Description
Bow-Tie Pasta with Savory Meat
Simple ingredients, big flavor! This Bow-Tie Pasta with Savory Meat Sauce is sure to satisfy. Tender pasta and seasoned ground meat make a delightful meal.
Give it a go and tag someone who loves pasta!
Ingredients:
12 oz bow-tie pasta
1 lb ground beef or pork
1 small onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup broth (beef or chicken)
Salt & pepper
Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions:
Cook pasta as per package directions.
In a skillet, cook onion and garlic until golden.
Brown the meat, seasoning well, and pour in broth.
Let simmer, then combine with pasta.
Garnish with parsley and enjoy.
#SavorySimplicity
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for a perfect result every time. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the 12 oz of bow-tie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining. While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil, then the chopped onion. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened, then add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the 1 lb of ground meat, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until thoroughly browned, about 5-7 minutes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Pour in the 1 cup of broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the liquid to reduce slightly.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty pasta dish is wonderfully versatile. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm, crusty baguette is perfect for soaking up any extra sauce. To elevate the presentation, finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano cheese in addition to the parsley garnish. For a lighter twist, you can substitute the ground beef with ground turkey or a plant-based meat alternative.
How-to Summary
In brief: Cook pasta. Sauté onion and garlic. Brown seasoned meat in the same pan. Deglaze with broth and simmer to create a savory sauce. Combine the drained pasta with the sauce, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if needed to help it coat. Garnish and serve immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the meat sauce up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat gently before combining with freshly cooked pasta.
What can I use instead of broth? If you don’t have broth, you can use a combination of water and a bouillon cube or a splash of red wine for added depth of flavor.
How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin? Let it simmer uncovered for a few extra minutes. Alternatively, create a quick slurry by mixing a teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stirring it into the simmering sauce.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe? Absolutely. Diced bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach are excellent additions. Sauté harder vegetables with the onions, and add leafy greens just at the end to wilt.
Is it necessary to reserve pasta water? Highly recommended. The starchy pasta water helps the sauce adhere to the noodles, creating a creamier, more cohesive dish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta. Aim for al dente, as it will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the hot sauce.
- Not seasoning the meat adequately during the browning stage. This builds flavor from the inside.
- Using high heat for the garlic, which can cause it to burn and turn bitter quickly.
- Draining the pasta and letting it sit too long before saucing, causing it to stick together.
- Forgetting to scrape up the browned bits (fond) from the pan when adding the broth, as this is packed with flavor.
Conclusion
This Bow-Tie Pasta with Savory Meat Sauce is the epitome of comforting, home-cooked simplicity. With its straightforward technique and flexible ingredients, it’s a reliable recipe that delivers maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Perfect for a busy weeknight yet satisfying enough for company, this dish is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Remember the key tips—season well, reserve your pasta water, and don’t rush the simmer—for a truly delicious result every time.
