Ultimate Farfalle Pasta with Chunky Meat Sauce is a hearty and satisfying Italian-inspired dish that brings together tender bow-tie pasta and a rich, chunky meat sauce packed with flavor. This comforting meal features ground beef, tomatoes, garlic, herbs, and vegetables simmered together to create a thick, savory sauce that perfectly coats every piece of farfalle pasta.
Farfalle, often called bow-tie pasta, holds sauce beautifully thanks to its ridged texture and unique shape. When paired with a robust meat sauce, it creates a dish that is both comforting and filling. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, family gatherings, or when you’re craving a homemade pasta meal that tastes like it came from a classic Italian kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich and Hearty Flavor
The chunky meat sauce is packed with savory ingredients and slow-simmered goodness.
Perfect Pasta Pairing
Farfalle’s shape captures the sauce in every bite.
Great for Meal Prep
The sauce stores and reheats well, making leftovers even more flavorful.
Family-Friendly
A comforting pasta dish that both kids and adults will enjoy.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
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12 oz farfalle (bow-tie pasta)
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Water for boiling
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1 tablespoon salt
For the Chunky Meat Sauce
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1 lb ground beef (or a mix of beef and Italian sausage)
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 small onion, diced
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 carrot, finely diced
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1 celery stalk, diced
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1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
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1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon dried basil
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½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ cup beef broth or water
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½ teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
For Garnish
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Fresh basil or parsley, chopped
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Cook the Farfalle Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Add the farfalle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10–12 minutes.
Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Brown the Meat
Heat olive oil in a large skillet or saucepan over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef (or beef and sausage mix) and cook for 5–6 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until browned.
Drain excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add diced onion, carrot, celery, and garlic to the pan with the meat.
Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and release their aroma.
4. Build the Sauce
Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute to deepen the flavor.
Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, oregano, basil, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper, and sugar.
Mix well and bring the sauce to a gentle simmer.
5. Simmer the Sauce
Reduce heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
This allows the flavors to blend and the sauce to thicken into a rich, chunky consistency.
6. Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the cooked farfalle to the sauce and toss gently until evenly coated.
If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
7. Garnish and Serve
Serve the pasta hot and top with grated Parmesan cheese and fresh basil or parsley.
For extra richness, drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the top before serving.
Tips for the Best Chunky Meat Sauce
Use Quality Tomatoes
High-quality canned tomatoes give the sauce a richer flavor.
Let the Sauce Simmer
Allowing the sauce to cook slowly enhances the depth of flavor.
Mix Meats for Extra Flavor
Combining beef with Italian sausage adds complexity.
Salt the Pasta Water Well
Properly seasoned water improves the flavor of the pasta.
Delicious Variations
Cheesy Baked Farfalle
Transfer the pasta and sauce to a baking dish, top with mozzarella, and bake until bubbly.
Spicy Meat Sauce
Add extra chili flakes or chopped chili peppers for heat.
Vegetable-Packed Version
Add mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce.
Creamy Meat Sauce
Stir in ¼ cup heavy cream for a richer, slightly creamy sauce.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer:
Freeze the meat sauce separately for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
Reheat on the stove with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Ultimate Farfalle Pasta with Chunky Meat Sauce pairs beautifully with:
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Garlic bread
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Caesar salad
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Roasted vegetables
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Fresh Italian bread
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A light cucumber salad
These sides complement the hearty pasta perfectly.
Final Thoughts
Ultimate Farfalle Pasta with Chunky Meat Sauce is the kind of meal that brings comfort and bold flavor to the dinner table. The tender bow-tie pasta combined with a rich, slow-simmered meat sauce creates a dish that feels both rustic and satisfying.
Whether you’re cooking for your family, preparing a weekend dinner, or simply craving a comforting pasta dish, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of hearty ingredients and classic Italian-inspired flavor. Once you try it, it may quickly become one of your favorite homemade pasta meals.