Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe

The Sizzling Easy Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Pasta nights reach new heights with this mouthwatering cheesy beef and bowtie pasta that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Melted cheese blankets tender beef and perfectly cooked pasta in a comforting blend of flavors.

Weeknight dinners just became way more exciting with minimal ingredients and maximum satisfaction.

Home cooks adore how quickly this dish comes together without complicated techniques.

Simple pantry staples transform into a crowd-pleasing meal that feels like a restaurant experience.

Kids and adults alike will devour every delicious bite of this hearty recipe.

You’ll want to save this go-to meal for those evenings when comfort food calls.

Prepare to fall in love with a dinner that promises smiles around the table.

Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta That Satisfies

  • Craft a Quick Comfort Meal: Satisfy hungry families with this hearty pasta dish that combines tender beef, creamy cheese sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta in one delightful skillet.
  • Minimal Ingredient Magic: Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal using simple pantry staples like ground beef, pasta, cream, and cheese that come together with minimal cooking skills.
  • Perfect Family Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will love the rich, cheesy flavor and satisfying texture of this one-pan wonder that transforms basic ingredients into a mouthwatering dinner.
  • Stress-Free Cooking Experience: Create a delicious meal with straightforward steps, minimal prep work, and just one skillet, making cleanup a breeze for busy home cooks.

Ingredients for Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Main Ingredients:
  • Bowtie Pasta: A fun, bow-shaped pasta that catches sauce perfectly and adds playful texture to the dish.
  • Ground Beef: Lean protein that provides rich, hearty flavor to the creamy pasta recipe.
  • Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and melty cheese that creates a smooth, tangy sauce base.
Dairy and Fats:
  • Butter, Heavy Cream: Rich ingredients that contribute to the luxurious and creamy consistency of the sauce.
Seasonings and Herbs:
  • Garlic, Salt, Pepper, Parsley: Classic seasonings that enhance the overall flavor profile and add a fresh finishing touch to the dish.

Cooking Steps for Cheesy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil Perfect Pasta

Get a large pot of salted water bubbling. Toss in bowtie pasta and cook until tender with a slight bite.

Drain the pasta and set aside, ready for its cheesy destiny.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet and drop in butter until it melts smoothly.

Crumble ground beef into the skillet, letting it sizzle and brown beautifully. Break up the meat as it cooks to ensure even browning.

Step 3: Awaken the Garlic

Sprinkle minced garlic into the skillet with the browned beef. Let the garlic dance and release its aromatic magic for about a minute, filling your kitchen with an irresistible fragrance.

Step 4: Create Dreamy Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and stir gently. Gradually add shredded cheddar cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese melts into a luxurious, smooth sauce that clings to everything.

Step 5: Marry Pasta and Sauce

Tumble the cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy beef mixture. Toss and stir until every pasta piece is gloriously coated with the cheesy sauce.

Season with salt and pepper to bring out the flavors.

Step 6: Final Flourish

Add a final pat of butter, letting it melt and shimmer through the dish.

Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a fresh, bright finish. Serve piping hot and watch everyone dive in with excitement.

Tips to Make Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta Creamy

  • Cook pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
  • Use high heat and avoid overcrowding the skillet to achieve a deep, caramelized brown color on the meat.
  • Add cheese gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without clumping.
  • Fresh garlic and chopped parsley add brightness and depth to the rich, cheesy dish.
  • Replace bowtie pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter version of the recipe.

Flavor Variations for Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

  • Gluten-Free Pasta Delight: Swap bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta options like corn or rice noodles for those with wheat sensitivities.
  • Protein Power Swap: Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein alternative.
  • Dairy-Free Dream: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of cheddar cheese for a vegan-friendly version.
  • Spicy Southwestern Style: Add diced green chilies, cumin, and swap cheddar for pepper jack cheese to create a zesty Mexican-inspired variation.

Pairing Suggestions with Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta

Select a medium-bodied red wine like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that complements the rich, creamy beef pasta with its bold flavor profile.

Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the pasta’s heaviness, adding fresh acidity and cutting through the cheese’s richness.

Serve warm, crusty garlic bread with herbs to enhance the dish’s savory notes and provide a perfect texture contrast to the creamy pasta.

Offer a chilled lemonade or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate between bites and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the hearty meal.

Best Storage Tips for Bowtie Pasta Dishes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freezes well for up to 2 months, preventing sauce separation.
  • Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover loosely. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
  • Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding splash of cream or milk to restore creamy texture. Stir continuously to prevent sticking and maintain sauce consistency.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells that hold sauce well.

  • What if I want a lighter version of this dish?

Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk to reduce calories and fat content.

  • Is it possible to make this recipe spicy?

Add red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños during the beef cooking stage to introduce some heat to the dish.

  • Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?

You can partially prepare the sauce and meat, then refrigerate and combine with freshly cooked pasta just before serving to maintain the best texture.

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Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe

Cheesy Beef And Bowtie Pasta Recipe


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4.9 from 10 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Creamy cheesy beef and bowtie pasta blends rich ground beef with al dente pasta in a comforting Italian-inspired dish. Quick weeknight dinners become delightful culinary experiences you’ll crave again and again.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Protein:

  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 34 garlic cloves, minced

Pasta and Dairy:

  • 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie pasta
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Seasonings and Garnish:

  • Salt to taste
  • Black pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook bowtie pasta until perfectly tender, approximately 8-10 minutes. Carefully drain and reserve.
  2. Heat a large skillet over medium temperature, allowing butter to melt and create a silky base for cooking.
  3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces and browning thoroughly for 5-7 minutes until no pink remains.
  4. Sprinkle minced garlic into the meat, releasing its aromatic essence and cooking for roughly 1 minute.
  5. Pour heavy cream into the skillet, gently stirring to integrate with the seasoned beef and create a luxurious foundation.
  6. Gradually incorporate shredded cheddar cheese, continuously stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, velvety sauce spanning 3-5 minutes.
  7. Fold the cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is generously coated with the rich sauce.
  8. Season the dish with salt and pepper, adjusting to personal taste preferences.
  9. Add remaining butter, allowing it to melt and enhance the sauce’s richness.
  10. Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley across the top for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

  • Pasta Perfection: Cook bowtie pasta just until al dente to maintain a slight bite and prevent mushiness.
  • Beef Browning Technique: Ensure ground beef is thoroughly browned and crumbled for maximum flavor and even texture throughout the dish.
  • Cheese Melting Hack: Reduce heat when adding cheese and stir continuously to prevent clumping and create a smooth, silky sauce.
  • Dietary Modifications: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a leaner option or use gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 740
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 320 mg
  • Fat: 48 g
  • Saturated Fat: 26 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 1.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 130 mg
Mike Reynolds

Mike Reynolds

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

Farm-to-table cuisine, Seasonal recipe development, Sustainable cooking techniques, Food photography

Education

Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech)
Associate Degree in Culinary Arts

Mike studied culinary arts with a strong focus on farm-to-table principles and sustainable cooking. His training emphasized the importance of fresh, local ingredients and environmentally responsible practices in the kitchen.


Mike’s food journey began deep in the Blue Ridge Mountains, where weekends at farmers’ markets and home-cooked meals sparked a lifelong obsession with simple, seasonal eating.
After earning his Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College, he set out to bring farm-to-table cooking into everyday kitchens, without the fuss.
Mike’s philosophy is all about keeping it fresh, unfussy, and full of heart. When he’s not crafting new single-serving recipes, he’s hiking mountain trails, chatting with local farmers, or experimenting with wild ingredients in his backyard kitchen.

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