Description
This creamy velveeta bowtie pasta with Italian beef marinara is a comforting and delicious meal that the entire family will love.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 2 cups marinara sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta. Cook according to package instructions until the pasta is al dente. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander while reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water—this will help loosen the sauce later if needed.
- In a large skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is heated, add the chopped onion and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Then, introduce the minced garlic, stirring continuously for an additional 30 seconds to one minute until fragrant. This step builds a flavorful base for your marinara.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook the beef thoroughly until it browns and is no longer pink, usually around 6-8 minutes. Don’t forget to season the meat with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning during this step to enhance its flavor.
- Pour in the marinara sauce, stirring to combine the beef mixture thoroughly. Reduce the heat and allow it to simmer for about 10 minutes, letting the flavors meld together beautifully. If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle in the red pepper flakes at this stage for a subtle kick.
- Once your marinara has simmered, lower the heat further and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir slowly, ensuring that it melts nicely and combines into a creamy, luscious sauce. The key is to stir gently to maintain that smooth consistency you crave.
- Now that your sauce is ready, it’s time to add the cooked bowtie pasta. Carefully toss the pasta in the skillet, making sure every piece is coated in the creamy Velveeta sauce. If you find the sauce is too thick, pour in some of the reserved pasta water a little at a time until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Your Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara is now ready to be served! Scoop generous portions onto plates, and if desired, garnish with fresh herbs or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation. Enjoy every cheesy bite!
Notes
This dish can be customized with different proteins or vegetables based on your preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Protein: 28 g