Rich, cheesy, and brimming with hearty Italian flavors, this Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara is pure comfort in a skillet. The tender bowtie pasta cradles a luscious blend of melty Velveeta, tangy marinara sauce, and perfectly seasoned ground beef. Every forkful is layered with cozy warmth, making it a perfect weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for casual gatherings.

The best part? This recipe comes together in under an hour and requires no fancy kitchen equipment. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or just craving a satisfying cheesy pasta fix, it’s a go-to that promises plenty of flavor without the fuss.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best?

Bowtie pasta (also called farfalle) is the star here because its unique shape holds onto the creamy cheese sauce and chunky beef marinara beautifully. If you’re in a pinch, rotini, penne, or rigatoni will also work — just be sure to choose a pasta shape with ridges or folds to cling to the rich sauce.

Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara

Bowtie Pasta – Holds the creamy sauce in its folds for the perfect bite.
Ground Beef – Savory and hearty, forming the base of the marinara.
Velveeta Cheese – Creates that signature smooth, creamy texture.
Marinara Sauce – Adds tangy tomato richness to balance the cheese.
Garlic – Enhances flavor with aromatic depth.
Onion – Brings a sweet-savory note that complements the beef.
Olive Oil – For sautéing and adding richness.
Italian Seasoning – Infuses the sauce with classic herb flavor.
Salt & Pepper – Essential for seasoning.
Shredded Mozzarella – For extra melty, cheesy goodness on top.

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

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

Step 2: Brown the Beef

In a large skillet over medium heat, warm olive oil. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, then cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 3: Add Aromatics

Stir in diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in marinara sauce, reduce the heat, and let it simmer for 5–7 minutes. Add cubed Velveeta cheese and stir until melted into a creamy, cohesive sauce.

Step 5: Combine and Top

Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella over the top and cover until melted. Serve hot.

Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta

Serve this pasta hot, straight from the skillet, with garlic bread or a crisp green salad. For storing, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk if needed to revive the creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different cheese instead of Velveeta?

Yes, cheddar or Colby Jack work well, but Velveeta gives the creamiest texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Swap ground beef for plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms.

Can I freeze this pasta?

It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in airtight containers for up to 1 month.

How can I make it spicier?

Add crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when browning the beef.

What’s the best marinara to use?

Choose a brand you love or make a simple homemade version for fresher flavor.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this creamy, cheesy bowtie pasta, you’ll also enjoy these comforting pasta favorites:

For even more recipe inspiration, visit my Pinterest – Life with Jam.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

I’d love to hear how yours turned out! Did you stick with Velveeta or try another cheese? Maybe you added some veggies or spice? Share your tweaks in the comments so we can all enjoy new twists on this dish.

Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara

Author: Jam Scott
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

Print Recipe

Description

A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender bowtie pasta, hearty Italian-seasoned ground beef, tangy marinara, and smooth Velveeta cheese, topped with melted mozzarella for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook bowtie pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef, season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning, and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

3. Stir in onion and garlic, cooking until softened and fragrant.

4. Pour in marinara sauce, reduce heat, and simmer for 5–7 minutes.

5. Add Velveeta cubes to the sauce, stirring until fully melted and creamy.

6. Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.

7. Sprinkle mozzarella over the top, cover, and heat until melted. Serve hot.