Description
If you’re craving a comforting, family-friendly dinner that’s quick to make and big on flavor, this Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara hits the spot. With tender bowtie pasta, savory ground beef, smooth melted Velveeta, and rich marinara sauce, it’s a one-pan wonder perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This easy dinner is loaded with cheesy goodness and Italian flavor, making it a go-to when you’re looking for quick dinner ideas, easy comfort food, or even weeknight pasta recipes that everyone will devour.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef
2 cups marinara sauce
8 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente, then drain and reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
3. Stir in garlic (if using), Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
4. Add marinara sauce to the skillet. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend flavors.
5. Stir in cubed Velveeta cheese and reduce heat. Mix until cheese is fully melted and sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with sauce. Use reserved pasta water to thin if needed.
7. Transfer to an oven-safe dish (or keep in skillet), sprinkle with shredded mozzarella, and broil for 3–5 minutes until bubbly.
8. Let rest for a couple minutes, then serve hot.
Notes
Use freshly shredded mozzarella for the best melting and texture.
Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
This dish is even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 ½ cups
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 940mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: easy pasta recipe, creamy Velveeta pasta, Italian beef marinara, quick dinner, cheesy pasta, comfort food