie Pasta with Savory Ground Beef is a quick and comforting dish featuring tender pasta, seasoned ground beef, and a rich, creamy sauce perfect for busy weeknights.

Author: Emma Harper
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Halal

Instructions

Cook bow tie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
Add garlic and cook for another 1 minute.
Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat if needed.
Stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle flour over the beef and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove raw flour taste.
Gradually pour in milk and beef broth, stirring constantly. Bring to a simmer and cook until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
Stir in Parmesan and mozzarella cheese until melted and creamy.
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
Serve warm, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.