Nora
Rich, creamy, and deeply comforting, Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta brings together tender seared steak bites and bowtie pasta in a luscious garlic parmesan cream sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes a weeknight feel special without needing hours in the kitchen.
This recipe is a hit for both busy nights and casual dinner parties. Bowtie pasta holds the sauce perfectly, while the beef adds hearty flavor and a satisfying bite. If you’re a fan of pasta dishes that feel indulgent but come together easily, this one’s for you.
What Is the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta?
Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a savory one-bowl meal made with seared beef cubes served over farfalle pasta in a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. It typically includes simple pantry staples like heavy cream, garlic, and Italian seasoning, and is finished with a sprinkle of parsley for freshness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- One-pan comfort: The beef and sauce cook in the same skillet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Rich yet simple: You’ll only need a few ingredients to get restaurant-level flavor.
- Flexible: Great with other pasta shapes or alternative proteins like chicken or mushrooms.
- Family favorite: Even picky eaters love the creamy, cheesy sauce paired with pasta and tender beef.
Ingredients for Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak, cut into bite-size cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1 1/4 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How To Make the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef cubes in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sear until browned on all sides and cooked to your desired doneness, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning, then pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Simmer for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Add Cheese and Pasta
Lower the heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese until melted. Toss in the drained pasta and cooked beef, coating everything in the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Top with fresh parsley and serve warm. Optional: add extra parmesan or a pinch of crushed red pepper for a little kick.
What to Serve with Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette or garlic-roasted broccoli makes a refreshing contrast to the creamy pasta. Garlic bread or parmesan pull-apart rolls are perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
Top Tips for Perfecting Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Use good beef: Tender cuts like sirloin or ribeye cook quickly and stay juicy.
- Don’t overcook pasta: Keep it al dente so it doesn’t get mushy in the sauce.
- Grate your own cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts smoother than pre-shredded.
- Let sauce thicken: Simmer until creamy before adding pasta and beef for the best consistency.
Storage Instructions
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce. Not ideal for freezing, as the cream sauce may separate.
FAQs
Sirloin or ribeye are ideal for this dish. They sear beautifully, stay juicy, and complement the creamy sauce with rich flavor.
You can substitute milk, but the sauce will be thinner and less rich. For better texture, try using half-and-half or add a little cream cheese.
Spinach, mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes make great additions. Stir them in with the sauce to cook gently and enhance the flavor.
Yes, it holds up well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop and add a splash of cream or broth to revive the sauce.
Swap the bowtie pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. Be sure to check your broth and seasoning labels for hidden gluten.
Freezing isn’t recommended due to the cream-based sauce, which may separate when thawed. For best results, enjoy fresh or refrigerate only.
Want More Dinner Ideas?
You might also love the comforting richness of Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta or the flavor-packed One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta.
For something a bit lighter but still satisfying, check out Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna or the indulgent Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce.
If you want something just as creamy but with a southern twist, the Creamy Beef and Shells is another crowd favorite.
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Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Pasta pot
- Strainer
- Cutting board
- Knife
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 lb sirloin or ribeye steak cut into bite-size cubes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp ground black pepper
- 1.25 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente, drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes in a single layer, season with salt and pepper, and sear until browned, about 4-5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Stir in Italian seasoning, beef broth, and heavy cream. Simmer 5 minutes.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Add cooked pasta and beef to the skillet, toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish with chopped parsley. Serve warm.