Creamy Cheesy Beef Bowtie Pasta
A rich, comforting dish made with tender bowtie (farfalle) pasta, savory ground beef, and a creamy, cheesy sauce—perfect for weeknight dinners.
🧾 Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk (whole or 2%)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 ½ cups shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- Optional: red pepper flakes, chopped parsley
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Cook the pasta
Boil salted water and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Brown the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat and set aside.
3. Build the flavor base
In the same pan, melt butter. Add onion and cook until soft, then stir in garlic and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Make the creamy sauce
Sprinkle in flour and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk and cream until smooth.
5. Add cheese & seasoning
Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until melted. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
6. Combine everything
Add the cooked beef and pasta into the sauce. Stir until evenly coated and heated through.
7. Serve
Garnish with parsley or extra cheese. Serve hot.
🔥 Tips & Variations
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a twist.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra texture and nutrition.
- For a baked version, transfer to a dish, top with more cheese, and broil for 3–5 minutes.
If you want, I can help you turn this into a one-pot version or a lighter (lower-calorie) recipe.