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Smoky Chipotle Beef Bowtie Pasta Skillet

This Smoky Chipotle Beef Bowtie Pasta Skillet combines tender farfalle pasta, seasoned ground beef, smoky chipotle peppers, and a rich, creamy cheese sauce. It’s a hearty and comforting dinner with the perfect balance of savory flavor, gentle heat, and irresistible creaminess.
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Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 ounces bowtie pasta farfalle
  • 1 pound lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil if needed
  • 1 small yellow onion finely diced
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 –2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon adobo sauce
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish

Method
 

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Heat a large, deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook for 5–7 minutes, breaking it into small pieces, until browned and fully cooked. Drain excess grease if necessary.
  3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes, until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
  4. Add the chopped chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for about 30 seconds to release the flavors of the spices.
  5. Pour in the beef broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for 3–4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Gradually stir in the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss until every piece is evenly coated with the smoky chipotle beef sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until it reaches your preferred consistency.
  8. Let the skillet rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and serve warm.

Notes

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of milk, cream, or beef broth to loosen the sauce.
  • For a milder skillet, use less chipotle pepper and omit the extra adobo sauce.
  • For additional vegetables, add diced bell peppers, corn, spinach, or mushrooms.
  • Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the ground beef.
  • Freshly shredded cheese gives the sauce the smoothest and creamiest texture.