Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta Recipe

If you need a dinner that feels like a warm hug after a long day, this creamy beef bowtie pasta is it. It combines tender bowtie pasta with savory ground beef, a rich garlic-and-herb cream sauce, and a generous blend of melted mozzarella and Parmesan. It comes together in just one skillet and one pot, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you want maximum comfort with minimal cleanup.

why make this recipe

This dish is the perfect balance of hearty and creamy, and it relies on simple, everyday ingredients. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that the whole family will love.

• Ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish.
• Uses budget-friendly ground beef and pantry staples.
• The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan creates an incredibly rich, cheesy sauce.
• Pairs perfectly with a simple side salad or garlic bread.

how to make creamy mozzarella parmesan beef bowties

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) bowtie pasta
• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, plus more for the pasta water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
• 1 cup (240 ml) heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups (170 g) shredded mozzarella
• 3/4 cup (75 g) freshly grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup (120 ml) reserved pasta water, as needed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Directions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Brown the beef: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking the beef into crumbles, until browned and cooked through (reaching an internal temperature of 160°F). Drain excess fat.
3. Add the aromatics: Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring.
4. Add the broth: Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Make the cream sauce: Stir in the heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
6. Add the cheese: Add the mozzarella and Parmesan in small handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth. Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from separating.
7. Toss with pasta: Add the drained pasta and toss until evenly coated. Stir in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

how to serve creamy mozzarella parmesan beef bowties

Serve this dish piping hot straight from the skillet. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted broccoli, or a slice of warm garlic bread to soak up the extra sauce. For a pop of freshness, add an extra sprinkle of fresh parsley or a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes.

how to store creamy mozzarella parmesan beef bowties

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. If the sauce has thickened too much in the fridge, add a splash of milk or beef broth while reheating to loosen it up. Freezing is not recommended, as the dairy-based sauce can separate upon thawing.

tips to make creamy mozzarella parmesan beef bowties

• Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
• Reserved pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency. The starch in the water helps the sauce cling to the pasta.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan rather than the pre-shredded kind for a smoother melt.
• Do not rinse the pasta after draining; the residual starch helps the sauce adhere.

variation

For a spicier kick, add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes along with the garlic, or substitute hot Italian sausage for the ground beef. To add some greens, stir in a handful of fresh baby spinach at the very end until it wilts.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, this recipe works well with penne, rotini, or farfalle (bowties). Just make sure to reserve the pasta water before draining, regardless of the shape.

What if my sauce becomes grainy?
Grainy sauce usually happens when the heat is too high when the cheese is added. If it looks like it’s separating, remove the pan from the heat immediately and stir vigorously to bring it back together.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can make it ahead and reheat gently on the stovetop. You may need to add a splash of broth or milk to restore the creamy texture.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, because it uses traditional bowtie pasta. To make it gluten-free, simply substitute a gluten-free pasta brand and cook according to its package directions.

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Ellie

Creamy Mozzarella Parmesan Beef Bowties

A hearty weeknight dinner featuring ground beef, bowtie pasta, and a rich, cheesy cream sauce made with mozzarella and Parmesan. Prep Time: 10 minutes Cook Time: 25 minutes Additional Time: 0 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Yield: 4–6 servings Category: Main Course Method: Stovetop Cuisine: American-Italian

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Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 12 oz 340 g bowtie pasta
• 1 lb 450 g ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion finely diced
• 3 garlic cloves minced
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon salt plus more for the pasta water
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup 240 ml beef broth
• 1 cup 240 ml heavy cream
• 1 1/2 cups 170 g shredded mozzarella
• 3/4 cup 75 g freshly grated Parmesan
• 1/2 cup 120 ml reserved pasta water, as needed
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley

Equipment

• Large pot, large skillet, colander, measuring cups

Method

 

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain.
2. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and onion. Cook for 7–9 minutes, breaking the beef into crumbles, until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat.
3. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring.
4. Pour in the beef broth, scraping up any browned bits. Simmer for 3–4 minutes to reduce slightly.
5. Stir in the heavy cream. Reduce the heat to low and gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
6. Add the mozzarella and Parmesan in small handfuls, stirring until melted and smooth. Keep the heat low to prevent the sauce from separating.
7. Add the drained pasta and toss until evenly coated. Stir in reserved pasta water, a little at a time, if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Keep the heat low when adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy. Reserved pasta water is key to adjusting the sauce consistency.
Keywords: creamy beef bowtie pasta, ground beef pasta recipe, creamy mozzarella pasta, beef bowties, easy weeknight pasta