Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite like the creamy, comforting taste of Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce to bring everyone to the table. The tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce create a dish that feels indulgent yet simple enough for a quick dinner.

this Recipe

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty but easy to throw together. The result was a meal that has since become a household favorite, requested by my family at least once a month.

Why You'll Love This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Get ready to add this dish to your regular meal rotation because it’s packed with irresistible flavors and practical benefits.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples, you can have this dish on the table in under 30 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights.

It’s also budget-friendly. Using ground beef keeps costs low while still delivering plenty of protein and heartiness. Plus, bowtie pasta (farfalle) is affordable and widely available.

Another reason to love this recipe? It’s completely customizable! You can swap out the beef for chicken, turkey, or even mushrooms for a vegetarian twist. And if you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will do wonders.

Finally, this dish is pure comfort food. The creamy Alfredo sauce, infused with garlic and Parmesan, coats each bowtie perfectly, making every bite a delightful experience.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce lies in the combination of simple yet flavorful ingredients. Here’s what you need to know about each one:

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) is the ideal choice for this recipe. Its unique shape holds onto the Alfredo sauce beautifully, ensuring that every bite is rich and creamy. If you don’t have bowtie pasta, penne or rotini are great substitutes.

Ground Beef brings a hearty, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce. I recommend using 85/15 ground beef, as it has enough fat to stay juicy without being too greasy. If you prefer, you can use ground turkey or even thinly sliced steak for a different take.

Heavy Cream is the key to achieving that velvety Alfredo sauce. It creates the perfect richness and thickness. If you’re looking for a lighter option, half-and-half can work, though the sauce won’t be quite as indulgent.

Parmesan Cheese adds a nutty, salty depth to the Alfredo sauce. Be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor—pre-shredded varieties often contain anti-caking agents that can make the sauce grainy.

Garlic and Butter are essential for building a flavorful base. The garlic infuses the butter, which in turn enhances the entire dish with its aromatic warmth.

For equipment, you’ll need a large skillet, a pot for boiling pasta, and a wooden spoon for stirring everything together smoothly.

How To Make This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Creating this delicious dish is easier than you think. Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, comforting meal in no time.

Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Be sure to reserve about ½ cup of pasta water before draining to help loosen the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to a plate.

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic. Cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring continuously, and bring to a gentle simmer.

Once the cream is warm, gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. Stir frequently to prevent clumping. If the sauce gets too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring to combine. Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together until the bowties are fully coated in the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Let the dish simmer for another 1-2 minutes, then remove from heat. Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired.

Storage Options

This dish stores well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

If you have leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, but a splash of milk or cream when reheating will bring it back to life.

For freezing, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stove with a bit of extra cream.

Reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring frequently, or in the microwave with short 30-second bursts, stirring between intervals.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this dish is how adaptable it is. Here are some fun variations you can try:

Swap the Protein – Instead of beef, try ground turkey, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even crumbled Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

Make It Spicy – If you love a little heat, stir in some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Go Low-Carb – Replace the bowtie pasta with zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly option.

Add Veggies – Sneak in some nutrition by tossing in spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers.

Dairy-Free Option – Use a coconut milk-based Alfredo sauce and a dairy-free Parmesan substitute for a creamy, lactose-free version.

No matter how you customize it, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

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