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Bow-tie pasta with beefy cream sauce combines tender butterfly pasta with a rich, flavorful beef cream sauce. It's your go-to for busy weeknights or cozy dinners - your family will ask for it again and again!
What makes this pasta special
This one-pot pasta dish couldn't be easier to make, packs tons of flavor, and you can tweak it however you want. The velvety sauce, enhanced with parmesan and a touch of paprika, works beautifully with the firm pasta and juicy ground beef. It's comfort food at its finest!
What you'll need
- Ground beef: 450g, browned to add delicious richness to your dish
- Bow-tie pasta: 340g, cooked with a bit of bite for the best texture
- Beef stock: 50cl, to create deeper flavors in your creamy sauce
- Heavy cream: 25cl, for that smooth, silky base
- Onion: 1 small, finely chopped for sweetness and flavor
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced to add that aromatic kick
- Paprika: 1 teaspoon, giving a warm, smoky note
- Salt and pepper: 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Parmesan: 100g grated, to thicken your sauce and boost flavor
- Parsley: Fresh, optional for garnish and freshness
How to make it
- Get the pasta ready
- Cook 340g bow-tie pasta following package directions until just tender. Drain and set aside.
- Brown the meat
- In a large skillet, brown 450g ground beef over medium heat. Pour off extra fat to keep the dish lighter.
- Cook the aromatics
- Toss the chopped onion and minced garlic into the pan. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Create your sauce
- Pour in 50cl beef stock, 25cl heavy cream, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Let it gently simmer.
- Mix everything together
- Add the cooked pasta to the pan and stir until well coated. Mix in 100g grated parmesan until the sauce gets thick and creamy.
- Serve it up
- Dish out the hot pasta and sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if you want, for a pop of color.
Tips for amazing results
- Pasta cooking: Make sure it's still a bit firm so it doesn't turn mushy in the creamy sauce.
- Make it your own: Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a lighter meal.
- Cheese options: Try Swiss or pecorino romano for different flavor profiles.
- Leftover trick: This dish heats up great, just add a splash of cream when warming it up.
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Tasty serving ideas and twists
Pair this creamy pasta with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Want more veggies? Throw in some spinach, peas, or roasted mushrooms. The mix of creamy textures and hearty flavors makes this dish perfect for any occasion!
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I get a perfectly creamy sauce?
- Let the sauce simmer gently and gradually mix in the Parmesan. The low heat helps thicken it without separating.
- → What type of ground meat works best?
- Choose ground meat with 15-20% fat for maximum flavor. Beef is a classic option, but a beef-pork blend also works great.
- → Can I prepare this ahead of time?
- Pasta is best eaten fresh. If needed, prepare the sauce in advance, reheat gently, and stir in freshly cooked pasta with a splash of cream.
- → What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
- Warm it on low heat with a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy texture. Stir gently to keep the pasta intact.
- → What sides go well with this dish?
- A crisp green salad balances the richness perfectly. Grilled vegetables also make a tasty side.