Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

### Instructions:

#### 1. **Cook the Pasta**
Start by cooking the **bowtie pasta** in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions for al dente pasta (usually around 10 minutes). Once the pasta is done, drain it and set it aside, saving about ½ cup of pasta water to use later in case you need to thin the sauce.

#### 2. **Brown the Ground Beef**
While the pasta cooks, heat the **olive oil** in a large skillet or sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add the **ground beef** and cook, breaking it up into small pieces with a wooden spoon or spatula, until browned and fully cooked. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.

Once the beef is cooked, drain any excess fat, if necessary, and add the **chopped onion** to the pan. Sauté the onions for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Add the **minced garlic** and cook for another 30 seconds, until fragrant.

#### 3. **Prepare the Creamy Sauce**
To the skillet with the beef and onions, add the **tomato paste** (if using) and stir it into the mixture. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the paste to deepen in flavor. Then, pour in the **beef broth** and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and stir in the **heavy cream**. Add the **Italian seasoning**, and season with **salt and pepper** to taste. Stir everything together and let the sauce simmer for another 5-7 minutes, until it thickens up slightly. The creamy sauce should be smooth and rich.

#### 4. **Combine the Pasta and Sauce**
Once the sauce has thickened, add the cooked **bowtie pasta** to the pan with the creamy beef mixture. Stir gently to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up to your desired consistency.

Sprinkle in the **Parmesan cheese** and stir until it melts into the sauce, giving it extra flavor and creaminess. Continue to cook for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and become more flavorful.

#### 5. **Serve and Garnish**
Once the pasta is well-coated and heated through, remove from the heat. Serve the **Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta** in individual bowls or on a large platter. Garnish with freshly chopped **parsley** for a burst of color and freshness.

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### Why You’ll Love Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

– **Rich and Creamy**: The combination of **heavy cream**, **beef broth**, and **Parmesan cheese** creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that perfectly complements the ground beef and pasta.

– **Hearty and Filling**: With **ground beef** and **bowtie pasta** as the main ingredients, this dish is both filling and satisfying. It’s a great option for those looking for a hearty meal without being overly complicated to make.

– **Quick and Easy**: From start to finish, this dish takes under 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to prepare a delicious meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.

– **Customizable**: You can easily modify this recipe based on what you have on hand. For example, swap out the **ground beef** for **ground turkey**, **chicken**, or even **ground sausage** for a different flavor. You can also add veggies such as **spinach**, **mushrooms**, or **bell peppers** for extra nutrition and color.

– **Kid-Friendly**: The creamy sauce and pasta combination make this dish an instant hit with kids. It’s an easy way to get them to enjoy a hearty meal without the fuss.

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### Tips for the Perfect Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

– **Use Quality Beef**: For the best flavor, use **high-quality ground beef**. Lean ground beef works well, but for a little more flavor, you can opt for a mix of **beef and pork**.

– **Don’t Overcook the Pasta**: Be sure to cook your **bowtie pasta** al dente (firm to the bite), as it will continue to cook in the sauce. Overcooking the pasta can result in a mushy texture when combined with the sauce.

– **Make It Spicy**: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of **red pepper flakes** or a small chopped **jalapeño** to the beef mixture while cooking.

– **Add Veggies**: For a healthier twist, feel free to add vegetables like **spinach**, **zucchini**, or **mushrooms**. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic for an added layer of flavor.

– **Make It a One-Pan Meal**: To save on cleanup, use a **large skillet or Dutch oven** to cook the beef and pasta together. Just be sure your skillet is big enough to hold both the pasta and the sauce.

– **Leftovers**: This dish makes great leftovers! Store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, add a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce, as it may thicken in the fridge.

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### Conclusion

**Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta** is a comforting, delicious, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for your family, hosting a dinner party, or just craving something hearty, this dish is sure to impress. The rich, creamy sauce combined with tender ground beef and bowtie pasta makes for a satisfying meal that’s as easy to prepare as it is to enjoy.

So next time you’re looking for a comforting dinner that’s both flavorful and quick, give **Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta** a try. You’ll love how simple yet delicious it is!