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Creamy Tuscan Beef Bowtie Pasta Bake

Creamy Tuscan Beef Bowtie Pasta Bake - featured image
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A comforting, creamy pasta bake featuring savory ground beef, sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, and a luscious cheese sauce. Ready in 30 minutes, it’s a crowd-pleasing family dinner that’s easy to customize and packed with Tuscan flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup low-sodium beef broth
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded (for topping)
  • 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated (for topping)
  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil or nonstick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 8-9 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up (about 5-6 minutes). Add onion and garlic, sauté for another 2 minutes until fragrant and soft. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until spinach wilts (about 1 minute). Remove from heat.
  5. In a mixing bowl, combine heavy cream, beef broth, cream cheese, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup Parmesan, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, and salt & pepper. Whisk until smooth.
  6. Add drained pasta and beef-veggie mixture into the sauce bowl. Stir until evenly coated. If sauce is too thick, add a splash more broth; if too thin, add more cheese.
  7. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan. Sprinkle with fresh basil, if using.
  8. Bake uncovered for 15-18 minutes, until cheese is melted and golden, and bubbling around the edges.
  9. Let cool for 5 minutes before serving. The bake will thicken as it cools, making it easier to slice and scoop.

Notes

Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness. For extra crispiness, broil the top for 2 minutes at the end. Use freshly grated cheese for best melt and flavor. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or use gluten-free pasta if needed. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan pasta bake, creamy beef casserole, family dinner, easy pasta bake, comfort food, weeknight meal, Italian casserole, bowtie pasta recipe

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/creamy-tuscan-beef-bowtie-pasta-bake-easy-30-minute-family-dinner/