Description
This indulgent creamy ground beef bowtie pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for cozy nights. Featuring tender bowtie pasta enveloped in a rich, cheesy sauce with savory ground beef, garlic, and fresh tomatoes, it balances creamy textures with bright, fresh herbs for a satisfying and hearty meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) (substitute with penne or rotini if needed)
Meat and Dairy
- 1 pound Ground Beef (substitute with ground turkey or sausage)
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (fresh mozzarella works well too)
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese (Pecorino Romano can be a substitute)
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
Produce & Seasonings
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes (canned diced tomatoes can be used)
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1 medium Onion (diced; shallots can replace for sweeter taste)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (can substitute with butter)
- 1 tablespoon Italian Seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (fresh ground is best)
- 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley (chopped)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta in a colander and set aside.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet, seasoning with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Add Cherry Tomatoes: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften and release their juices, enhancing the sauce’s flavor.
- Simmer with Cream: Reduce heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3-4 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Melt the Cheeses: Lower the heat further and add the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheeses. Stir until melted and the sauce is creamy and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to coat all pieces evenly with the creamy beef sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a burst of color and freshness. Serve hot and enjoy your comforting creamy ground beef bowtie pasta!
Notes
- Substitute ground turkey or sausage for a different protein option.
- Fresh mozzarella can give a creamier texture than shredded mozzarella.
- Using shallots instead of onions adds a sweeter, milder flavor.
- Drain excess fat after browning beef for a less greasy sauce.
- Adjust Italian seasoning and black pepper according to personal taste preferences.
- For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a milk and cream blend.
