Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a hearty and comforting dish that combines tender ground beef with aromatic herbs, garlic, and a luxuriously creamy Parmesan sauce tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. Ideal for a satisfying family dinner, it offers rich flavors and a smooth texture that will please any pasta lover.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Dairy
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping (optional)
Vegetables and Herbs
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Dry Ingredients & Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Liquids and Pasta
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add Seasonings and Liquids: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine, then pour in the beef broth. Let the mixture simmer for about 3-5 minutes to reduce slightly and develop flavor.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue to cook gently, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens and becomes creamy, about 4-5 minutes. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef for a healthier version or regular ground beef for more flavor.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for a fresher taste.
- For a lighter dish, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Basil and oregano can be adjusted or swapped with Italian seasoning based on preference.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stove or microwave.
- To make it gluten-free, substitute bowtie pasta with a gluten-free pasta alternative.
