Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta

Featured in: Comfort in Every Bowl

This comforting dish blends tender bowtie pasta with rich creamy Velveeta and hearty ground beef in a zesty marinara. Italian seasoning and a touch of garlic enhance the savory flavors, while mozzarella and Parmesan melt beautifully over the top. Finished with fresh basil, it's a satisfying, cheesy meal that comes together easily for any busy weeknight or family gathering. A true classic for pasta and cheese fans!

Tags: #halal #beef #family-friendly #budget-friendly #italian #one-pot #high-protein #easy #under-30-minutes #dinner

sana kitchen chef
By Sana Sana
Updated on Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:04:40 GMT
A delicious dish of Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara is served in a black pan. Pin it
A delicious dish of Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara is served in a black pan. | recipebyme.com

There is nothing quite like a bubbling pan of creamy pasta to warm up a busy weeknight. This bowtie pasta with Italian beef marinara and plenty of Velveeta is exactly the kind of dish that brings everyone to the table happy. It is one of my favorites for cozy family dinners and always gets requests for seconds.

I first made this on a chilly evening when we wanted something soothing but did not have much time or energy. Everyone cleaned their plates and asked me to make it again before the week was over.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: This adds hearty richness and protein. Use freshly ground beef if possible for the best flavor and texture.
  • Bowtie pasta: Sometimes called farfalle. These little pasta shapes have nooks for all the cheesy sauce. Look for a sturdy variety that cooks up al dente.
  • Marinara sauce: Choose your favorite jarred sauce or a basic canned version. Bonus if it is robust with herbs and tomato flavor.
  • Velveeta cheese: Cubed so it melts fast and smooth. Gives you that velvety creaminess you cannot get from anything else. Fresher blocks work better than pre-shredded.
  • Italian seasoning: This gives the whole dish its signature herby background. Try to pick an Italian blend that is fragrant and includes oregano, basil, and thyme.
  • Garlic powder: For mellow all-over garlic flavor. No peeling or mincing needed.
  • Salt and pepper: These basics make everything taste better. Use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for a flavor boost.
  • Mozzarella cheese: Shredded and stirred in at the end. Makes the whole mix extra gooey. A low-moisture mozzarella melts best.
  • Parmesan cheese: Grated and sprinkled on top for intensity. Choose real Parmigiano Reggiano or at least a wedge you grate yourself.
  • Fresh basil: Adds a punch of color and a fresh lift at the end. Snip some right before serving for the brightest taste.

Instructions

Boil the Pasta:
Bring a big pot of salted water up to a rolling boil. Cook the bowtie pasta just to al dente so it holds its shape well later. Drain completely and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Brown the Beef:
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Keep cooking and crumbling until there is no pink left and you see some crispy bits for extra flavor.
Add Sauce and Velveeta:
Pour the marinara sauce directly into the skillet of beef. Stir it all together and let it come up to a gentle bubble. Add the cubed Velveeta a handful at a time. Stir slowly and constantly so it melts smoothly into the sauce without sticking or clumping.
Combine with Pasta:
Tip the cooked pasta into the sauce. Make sure every bowtie is coated in that creamy cheesy tomato mixture. Toss gently so nothing breaks apart but every piece is fully sauced.
Melt in Mozzarella and Parmesan:
Scatter the mozzarella over the hot pasta. Stir through until it is just barely melted. Add the Parmesan either into the pasta or sprinkled over the top so it melts from the residual heat.
Garnish and Serve:
Shower the top with lots of fresh chopped basil right before serving. This makes everything smell and taste super fresh. Dish up while steaming hot for the very best texture.
A bowl of pasta with meat sauce and cheese, ready to be eaten.
A bowl of pasta with meat sauce and cheese, ready to be eaten. | recipebyme.com

I always look forward to sprinkling basil over the top since it was the first herb I ever grew on my windowsill. Seeing my kids get excited to help toss the pasta together makes me want to cook this even more often.

