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Cheesy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara

A rich, creamy, and ultra-satisfying pasta dish made with bowtie pasta, savory marinara, ground beef, and melty Velveeta cheese. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners, picky eaters, and cozy comfort food lovers.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4–6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
  • 1 lb ground beef (or Italian sausage)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (24 oz) jar marinara sauce (or homemade)
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth
  • 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 6 oz Velveeta, cubed
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella (optional, for topping)
  • Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil bowtie pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  2. Brown the Beef: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and cook 2–3 minutes until softened. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
  3. Add Flavor: Stir in garlic, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Marinara: Pour in marinara sauce and 1/2 cup water or broth. Stir and simmer for 5 minutes.
  5. Get Cheesy: Lower the heat and stir in cubed Velveeta. Stir until melted and smooth.
  6. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Use a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
  7. Finish: Top with shredded mozzarella (optional), cover for 2–3 minutes to melt. Garnish with parsley or basil. Serve hot!

Notes

  • Cube the Velveeta to help it melt quickly and evenly.
  • Use hot Italian sausage for extra heat and flavor.
  • Can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner version.
  • Stir frequently after adding cheese to prevent clumping or sticking.
  • Add veggies like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
  • Author: Selena Trump
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American-Italian
  • Diet: Halal

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1.5 cups
  • Calories: 580
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 980mg
  • Fat: 28g
  • Saturated Fat: 13g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 52g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 29g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: cheesy pasta, bowtie pasta, Velveeta dinner, Italian beef marinara