Creamy Velveeta Beef & Bowtie Pasta
An incredibly simple and satisfying creamy Velveeta beef and bowtie pasta dish, perfect for weeknights and guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. It's a hug in a bowl!
Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven For browning beef and cooking pasta/sauce.
- Airtight container For storing leftovers.
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 2.25 lbs ground beef Your hearty base for this delicious meal.
- 1 box bowtie (farfalle) pasta These little bows are perfect for catching all that yummy sauce.
- 1 block Velveeta cheese The secret to that unbelievably smooth, creamy texture! Cubed.
- 8 oz cream cheese Adds an extra layer of richness and creaminess. Make sure it's softened.
- 1 can cream of chicken soup A classic shortcut for a rich, savory sauce.
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies For a little bit of zing and a whole lot of flavor. Undrained.
- 1 cup reserved pasta water Our secret weapon for achieving the perfect sauce consistency.
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Grab a large pot or a Dutch oven. Add your ground beef and cook it over medium-high heat until it's nicely browned. We want all that deliciousness! Once it's cooked, drain off any extra grease.
- Add the Pasta: Now, right into the same pot with the browned beef, add your bowtie pasta. No need for a separate pot to cook the pasta – we're streamlining here!
- Stir in the Creamy Goodness: This is where the magic really happens! Stir in your cubed Velveeta cheese, the softened cream cheese, the can of cream of chicken soup, and the undrained can of Rotel tomatoes with chilies.
- Melt and Smooth: Reduce the heat to medium. Keep stirring frequently. You'll be amazed as the cheeses melt and the sauce starts to become wonderfully smooth and creamy. It's such a satisfying sight!
- Achieve Perfect Consistency: If your sauce looks a little too thick for your liking, don't worry! This is where your reserved pasta water comes in handy. Gradually add about 1/4 cup of the pasta water at a time, stirring until you reach that perfect, luscious consistency you’re dreaming of.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle this glorious pasta into bowls and serve it hot. Prepare for smiles all around!
Notes
This recipe is fantastic as is, but it's also super fun to play around with! For a little heat, use a can of "hot" Rotel or add red pepper flakes. Feel free to use other short pasta shapes. Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or bell peppers can be added for a veggie boost. Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be used instead of ground beef. Ensure cream cheese is softened for smooth melting. If cooking pasta separately, cook al dente. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days and reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or pasta water. Freezing is possible, but texture may change.