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to help the cheesy sauce loosen back up. The flavors actually get better overnight so sometimes we enjoy it even more the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find bowtie pasta, use penne, rotini, or shells instead. For a lighter twist, try lean ground turkey in place of beef. Fontina or cheddar can be swapped for mozzarella if you want a little extra tang.

Serving Suggestions

Pile this pasta into shallow bowls and top with extra herbs and a few more shavings of Parmesan. It pairs perfectly with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. If you have any leftovers, try tucking them into a thermos for the most comforting lunch.

Cultural and Historical Context

Italian American pasta bakes like this dish became popular for their easy prep and crowd pleasing flavors. Velveeta adds a nostalgic creaminess that you will not see in classic Italian food but it is a time honored shortcut for families who love melt in your mouth sauces.

Seasonal Adaptations

You can stir in sautéed spinach or diced zucchini in summer. Try a handful of frozen peas or corn in winter for more sweetness. Chopped sun dried tomatoes make a tangy twist for spring. When tomato season is at its peak use a fresh marinara for even brighter flavor.

Success Stories

Friends have requested this recipe so often that now it is a mainstay at potlucks. My neighbor calls this the ultimate comfort food and it brought everyone together during a game night. When my cousin made it for her kids now they beg for it on pasta night.

Freezer Meal Conversion

Assemble completely but skip the fresh basil. Let it cool then portion into freezer safe containers. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight and bake at 350 degrees until hot. Stir in basil just before serving for a just made finish.

A bowl of pasta with meat sauce and cheese.
A bowl of pasta with meat sauce and cheese. | recipebyme.com

This creamy bowtie pasta is both nostalgic and special, guaranteed to bring everyone to the table. Enjoy every cheesy, comforting bite tonight or from the fridge tomorrow.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of pasta works best for this dish?

Bowtie (farfalle) is recommended for its ability to hold creamy sauce, but penne or rotini also work well.

→ Can another cheese be used instead of Velveeta?

Yes, for a different flavor, try mild cheddar or a processed cheese blend that melts smoothly.

→ How spicy is the marinara sauce?

It's typically mild; you can add red pepper flakes or a spicy marinara if preferred for heat.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, assemble and bake later or reheat gently on the stove. Add a splash of milk to loosen sauce if needed.

→ Is the basil garnish essential?

Fresh basil adds aroma and freshness but is optional. Parsley or oregano can also be used as a substitute.

Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta

Velvety cheese and tender beef elevate bowtie pasta in a rich Italian-style tomato marinara.

Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
25 min
Total Time
35 min
By Sana: Sana

Category: Pasta Recipes

Skill Level: Easy

Cuisine: Italian-American

Yield: 6 Servings (6 servings)

Dietary Categories: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 1 pound ground beef
02 12 ounces bowtie pasta
03 1 jar (14.5 ounces) marinara sauce
04 1 block (8 ounces) Velveeta cheese, cubed

→ Seasonings and Garnishes

05 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
06 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 Salt, to taste
08 Black pepper, to taste
09 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
10 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
11 Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish

Steps

Step 01

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.

Step 02

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, crumbling it with a spoon as it cooks. Season with salt, black pepper, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Continue cooking until the beef is thoroughly browned and no pink remains.

Step 03

Pour the marinara sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef. Stir to combine and let it come to a gentle simmer. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir frequently until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce becomes creamy.

Step 04

Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet, gently tossing to ensure the pasta is evenly coated in the creamy beef marinara sauce.

Step 05

Stir in the shredded mozzarella, allowing it to melt into the warm pasta mixture. If desired, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese across the top.

Step 06

Top with freshly chopped basil before serving. Enjoy warm for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  1. For enhanced flavor, use freshly grated Parmesan and basil just before serving.

Required Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Large skillet
  • Colander
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Check each ingredient for potential allergens and consult a healthcare professional if needed.
  • Contains milk, cheese, and gluten from wheat pasta.

Nutritional Info (per serving)

This data is provided as a guide and doesn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 510
  • Fats: 26 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Proteins: 28 g