Description
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta recipe combines tender ground beef with a rich, savory cream sauce and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. Enhanced with garlic, herbs, and Parmesan cheese, this comforting dish is quick to prepare and perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Sauce
- 1 lb ground beef (lean or regular)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or butter)
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- Additional grated Parmesan for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the ground beef: In a large skillet or pan, heat olive oil or butter over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Sauté aromatics: Add the finely chopped onion to the beef and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Add herbs and seasoning: Stir in the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 1 minute to blend flavors.
- Make the creamy sauce: Pour in the beef broth and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Reduce the heat to low, then add the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat the pasta evenly with the creamy beef sauce. Cook for 1-2 more minutes to heat through.
- Serve: Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve immediately for a warm, creamy pasta dish.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content if desired.
- Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but it will be less thick.
- Fresh herbs like basil and oregano can be used instead of dried for a brighter flavor.
- Adding vegetables such as mushrooms or spinach can enhance nutrition and texture.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
