Description
Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara is a quick weeknight pasta loaded with tender farfalle, seasoned ground beef, and a silky Velveeta cheese sauce swirled into tangy marinara. This family-friendly Italian American dinner comes together fast on the stovetop and delivers comforting, ultra-creamy flavor in every bite. Keywords: Velveeta pasta, bowtie pasta, beef marinara, creamy pasta, weeknight dinner, Italian American.
Ingredients
12 ounces bowtie pasta
1 pound ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
24 ounces marinara sauce
12 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
1½ teaspoons Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon kosher salt, to taste
¼ teaspoon black pepper, to taste
¼ cup milk, optional for extra creaminess
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan, optional for serving
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, optional for serving
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, then stir in garlic for 30 seconds.
3. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up, until browned with no pink remaining. Season with Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour in marinara sauce, stir, and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to meld flavors.
5. Reduce heat to low, add the Velveeta cubes, and stir until fully melted and creamy. If desired, add milk to loosen to a silky consistency.
6. Fold in the cooked bowtie pasta until every piece is coated.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning, then top with Parmesan and parsley if using. Serve hot.
Notes
Creaminess control: add milk a tablespoon at a time until the sauce glides off a spoon.
Make-ahead tip: cook pasta 1 minute shy of al dente, toss with a teaspoon of oil, and chill up to 24 hours.
Veggie boost: stir in 1 cup of sautéed mushrooms or spinach right before adding the pasta.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Pasta
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about 1.5 cups
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 980 mg
- Fat: 27 g
- Saturated Fat: 13 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg