🍝 Creamy Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta
A rich, comforting pasta dish made with tender ground beef, bowtie pasta, creamy sauce, and plenty of melted cheese. It comes together in one pan after cooking the pasta and makes an easy family dinner.
🛒 Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 300 g bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 450 g ground beef
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon chili flakes, optional
For the creamy sauce:
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480 ml) milk
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- ½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
For finishing:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan
- Black pepper
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the bowtie pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente.
Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2. Brown the beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned.
Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes, until softened.
Add the minced garlic, paprika, Italian seasoning, black pepper, and chili flakes. Cook for another 30–60 seconds.
If there’s a large amount of excess fat in the pan, carefully drain some of it.
3. Build the creamy sauce
Reduce the heat to medium and add the butter.
Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and stir continuously for about 1 minute. This creates a roux that will thicken the sauce.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking or stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add the heavy cream and tomato paste. Continue cooking for several minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
4. Add the cheese 🧀
Lower the heat.
Add the cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gradually, stirring until each addition melts into the sauce.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water until you reach a smooth, creamy consistency.
Taste and adjust the salt and pepper.
5. Combine everything
Add the cooked bowtie pasta directly to the skillet with the beef and cheese sauce.
Gently toss everything together until the pasta is completely coated and the beef is evenly distributed.
Let it cook over low heat for 1–2 minutes so the flavors come together.
6. Finish and serve
Turn off the heat and sprinkle the pasta with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan.
Serve immediately while the sauce is creamy and the cheese is still beautifully melted.
⭐ Tips for the Creamiest Pasta
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Slightly firm pasta holds up better when mixed with the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water. The starchy water helps loosen and emulsify the cheese sauce.
- Use freshly shredded cheese when possible; it generally melts more smoothly.
- Keep the heat low after adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from becoming grainy.
- For extra flavor, sauté sliced mushrooms or diced bell peppers with the beef.
- Want it spicy? Add extra chili flakes or a little hot sauce.
🍽️ Serving Suggestion
Serve this creamy beef bowtie pasta with garlic bread and a crisp green salad for a complete, comforting meal.
