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How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Making this dish is as simple as it is delicious. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a satisfying meal in no time!
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the bowtie pasta and cook it according to the package instructions (usually 8-10 minutes). Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. Don’t forget to save a bit of the pasta water to add to the sauce later if you need to thin it out.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
While the pasta is cooking, heat the olive oil or butter in a large skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook the beef for about 5-7 minutes or until it’s browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat, if necessary.
Step 3: Sauté the Onion and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is soft and the garlic is fragrant. This step adds a lot of flavor to the dish!
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
To create the creamy sauce, add the can of cream of mushroom soup, heavy cream, and beef broth to the pan with the beef and onions. Stir everything together until it’s smooth and well combined. Add the dried oregano, dried basil, salt, and pepper to taste. Let the sauce simmer over low heat for 5-10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Step 5: Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the pan and toss it to coat the pasta in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Stir in the Parmesan cheese if using, allowing it to melt into the sauce for an extra creamy, cheesy finish.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once everything is well mixed and heated through, serve the creamy beef and bowtie pasta hot. You can garnish it with additional Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Tips for the Best Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
- Add Vegetables: To make this dish even more nutritious, consider adding vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them with the onions and garlic in Step 3.
- Swap the Ground Beef: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat can be used in place of beef. If you use a leaner meat, you might want to add a little extra butter or oil to keep the sauce rich and creamy.
- Use Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs are great for convenience, fresh oregano and basil will elevate the flavor of the dish. Add them at the end of cooking to keep their flavor bright.
- Make it Spicy: If you like a little heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce, or stir in some diced jalapeños with the onions and garlic for a spicy twist.
- Cheese Lovers: For extra richness, you can add mozzarella, cheddar, or gouda to the sauce along with the Parmesan. It’ll make the dish extra creamy and cheesy.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
This dish is delicious on its own, but you can pair it with several sides to make a complete meal:
- Garlic Bread: A warm, crispy garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce and making the meal feel extra indulgent.
- Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette will balance the richness of the pasta.
- Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, carrots, or Brussels sprouts are great vegetable side dishes that complement the creamy pasta.
- Wine Pairing: If you enjoy wine, a medium-bodied red wine like a Merlot or a white wine like Chardonnay would pair wonderfully with this rich dish.
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