Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4–5
Cuisine: American / Italian-inspired
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
For the Pasta
400 g bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Water for boiling
1 tablespoon salt
1 tablespoon olive oil (optional)
For the Beef
450 g ground beef
1 medium onion, finely chopped
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
For the Creamy Sauce
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
½ cup milk (120 ml)
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Salt to taste
½ cup reserved pasta water, as needed
For Garnishing
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Freshly cracked black pepper
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
Drain pasta and set aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon.
Cook until browned and fully cooked.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 3: Add Onion and Garlic
Add chopped onion to the beef.
Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Stir in paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, black pepper and chili flakes.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to medium-low.
Add butter and allow it to melt.
Pour in heavy cream and milk.
Add garlic powder and black pepper.
Stir gently and simmer for 3–5 minutes.
Gradually add Parmesan cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Combine Beef and Sauce
Mix the browned beef thoroughly into the creamy sauce.
Simmer gently for 2 minutes.
Add reserved pasta water if the sauce is too thick.
Step 6: Add the Pasta
Add cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet.
Toss gently until every piece is coated in the sauce.
Cook for another 1–2 minutes over low heat.
Taste and adjust salt and seasoning.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat.
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the pasta.
Add extra Parmesan cheese.
Finish with freshly cracked black pepper.
Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Nutritional Information
Estimated per serving, based on 5 servings.
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
650–750 kcal
Protein
30–35 g
Carbohydrates
55–65 g
Total Fat
32–40 g
Saturated Fat
15–19 g
Fiber
2–4 g
Sugar
4–6 g
Sodium
650–950 mg
Cholesterol
100–130 mg
Nut Information & Allergens
Does this recipe contain nuts?
This recipe contains no intentionally added peanuts or tree nuts.
Potential allergens:
Milk: Heavy cream, butter, milk and Parmesan cheese.
Gluten: Regular wheat-based bowtie pasta.
Soy: May be present in certain packaged ingredients.
For people with nut allergies:
Check all ingredient labels for nut traces and cross-contamination warnings.
Use clean cookware and utensils.
Avoid nut-based pesto and toppings.
Choose certified nut-free products when necessary.
Tips for Best Results
Use 80–85% lean ground beef for juicy flavor.
Cook pasta until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
Add Parmesan gradually to prevent clumping.
Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese.
Use reserved pasta water to achieve a silky sauce.
Add fresh parsley just before serving.
Avoid boiling the sauce after adding Parmesan.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Stovetop: Reheat gently with 1–2 tablespoons of milk or cream.
Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring between intervals.
Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and reheat to 74°C (165°F).
Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: Can I make this recipe without heavy cream?
Yes! Substitute evaporated milk or use milk with a little cream cheese for a creamy texture.
Q2: Can I use chicken instead of ground beef?
Absolutely. Use diced chicken breast or thighs and cook thoroughly before adding the sauce.
Q3: Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes. Penne, fusilli, rigatoni, rotini and shells are excellent alternatives.
Q4: Is this recipe spicy?
No. The basic recipe is mild. Add chili flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
Q5: Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the beef sauce and pasta separately, refrigerate and combine when ready to serve.
Q6: How can I make the sauce thicker?
Add extra Parmesan or a little cream cheese. Simmer gently until the desired consistency is reached.
Q7: Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes. Omit Parmesan and add a little extra cream. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
Q8: Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes. It is generally child-friendly. Reduce black pepper and leave out chili flakes for a milder flavor.
Q9: How can I make this recipe healthier?
Use lean ground beef, whole-wheat pasta, less Parmesan and half-and-half instead of heavy cream. Add spinach, mushrooms or broccoli.
Q10: Is this recipe safe for people with nut allergies?
The listed ingredients contain no intentionally added nuts. However, always check product labels and cross-contamination warnings, especially for severe allergies.