Desserts
Creamy Beef Bowtie Pasta
After making this countless times in my kitchen I’ve learned what works. Keep an eye on your pasta you want it with just a little bite left. Skip the pre shredded cheese and grate your own it melts so much better. If your sauce feels thick add splashes of broth until it’s just right. A tiny spoonful of sugar in the sauce balances everything perfectly something my Italian grandmother taught me.
Some nights I switch things up based on what’s in my fridge. Ground turkey makes it lighter and my family doesn’t even notice the difference. Last week I tossed in some baby spinach and mushrooms I needed to use up. It was fantastic. My gluten sensitive friend loves it with chickpea pasta and when I’m feeling fancy I’ll grab some smoked gouda instead of regular cheese.
I love serving this in my favorite pasta bowls. They’re these beautiful wide dishes that show off all those pretty bowties swimming in sauce. A sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra cheese on top makes it look like something from a restaurant. My family loves it with crusty garlic bread for soaking up every last drop of sauce. When friends come over I open a bottle of red wine and put together a quick side salad with my lemon vinaigrette.
This pasta keeps beautifully in the fridge. I store it in my glass containers and it stays perfect for quick lunches during the week. Just splash in a little milk when you reheat it to bring back that creamy texture. Sometimes I make a double batch and freeze portions in my meal prep containers. Such a lifesaver on those nights when cooking feels impossible.
Can’t find bowties at your store? No worries any short pasta works beautifully here. My dairy free friends use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and it turns out amazing. Want to prep ahead for a dinner party? Make everything but slightly undercook the pasta. When you reheat add a splash of cream and it’ll taste freshly made.
My kitchen is like my playground and this recipe loves to play along. Sometimes I add a pinch of chili flakes when I’m craving heat. Last month I made it for my vegetarian sister using plant based ground meat and veggie stock. It was such a hit she asked for the recipe. I’ve even tried it with those colorful vegetable pastas. The spinach bowties gave it such a gorgeous green tint.
This pasta dish isn’t just tasty it’s packed with good stuff too. The meat gives you that protein boost you need after a long day. I love how the sauce sticks to every bite giving you that perfect balance of flavors. When I’m feeling extra healthy I toss in whatever vegetables are in season. My kids don’t even notice they’re eating their greens when they’re wrapped in this creamy sauce.
