Description
A cozy, creamy pasta dish that is hearty and kid-friendly, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 1 pound ground beef (85/15 for flavor)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cream or half and half
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 to 4 ounces cream cheese (optional)
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar or parmesan)
- Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, pepper to taste
- Optional add-ins: frozen peas, spinach, mushrooms, diced tomatoes
Instructions
- Boil the bowties in salted water until just tender, saving about half a cup of pasta water before draining.
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, breaking it up for even cooking.
- Drain extra grease if necessary, then add chopped onion and garlic. Cook until onion softens.
- Stir in seasonings like salt, pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Add the creamy base and let it gently bubble for a couple of minutes to thicken.
- Toss in the drained pasta and add a splash of reserved pasta water if it’s too thick, finishing with cheese.
Notes
Keep the heat gentle after adding dairy for a smooth sauce. Can be reheated; add a splash of broth or milk to restore creaminess.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg