If you’re looking for a creamy, crowd-pleasing pasta dish that turns everyday ingredients into pure comfort food magic, you’re going to fall head over heels for Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles. Imagine tender pasta hugging a rich, cheesy sauce studded with savory ground beef and a pop of tangy tomatoes and green chilies. The flavors are bold, the texture is silky, and every bite is an irresistible blend of nostalgia and pure joy. This is the kind of meal that brings friends and family running to the table — and it comes together in under an hour, making it as perfect for busy weeknights as it is for weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles lies in its straightforward ingredient list, where each component is carefully chosen for taste, texture, and unmistakable comfort. Don’t overlook a single item — every one brings something special to the party!
- Ground Beef: Use 2.25 pounds for hearty, savory flavor and protein that makes this dish satisfyingly filling.
- Bowtie Noodles (Farfalle): Their playful shape holds onto the creamy sauce, so you get perfect bites every time.
- Velveeta Cheese, Cubed: This is your shortcut to ultra-creamy, melty goodness and that signature golden color.
- Cream Cheese, Softened: Adds a tangy smoothness, rounding out the sauce so it’s extra silky.
- Cream of Chicken Soup: A secret weapon for richness and depth, giving your sauce body and a savory backbone.
- Rotel Tomatoes with Chilies: Bring bright acidity and a gentle kick, making each forkful more interesting.
- Pasta Water (reserved): Essential for thinning the sauce to the perfect creamy consistency without watering down the flavor.
How to Make Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a big pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your bowtie noodles and cook them until they’re al dente, following package directions (usually 10–12 minutes). Just before draining, scoop out a cup of that starchy pasta water and save it for later — it’s a simple trick to ensure your sauce turns out velvety and luscious. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Ground Beef
In a large skillet or a deep saucepan, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as you go, and cook until all the pink is gone and the beef is deliciously caramelized. Once it’s done, be sure to drain off any excess grease so your finished Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles isn’t too heavy.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese, your cubed Velveeta, and the cream of chicken soup directly into the skillet with the beef. Start stirring! This mixture will look a little wild at first, but as the cheeses melt, it’ll transform into the magical, smooth cheesy sauce that makes Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles so crave-able.
Step 4: Add the Rotel
Next, pour in the can of undrained Rotel tomatoes with chilies. Their juice amps up the sauce and the chilies introduce just enough gentle heat and complexity. Let this mixture simmer for three to five minutes, so every element can mingle together.
Step 5: Adjust Consistency
This is where the reserved pasta water comes into play! Slowly add it in, a splash at a time, stirring as you go. Stop when the sauce is creamy and coats the back of a spoon but doesn’t get runny. This step ensures your Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles is rich but never clumpy or dry.
Step 6: Combine with Pasta
Add the cooked bowtie noodles into your creamy beef sauce, turning gently to ensure every single piece is generously coated. The farfalle will gleefully catch bits of cheesy beef in their folds, making each bite a taste of comfort food heaven.
Step 7: Serve
Serve your finished dish hot, straight from the skillet. The sauce will be gooey and inviting, and the aroma might just draw everyone into the kitchen before you even call them to the table.
How to Serve Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles
Garnishes
Chopped fresh parsley is the classic, but you can also toss on some sliced green onions for a subtle bite or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for extra heat. Even an extra handful of shredded cheddar or a dusting of smoked paprika will make it feel special — go with your cravings and the occasion!
Side Dishes
Since Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles is super rich and hearty, I love serving it with something crisp and bright. A simple tossed green salad with a zesty vinaigrette is perfect, or you can balance it with garlicky roasted broccoli or steamed green beans. Don’t forget the garlic bread! It’s the best tool for scooping up every last bit of that dreamy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving a crowd, try spooning the pasta into a big casserole dish, sprinkle with cheese, and broil for a bubbly, browned top. Or, for a fun twist, divide into ramekins for individual servings — it makes Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles feel restaurant-worthy for a dinner party or cozy night in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep leftovers delicious, transfer any extra Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles to an airtight container once cooled. Store in the fridge for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it chills, but it stays tasty and reheats beautifully when you’re ready for round two.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze this dish! Spoon cooled pasta into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion. It will stay delicious for up to two months. Thaw fully overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results and a creamy, smooth sauce.
Reheating
The key is gentle heat. Rewarm your Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles on the stove over low, adding a splash of milk or a bit of extra pasta water to bring back the creaminess as it heats. If you use the microwave, cover the container and stir halfway through so everything heats evenly.
FAQs
Can I use a different pasta shape for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie noodles give Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles its signature look and texture, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even elbow macaroni. Just choose a shape that holds plenty of sauce for the same wonderful result.
Is it possible to make this dish a bit spicier?
You can turn up the heat by using hot Rotel tomatoes or adding extra diced green chilies, jalapeños, or crushed red pepper flakes directly to the sauce. Taste as you go and add gradually — it’s easy to make this a spicy sensation!
Can I use reduced-fat cheeses to lighten it up?
Yes, you can substitute reduced-fat Velveeta and cream cheese if you’d like. The sauce will still be creamy, although maybe a little less rich. Always be mindful that lower-fat cheeses might melt differently, so stir patiently to keep everything perfectly smooth.
What protein substitutions work for this recipe?
If you want to change it up, try swapping the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken. You could even use crumbled plant-based “beef” for a vegetarian spin! The flavors will shift a bit, but Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles is flexible and forgiving.
Can I prepare this dish ahead for a potluck?
Definitely! Complete all steps, then store in a covered dish. Reheat gently before serving, adding a splash of milk or water if the sauce has thickened. It’s always a hit at gatherings, making any potluck table instantly more inviting.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been craving old-school comfort food that’s quick, satisfying, and guaranteed to make everyone at the table happy, you’re going to adore Velveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll keep coming back to, whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want an easy weeknight treat. Try it soon — your future self (and your lucky taste testers) will thank you!
PrintVelveeta Beef Pasta with Bowtie Noodles Recipe
Indulge in a comforting and creamy Velveeta beef pasta dish made with bowtie noodles. This recipe combines savory ground beef with a rich cheese sauce for a satisfying meal that the whole family will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Ingredients
Ground Beef:
- 2.25 pounds ground beef
Bowtie Noodles:
- 1 box bowtie noodles (farfalle)
Cheese Sauce:
- 1 big block of Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 (8 oz) block of cream cheese, softened
- 1 can cream of chicken soup
- 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, undrained
- 1 cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie noodles until al dente, then reserve 1 cup of pasta water.
- Cook the Ground Beef: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat and drain excess grease.
- Make the Sauce: Add cream cheese, Velveeta, and cream of chicken soup to the skillet with beef. Stir until smooth.
- Add the Rotel: Stir in undrained Rotel tomatoes and let simmer.
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually add reserved pasta water to sauce.
- Combine with Pasta: Add cooked pasta to skillet and coat in sauce.
- Serve: Serve hot.
