Few things satisfy quite like a creamy, cheesy bowl of pasta, and this Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan is comfort food at its finest. The rich texture of the sauce pairs perfectly with the bite of farfalle pasta, while hearty ground beef brings all the flavor and substance you want from a home-cooked meal. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with warm, cozy aromas and brings everyone running to the table.

This pasta is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you want something fast but still crave that homemade touch. It’s also elegant enough to serve at casual gatherings or when you’re looking to impress without a complicated recipe. The creamy base is studded with bits of tomato and savory beef, and the mozzarella and Parmesan combo delivers that ooey-gooey finish we all love.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make the perfect Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta, you don’t need a ton of fancy gear—just a few essential kitchen tools:

Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: This is where all the flavor magic happens. A wide skillet allows your ground beef to brown evenly without steaming.
Large Pot for Boiling Pasta: Farfalle pasta needs room to move. A large pot ensures it cooks evenly without clumping.
Wooden Spoon or Heatproof Spatula: For stirring the sauce and breaking up the ground beef as it cooks.

Measuring Cups and Spoons: Precise measurements make sure your cream-to-cheese ratio is spot on.
Colander: You’ll need this to drain the pasta once it’s al dente.
Cheese Grater: Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded varieties.

Each of these tools contributes to the efficiency and outcome of the dish, making it not only easier to cook but more enjoyable to eat.

Ingredients for the Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan

Every ingredient in this recipe is handpicked for both flavor and texture, making sure each bite delivers warmth and richness:

Bowtie (Farfalle) Pasta: This pasta’s shape holds onto the creamy sauce beautifully, making it a favorite for saucy recipes.

Ground Beef: Adds heartiness and savory depth. Opt for 80/20 for a nice balance of flavor and moisture.
Diced Tomatoes: Brings brightness and a touch of acidity to cut through the richness of the sauce.
Heavy Cream: Forms the luscious base of the sauce, giving it that silky, velvety mouthfeel.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melts into creamy strings that coat every piece of pasta—pure comfort.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty sharpness and depth, complementing the mozzarella perfectly.
Garlic: Just enough to enhance the flavor without overpowering the creaminess.

Olive Oil or Butter: Helps cook the beef and infuse flavor into the dish from the start.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance and balance the dish.
Italian Seasoning or Fresh Herbs: Adds a fragrant lift that ties all the flavors together.

How To Make the Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter, then the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 2: Add Garlic and Tomatoes

Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and stir well to combine with the beef. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3: Make it Creamy

Lower the heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce is simmering, boil the bowtie pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Add the Cheese

Stir in shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Mix until melted and silky.

Step 6: Bring It Together

Add the drained pasta into the sauce and stir well until every piece is coated. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian herbs to taste.

Step 7: Serve Hot

Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra Parmesan if desired, and serve warm.

Serving and Storing Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan

This dish is best served fresh, straight from the skillet when the sauce is still creamy and gooey with melted cheese. Pair it with a side of garlic bread and a light green salad to balance the richness. If you’re serving guests, sprinkle extra Parmesan and chopped parsley on top for a little flair.

For leftovers, allow the pasta to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk and reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave to maintain the creamy texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I prevent the pasta from sticking together?

Be sure to use a large pot with plenty of water and stir the pasta occasionally while it cooks. Drain it promptly and toss with a little olive oil if you’re not mixing it into the sauce immediately.

Can I substitute the ground beef with another protein?

Yes! Ground turkey, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based meat substitute works great. Just adjust your seasoning depending on the protein.

Is it okay to use pre-shredded cheese?

Pre-shredded cheese can be convenient, but it often contains anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting. For the best results, grate the cheese fresh.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the pasta and sauce separately a day in advance. Store them separately and combine them when reheating for best texture.

What herbs go well with this pasta?

Italian seasoning works beautifully, but you can also try fresh basil, oregano, thyme, or even a hint of rosemary for added depth.

How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the sauce while it simmers to give it a little kick.

Want More Pasta Ideas with a Twist?

If you love this creamy ground beef bowtie pasta, you’ll probably enjoy these other savory and cheesy favorites:

Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole for a rich, layered pasta bake.
One-Skillet Spicy Garlic Butter Parmesan Steak Pasta for bold steak flavor in one easy pan.

Cheesy Garlic Chicken and Broccoli Pasta for a veggie-packed, creamy pasta.
Creamy Garlic Butter Chicken Rotini in Parmesan Sauce for a twist on Alfredo-style comfort.
Sticky Honey Garlic Steak and Rotini if you like your pasta with a sweet and savory punch.

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time:

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you toss in some mushrooms or use spicy sausage instead of ground beef? Maybe you went heavy on the cheese—no judgment here!

I always enjoy hearing how others tweak these dishes to suit their taste. Got questions? Drop them below and let’s cook smarter together.

Creamy Ground Beef Bowtie Pasta with Mozzarella and Parmesan

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

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Description

A creamy, cheesy, and hearty pasta dish made with savory ground beef, rich heavy cream, and melty mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or as a crowd-pleaser for gatherings. Bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, and the flavor-packed beef makes it incredibly satisfying.

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil or butter and the ground beef. Break it apart with a wooden spoon and cook until browned. Drain excess grease if needed.

2. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the diced tomatoes and combine well with the beef. Simmer for 5 minutes.

3. Reduce heat slightly and pour in the heavy cream. Let it simmer for 2–3 minutes to thicken slightly.

4. While the sauce simmers, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

5. Stir the mozzarella and Parmesan cheese into the sauce. Mix until fully melted and creamy.

6. Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and stir until evenly coated. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

7. Serve hot with extra Parmesan or fresh parsley if desired.