Creamy Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta
Description
This dish combines tender bowtie (farfalle) pasta with seasoned ground beef in a creamy, cheesy sauce. It’s hearty, satisfying, and comes together in one pan for easy cleanup. The balance of savory beef, smooth cream, and melted cheese makes it a crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults.
Ingredients (Serves 4–5)
- 300g (10 oz) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 400g (1 lb) ground beef
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup milk
- 1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese (or mozzarella mix)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste (optional, for slight tang)
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta
- Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions.
- Drain and set aside.
- Cook the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Add chopped onion and cook until soft.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Add ground beef, cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Build Flavor
- Stir in tomato paste (optional), Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook for 2–3 minutes.
- Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in cream and milk.
- Stir and simmer for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add Cheese
- Reduce heat to low.
- Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted and smooth.
- Combine
- Add cooked pasta to the sauce.
- Toss until fully coated.
- Serve
- Garnish with parsley and extra cheese if desired.
Notes
- Use freshly grated cheese for smoother melting.
- Adjust milk/cream ratio for desired thickness.
- Tomato paste adds slight acidity but can be skipped.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook pasta—it should be al dente.
- Let sauce simmer gently to avoid curdling.
- Add a splash of pasta water if sauce becomes too thick.
- For extra flavor, add mushrooms or bell peppers.
Servings
- Serves: 4–5 people
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving)
- Calories: 520–600 kcal
- Protein: 25–30g
- Carbohydrates: 40–45g
- Fat: 28–35g
- Calcium: High (from cheese)
Benefits
- High Protein: Supports muscle growth and energy
- Calcium-Rich: Strengthens bones and teeth
- Comfort Food: Satisfying and mood-boosting
- Customizable: Easy to adapt with veggies or spices
Q&A
Q1: Can I use a different pasta?
Yes! Penne, fusilli, or shells work well.
Q2: Can I make it lighter?
Use low-fat milk and reduce cheese slightly.
Q3: Can I make it ahead?
Yes—store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk.
Q4: Can I freeze it?
Possible, but cream-based sauces may separate slightly when reheated.
Q5: How can I make it spicy?
Add chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce.