Creamy Bowtie Pasta Dish

I whipped up my One-Pot Bowtie Beef Pasta on a hectic evening when I needed to feed my hungry family fast. There's something truly wonderful about the mix of al dente pasta, seasoned ground beef, and that silky sauce that's turned this into our go-to comfort meal. The magic happens when these everyday ingredients come together in a single skillet, and guess what? You'll have dinner on the table in less than half an hour.

Effortless Mealtime Wonder

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—everything cooks in one pan. The rich sauce coats each pasta piece while the beef gives it such amazing taste. My children can't get enough of those cute bowtie shapes, and I'm a big fan of only washing one pan. Just last week my next-door neighbor caught a whiff through our open window—now her family enjoys it twice weekly and always finishes every bite.

What You'll Need

• Your liquids: Savory beef broth, heavy cream—creates that velvety texture.
• Good beef: One pound of lean ground beef adds flavor without excess grease.
• Fresh aromatics: Diced sweet onion and minced garlic build the flavor base.
• The pasta: Eight ounces of farfalle—they're perfect for catching all that sauce.
• Seasonings: Italian herbs, pepper, salt, and fresh parsley for brightness.
• The cheese: Shredded sharp cheddar or mozzarella for that gooey finish.

Let's Get Cooking

Make it creamy:

Stir in your broth, let it simmer down, then pour in cream with seasonings. You'll watch that sauce transform right before your eyes.

Brown the beef:

As your pasta cooks, brown the meat thoroughly, breaking it into small chunks. When it's done, pour off any extra grease.

Bring it all together:

Mix in your drained pasta, sprinkle cheese on top, and let everything get hot and melty.

Build flavors:

Toss those onions and garlic in with your cooked beef until they soften and smell amazing.

Start with pasta:

Cook your bowties in well-salted water until just tender. Don't forget to save a cup of that starchy cooking water before draining.

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Insider Cooking Tips

I've made this dish so many times I've learned what works best. Always go for lean beef or you'll wind up with an oily sauce. Keep your pasta slightly firm since it'll continue cooking in the hot sauce. Try mixing up your cheeses—sometimes I throw in grated Parmesan or chunks of Gruyère for extra flavor depth. Want to add veggies? Chopped spinach, sliced mushrooms, or diced peppers blend in perfectly.

Great Side Options

We always enjoy this with a simple green salad on the side—it cuts through all that richness nicely. A few slices of toasted garlic bread work wonders for scooping up any leftover sauce—no one wants to leave any behind. Sometimes I'll throw some broccoli or asparagus in the oven while cooking—makes for a more complete dinner setup.

Storing Your Leftovers

This pasta tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for up to four days—the flavors really come together. When you warm it up, add a little splash of cream or broth to keep everything nice and smooth. You can even put portions in the freezer—super handy for busy nights, just remember to move it to the fridge the night before.

Quick Cooking Shortcuts

Need to make weeknight cooking faster? I often cook extra beef during weekend prep—it makes this dish come together in no time. Chop onions and garlic ahead and keep them ready in containers. You can even turn this into a true one-pot wonder: cook pasta first, drain it, then use that same pot for everything else.

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Family Table Memories

This bowtie beef pasta has become our ultimate comfort food. It's what I cook when someone's had a rough day, when we're celebrating good news, or just crave something warm and filling without much hassle. The way it fills our home with those incredible smells, how everyone drifts into the kitchen asking when food will be ready—these are the little moments that make cooking for family so worthwhile.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I include veggies?

Sure! Toss in spinach, peas, or cooked broccoli for extra nutrients.

→ Which cheese is the best option?

Mozzarella and cheddar work great. Use your favorite kind or mix them up!

→ How long will it stay fresh?

Keep it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Heat it slowly when serving.

→ Can it be a bit spicy?

For a kick, mix in jalapeños or red pepper flakes while cooking.

→ What other pasta shapes work?

Bowtie is great, but you can use shells, penne, or any short noodles instead.

Conclusion

This one-pot creamy pasta combines bowtie noodles with savory beef in a cheesy sauce. Quick to make and easy to clean up.