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To make creamy beef and bowtie pasta, gather these key items: - 8 oz bowtie pasta - 1 lb ground beef - 1 medium onion, finely chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup beef broth - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - Salt and pepper to taste - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish These ingredients create a rich and creamy dish that feels comforting and delicious. You can change the dish by adding these extras: - Mushrooms for a hearty texture - Bell peppers for a sweet crunch - Zucchini for added nutrition - Different cheese, like mozzarella or cheddar - Red pepper flakes for a spicy kick Feel free to mix and match based on what you like! To cook this tasty meal, use these tools: - Large pot for boiling pasta - Skillet for cooking the beef and sauce - Colander for draining pasta - Cutting board and knife for chopping ingredients - Wooden spoon or spatula for mixing Having these tools ready makes cooking easier and more fun! For the complete recipe, refer to the Full Recipe section. To cook the bowtie pasta, start by boiling water in a large pot. Add salt to the water for flavor. Once the water boils, add 8 oz of bowtie pasta. Follow the package instructions, cooking until al dente, which takes about 8-10 minutes. After cooking, drain the pasta and set it aside. This step is key for a perfect bite. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add 1 medium onion that you finely chopped. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes until it turns soft and translucent. Next, stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, cooking for one more minute. This helps release the garlic's wonderful aroma. Now, add 1 lb of ground beef to the skillet. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the beef turns brown and is fully cooked. Once the beef is browned, pour in 1/2 cup of beef broth. Bring this to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes. This allows the beef to soak up the flavors. Lower the heat and stir in 1 cup of heavy cream. Mix well until it blends into a creamy sauce. Then, add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes and 1 cup of roughly chopped spinach. Cook for another 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften. Finally, combine the cooked bowtie pasta with this creamy mixture. Toss gently until every piece is coated in sauce. Add 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it melts. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. For the full recipe, check the details above. - Use a large pot with plenty of water. This helps the pasta move freely. - Add a good amount of salt to the water. Salty water flavors the pasta. - Stir the pasta occasionally to stop it from sticking together. - Cook until al dente, which means firm to the bite. This keeps the pasta from becoming mushy. - Reserve a cup of pasta water before draining. This can help thicken your sauce later. - Use fresh herbs like basil or parsley for a bright flavor boost. - Add a splash of lemon juice for a fresh, zesty kick. - Try adding red pepper flakes if you like heat. Just a pinch will do! - Incorporate different cheeses like mozzarella or goat cheese for a unique twist. - Serve with a side salad to balance the meal and add freshness. - Don’t skip salting the pasta water. This is key for taste. - Avoid overcooking the beef. It should be browned but not dry. - Don’t forget to stir in the cream slowly. This keeps it from curdling. - Be careful with seasoning. Taste as you go to avoid overdoing it. - Letting the dish sit too long before serving can make it dry. Serve it fresh to enjoy the creamy texture. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Delight! {{image_4}} If you want to switch up the recipe, you can easily find substitutes for the main ingredients. For ground beef, try ground turkey or chicken. Both are leaner options and still taste great. Instead of bowtie pasta, use penne or fusilli. These shapes hold the sauce well. You can also switch heavy cream with half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter dish. To make a vegetarian version, skip the beef entirely. Use mushrooms instead. They add a rich flavor and meaty texture. You can also replace the beef broth with vegetable broth. Add more beans or lentils for protein. For a fun twist, use whole grain or spinach pasta for added nutrients. Feel free to boost this dish with veggies. Zucchini, bell peppers, or carrots can add color and crunch. Just chop them finely and sauté them with the onion. For extra protein, toss in some cooked chicken or shrimp. These additions make the dish more filling. You can even add nuts for a crunchy texture. These variations keep the dish fresh and exciting. You can make it fit your taste and dietary needs! To store your leftover creamy beef and bowtie pasta, first let it cool. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh. It can stay in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a good option. When it’s time to enjoy your leftovers, reheat them gently. You can use a microwave or a stovetop. If using the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring often. On the stovetop, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Heat on low until warm, stirring occasionally. To freeze your creamy beef and bowtie pasta, portion it into freezer-safe containers. Make sure to leave some space at the top, as it will expand when frozen. It’s best to eat frozen pasta within three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating. Enjoy this dish anytime! You can find the full recipe to make it again. You can use half-and-half or whole milk instead of heavy cream. Both will give a nice creaminess. If you want a lighter option, try using Greek yogurt or sour cream. These will add tang and richness. For a dairy-free choice, use coconut milk or a nut-based cream. Each of these will change the flavor slightly but will still taste great. Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and make the sauce, then store them separately in the fridge. When you're ready to eat, reheat the sauce and toss it with the pasta. Just be careful not to overcook the pasta when reheating. This method keeps everything fresh and tasty. To adjust the serving size, simply scale the ingredients up or down. For two people, use half the ingredients. For six, multiply by one and a half. This way, you can always enjoy creamy beef and bowtie pasta, no matter how many you cook for. Just keep an eye on the cooking times, as they may vary slightly. For the full recipe, check out the Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta Delight section. This recipe for creamy beef and bowtie pasta is easy and tasty. We covered the main and optional ingredients, plus the kitchen tools you need. The step-by-step instructions will help you cook pasta, sauté beef, and make a creamy sauce. Remember the tips for flavor and common mistakes to avoid. You can change the recipe with substitutes and extras. Lastly, I shared how to store, reheat, and freeze the dish. Try it out and enjoy every bite!

Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta

Indulge in a comforting bowl of creamy beef and bowtie pasta delight! This easy recipe combines savory ground beef, rich cream, fresh spinach, and juicy tomatoes with bowtie pasta for a hearty dish your family will love. Perfect for weeknight dinners, it's simple to prepare in just 30 minutes. Ready to elevate your mealtime? Click through to explore the recipe and bring this delicious delight to your table tonight!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz bowtie pasta

1 lb ground beef

1 medium onion, finely chopped

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup beef broth

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Salt and pepper to taste

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

2 tablespoons olive oil

Fresh basil leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside.

    Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until it becomes translucent and soft.

      Infuse the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and continue to cook for an additional minute, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned.

        Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the skillet. Using a spatula, break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Season the mixture with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is browned and thoroughly cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes.

          Simmer with Broth: Once the beef is cooked through, pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Allow it to cook for about 5 minutes to let the flavors develop and the broth reduce slightly.

            Create the Creamy Sauce: Lower the heat and gently stir in the heavy cream, ensuring it blends well with the beef mixture. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and chopped spinach, cooking for another 2 minutes, just until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften.

              Combine with Pasta: Gently fold the cooked bowtie pasta into the creamy beef mixture, tossing everything together until the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.

                Incorporate Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until it melts and creates a creamy texture. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if desired.

                  Let it Rest: Remove the skillet from the heat and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.

                    Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4

                      - Presentation Tips: Serve the pasta in deep bowls, garnished with fresh basil leaves and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for an elegant and appetizing finish. Enjoy your meal!