I make this creamy beef and bow tie pasta all the time, mostly because my kids inhale it and my husband always goes back for another scoop!
It’s one of those dinners I can toss together without thinking, and it always gives me plenty of leftovers for easy lunches the next day.
The sauce turns silky, the pasta hangs onto every bit of it, and nobody complains, which honestly feels like a small miracle on busy weekdays.
It’s comforting, simple, and totally worth keeping in your regular rotation.
Here’s how to make it:
What You Need to Make Beef and Bow Tie Pasta
- Bow tie pasta – grabs onto the sauce so every bite tastes good.
- Ground beef – makes the dish hearty without extra fuss.
- Onion – adds a little sweetness once it softens.
- Garlic – gives the sauce a warm, savory kick.
- Italian seasoning – keeps the flavor simple and familiar.
- Salt – pulls everything together.
- Black pepper – adds a small punch without taking over.
- Beef broth – helps build a richer sauce.
- Tomato sauce – gives the base that cozy, red-sauce vibe.
- Heavy cream – turns everything creamy and smooth.
- Shredded mozzarella – melts into the sauce for extra comfort.
- Parmesan – adds a salty finish.
- Olive oil – gets the whole thing started in the pan.
How to Make Beef and Bow Tie Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and toss in the bow ties.
Let them cook until they’re soft but still hold their shape, then drain and set aside.
2. Sauté the Onion
Warm a little olive oil in a large skillet and add the diced onion.
Let it cook until it turns soft and smells a bit sweet.
3. Brown the Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet and break it up as it cooks.
Once the meat loses its pink color, move on to the next step.
Drain a little grease if it looks too oily.
4. Add Garlic and Seasoning
Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
Give it a minute so the garlic can warm up and the spices can wake up.
5. Build the Sauce
Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce and let everything bubble gently.
This gives the flavors time to blend.
Keep the heat on medium so the sauce doesn’t thicken too fast.
6. Add the Cream
Slowly pour in the heavy cream and stir until the sauce looks smooth and cozy.
Let it warm just long enough to start thickening.
7. Melt the Cheese
Sprinkle in the mozzarella and Parmesan and stir until the cheese melts into the sauce.
It’ll thicken up into something creamy and perfect.
Add extra Parmesan if you like a saltier finish.
8. Bring in the Pasta
Add the cooked bow ties and toss everything together so the sauce coats every piece.
Let it sit in the skillet for a couple minutes off the heat.
9. Serve and Enjoy
Scoop the pasta into bowls and let everyone dig in while it’s still hot and creamy.
It tastes even better after a few minutes of resting.
Leftovers reheat well with a tiny splash of cream or water!
Creamy Beef and Bow Tie Pasta Recipe
This creamy beef and bow tie pasta comes together fast and makes an easy weeknight dinner!
The sauce is rich and comforting, and the bow tie pasta holds onto every bit of it.
Ingredients:
- 12 oz bow tie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Steps:
- Cook the bow tie pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the onion and cook until softened.
- Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
- Stir in the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper, and cook for one minute.
- Pour in the beef broth and tomato sauce, then let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in the heavy cream and bring the sauce back to a gentle simmer.
- Add the mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss until everything is coated.
- Let it sit for 2–3 minutes off the heat so the sauce can cling to the pasta before serving.
Why This Creamy Beef Bow Tie Pasta Just Works
Some dinners are fussy, and then there’s this one!
The pasta holds the sauce, the beef adds that hearty comfort, and the cream and cheese pull everything together without any extra effort from you.
It’s simple, reliable, and something you can throw together on the nights when you just need a solid win at the table.
