Imagine tender bowtie pasta drenched in a velvety, cheesy sauce and layered with rich Italian beef marinara. This dish is the perfect comfort food that brings together the warmth of a homemade pasta dinner with the creaminess of Velveeta cheese. Every bite is hearty, cheesy, and deeply satisfying, making it an irresistible weeknight or weekend favorite.
The combination of Italian-seasoned ground beef, savory marinara sauce, and melted Velveeta creates a silky texture that clings to each pasta bow. It’s a family-style recipe that feels indulgent but comes together easily in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re serving it to a crowd or saving it for leftovers, this dish is destined to be a repeat request.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara
This pasta recipe is all about balance. The marinara delivers tang and depth, while the Velveeta provides that creamy, cheesy richness we all crave. Bowtie pasta holds the sauce perfectly, and the seasoned ground beef gives every bite a hearty, meaty base. It’s quick, filling, and comforting—everything you want in a one-pan meal.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
To make this dish stress-free, you’ll need just a few essential kitchen tools:
- Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: Perfect for browning the beef and combining all the ingredients into one creamy dish.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps break down the beef evenly and stir the sauce smoothly.
- Pasta Pot with Strainer: Essential for cooking the bowtie pasta to al dente perfection before combining with the sauce.
- Cheese Grater (optional): If you’d like to add extra shredded cheese on top for that golden, bubbly finish.
Each tool plays an important role in achieving the perfect balance of textures, ensuring the pasta is well-coated, the beef is flavorful, and the cheese is melted evenly into the sauce.
Ingredients for the Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara
Each ingredient in this dish plays a special role in making it creamy, hearty, and flavorful:
- Bowtie Pasta: Holds the sauce perfectly in every fold, giving each bite a satisfying texture.
- Ground Beef (Italian seasoned): The meaty base that adds depth and richness to the dish.
- Marinara Sauce: Brings tangy tomato flavor that balances the creaminess of the Velveeta.
- Velveeta Cheese: Melts into a smooth, creamy sauce that binds everything together.
- Italian Seasoning & Garlic: Enhance the marinara with aromatic depth and warmth.
- Shredded Mozzarella (optional): For a cheesy, golden topping if you want to take it over the top.

How To Make the Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara
Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Brown the Italian Beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Break it apart with a spoon while cooking to ensure even crumbles. Drain any excess grease.
Step 3: Add the Marinara Base
Stir the marinara sauce into the skillet with the beef. Add Italian seasoning and garlic to boost the flavor. Let it simmer for 5–7 minutes so the flavors meld.
Step 4: Make it Creamy with Velveeta
Cut Velveeta cheese into cubes and stir it into the sauce. Continue stirring until the cheese melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy marinara.
Step 5: Combine Pasta & Sauce
Add the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet. Toss gently until each piece is coated in the cheesy beef marinara.
Step 6: Optional Cheesy Bake
For a bubbling finish, transfer the pasta into a baking dish, sprinkle shredded mozzarella on top, and broil until golden and bubbly.
Serving and Storing Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara
This dish is best enjoyed hot, straight from the skillet or oven, with all that gooey melted cheese pulling with every forkful. For a complete meal, serve it alongside a crisp green salad or buttery garlic bread. It’s hearty enough to be the star of the table but also pairs beautifully with lighter sides.
For storage, allow leftovers to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days, or freeze for up to 2 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or broth to restore the creaminess.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use another type of pasta instead of bowtie?
Yes! Penne, rigatoni, or rotini work well as they also hold onto the creamy sauce beautifully.
Can I swap Velveeta for another cheese?
Absolutely. Cream cheese or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella can be used, though Velveeta gives that ultra-smooth texture.
How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?
Be sure to cook the pasta only until al dente and toss it in the sauce right before serving or baking.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes, it freezes well! Just make sure to cool it fully before freezing in a sealed container.
Can I add vegetables to this recipe?
Of course! Spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms make excellent additions without overpowering the creamy marinara flavor.
What can I serve on the side?
A simple Caesar salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic breadsticks are perfect companions to balance the richness of the pasta.
Want More Pasta Ideas?
If you enjoyed this Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara, you’ll definitely love exploring more hearty pasta dishes that bring comfort and flavor to the table:
- Garlic Butter Beef Cheesy Bowtie Pasta
- Ultimate Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti
- Million Dollar Ravioli Casserole
- One-Skillet Spicy Honey BBQ Sausage Pasta
- Creamy Cajun Sausage Pasta
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.
And when you try it, let me know how it turned out for you. Did you go all in with the cheesy topping, or keep it skillet-style for a quick dinner? Maybe you added veggies for a twist?
I’d love to hear how you made it your own! And if you’re craving more cozy dinner ideas, don’t forget to check out my Pinterest Kitchen By Kate where I share daily recipes and inspiration.

Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Creamy Velveeta Bowtie Pasta with Italian Beef Marinara is the ultimate comfort food dish featuring tender bowtie pasta coated in a rich Velveeta cheese sauce and hearty Italian beef marinara. This cheesy pasta recipe combines savory flavors with creamy textures, making it a satisfying family-friendly dinner option.
Ingredients
12 oz bowtie pasta
1 lb ground beef (Italian seasoned)
3 cups marinara sauce
8 oz Velveeta cheese (cubed)
1 tsp Italian seasoning
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup shredded mozzarella (optional topping)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the Italian seasoned ground beef. Break it into crumbles with a spoon and drain excess grease.
3. Stir in marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and garlic. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Add cubed Velveeta cheese to the sauce. Stir until melted and smooth, creating a creamy base.
5. Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss gently until evenly coated in the cheesy beef marinara.
6. Optional: Transfer to a baking dish, sprinkle mozzarella on top, and broil until golden and bubbly.
Notes
Cook the pasta only until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with sauce.
For extra creaminess, add a splash of milk while melting the Velveeta into the marinara.
Customize with vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or bell peppers for added flavor and nutrition.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop, Optional Bake
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 7
- Sodium: 820
- Fat: 23
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Unsaturated Fat: 10
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 42
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 28
- Cholesterol: 75


