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Delicious Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles in a creamy cheese sauce.

Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles

This creamy, quick, and filling Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles is made with simple pantry items and can be ready in about 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 550

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef Use lean ground beef for a healthier option.
  • 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta Pasta should be cooked al dente.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil For browning the beef.
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter For making the cheese sauce.
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced Fresh garlic works best.
  • 1 cup heavy cream For a rich sauce.
  • 3/4 cup beef broth (or chicken broth) Choose low-sodium if preferred.
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed Can substitute with cream cheese or a mix of cheddar and American.
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese For added flavor.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For mixing into the sauce.
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional) For a spicy kick; can be omitted.
  • Fresh parsley (for garnish) Chopped for serving.
  • Extra Parmesan or cheddar (for garnish) Optional topping.

Method
 

Cooking the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain, and set aside.
Browning the Beef
  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Drain excess grease if needed, then remove beef and set aside.
Making the Velveeta Cheese Sauce
  1. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in beef broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
  2. Add Velveeta cubes and stir continuously until melted and silky smooth. Stir in cheddar and Parmesan until the sauce thickens and becomes ultra-creamy. Add red pepper flakes if using.
Combining Pasta and Beef
  1. Add cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce and toss until evenly coated. Fold in the seasoned beef. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Serving
  1. Serve hot with extra cheese sprinkled on top and fresh parsley for color.

Notes

Cool pasta to room temperature within two hours if storing. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to restore creaminess. Can be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.