Looking for the ultimate comfort food that comes together in under 30 minutes? This Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan is hearty, cheesy, and packed with rich Italian flavor. The juicy ground beef combined with smooth cream and gooey mozzarella melts into every fold of the bowtie pasta, making it an irresistible one-pot wonder for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners.
With just a handful of pantry staples and a skillet, you can whip up a dinner that tastes like it came from your favorite bistro. This pasta is not just easy to make, it also reheats like a dream, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. The best part? It’s completely customizable. Add veggies, spice it up, or swap out the meat – the base is a winner every time.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta
- Fast & Family-Friendly: Done in 30 minutes or less.
- One-Skillet Meal: Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor.
- Ultra-Cheesy: Mozzarella and Parmesan team up for creamy goodness.
- Comforting Classic: The kind of meal that feels like a warm hug.
- Flexible: Use your favorite veggies or protein swaps.
What Kind of Bowtie Pasta Should I Use?
Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is ideal for creamy sauces because its ridges and folds catch all that cheesy goodness. You can use regular or whole wheat for a fiber boost, or even gluten-free options if needed. Just make sure to cook the pasta al dente so it holds up in the sauce without turning mushy.
Ingredients for the Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta
This creamy pasta dish relies on a handful of simple ingredients that bring big flavor:
- Ground Beef: Adds savory depth and protein.
- Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): Perfect shape for capturing sauce in every bite.
- Garlic & Onion: Bring aromatic richness to the base.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds brightness and texture.
- Italian Seasoning: Boosts the herbaceous flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce velvety and rich.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into gooey deliciousness.
- Parmesan Cheese: Adds sharp, salty complexity.
- Olive Oil: Helps sauté and enhance flavor.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasoning.


How To Make the Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 3: Stir in Tomatoes and Seasoning
Pour in the diced tomatoes along with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and let it simmer for 5 minutes.
Step 4: Cook the Pasta
While the sauce simmers, boil a pot of salted water. Cook the bowtie pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 5: Make It Creamy
Lower the skillet heat and stir in the heavy cream. Let it warm through, then add shredded mozzarella and Parmesan. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until evenly coated. Let it all simmer together for another 2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle additional Parmesan or chopped parsley on top for a fresh finish. Serve hot!
How to Serve and Store Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta
This creamy pasta is a hearty main dish that can easily serve 4 to 6 people depending on portion sizes. It’s great for weeknight dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings.
To store: Let the pasta cool completely, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce and warm it in a skillet or microwave.
To freeze: While best fresh, it can be frozen for up to 2 months. Just know the texture of the cream sauce may change slightly.
What to Serve With Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta?
Garlic Bread
Perfect for mopping up all that cheesy sauce!
Caesar Salad
A crisp, refreshing contrast to the rich pasta.
Roasted Broccoli
Adds crunch and a touch of green.
Caprese Skewers
Fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella balance the warmth of the pasta.
Sauteed Zucchini
A light veggie side that doesn’t overpower.
Red Wine
A medium-bodied red like Merlot or Chianti complements the beefy flavor.
Crusty Artisan Bread
Serve warm with butter – a rustic touch everyone loves.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If this cheesy comfort dish hit the spot, here are more pasta favorites to keep on rotation:
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta
- Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce
- Garlic Butter Meatballs with Velvety Parmesan Penne
- Creamy Beef and Shells
- One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta
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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you sneak in extra cheese or a dash of chili flakes? Did you try a different pasta shape?
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Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
If you’re craving a quick, comforting dinner that’s rich, creamy, and loaded with cheese, this Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan will steal the show. It’s a cozy skillet meal that combines tender farfalle pasta with seasoned ground beef, luscious cream, and a melted blend of mozzarella and Parmesan. Perfect for busy weeknights, casual dinners, or next-day lunches, this recipe is one of those irresistible easy recipes you’ll return to again and again. Great for quick dinners, comfort food lovers, and anyone seeking satisfying dinner ideas or family-friendly food ideas.
Ingredients
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 pound ground beef
1 small onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
2 cups bowtie pasta (farfalle), uncooked
3/4 cup heavy cream
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
2. Add diced onion and garlic, sauté until soft and fragrant.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let simmer for 5 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.
5. Stir heavy cream into the skillet. Simmer gently.
6. Add mozzarella and Parmesan, stirring until melted and creamy.
7. Toss cooked pasta into the skillet and coat well.
8. Simmer for 2 more minutes, garnish with extra Parmesan, and serve hot.
Notes
Make sure not to overcook the pasta—al dente holds best in creamy sauces.
For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter with the cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 31g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
Keywords: easy dinner, creamy pasta, beef pasta, comfort food, weeknight meals