1. Cook the Pasta
- Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente.
- Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water, and set aside.
2. Cook the Beef
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat.
- Add onion and cook until soft, about 3 minutes.
- Add garlic and sauté 1 minute.
- Stir in ground beef, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Season with Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook until browned.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
- Pour in beef broth and marinara sauce, stirring to combine.
- Simmer 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
- Reduce heat and stir in heavy cream. Simmer gently until thickened.
4. Combine Pasta & Cheese
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until creamy and smooth.
- If sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
5. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve hot with garlic bread and a green salad.
Serving Ideas
- Weeknight Dinner: Pair with roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- Meal Prep: Stores well in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Family Gathering: Double the recipe—it disappears fast!
Tips for Success
- For extra flavor: Add a splash of red wine when browning beef.
- For a cheesy twist: Stir in mozzarella or provolone for a gooier sauce.
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne.
- Veggie boost: Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or peas before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Beef & Bowtie Pasta is proof that simple ingredients can create big flavors. It’s creamy, savory, and downright irresistible—perfect for when you need comfort food on the table in under 40 minutes. Once you make it, it’ll become a regular in your dinner rotation!