Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite like the rich, comforting flavors of Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce to bring the family together at dinnertime. The tender beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and creamy Alfredo sauce create a dish that's both satisfying and indulgent.

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I wanted something hearty but easy to throw together. What started as a simple mix of pantry staples quickly became a household favorite. Now, this meal makes a regular appearance on our dinner table, and for good reason!

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

Get ready to add a new favorite to your weeknight dinner rotation! This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is the perfect blend of creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors.

First off, this dish is incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of common ingredients and minimal prep work, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

It's also wonderfully budget-friendly. Ground beef and bowtie pasta are both affordable staples, making this a great option for feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank.

The versatility of this dish is another big plus. Want to add some veggies? Toss in some spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers. Prefer a little spice? A dash of red pepper flakes can elevate the flavor profile effortlessly.

Best of all, it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you're cooking for kids, picky eaters, or dinner guests, everyone will love the rich and creamy Alfredo sauce paired with tender beef and pasta.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish comes from its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect bite.

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The fun, bowtie shape isn't just for looks! This pasta holds onto the Alfredo sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is rich and creamy. If you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, penne or rigatoni also work well.

Ground Beef: For this recipe, I prefer using 80/20 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and tenderness. If you want a leaner option, you can go with ground turkey or chicken, but keep in mind that beef adds a deeper, heartier taste.

Alfredo Sauce: A homemade Alfredo sauce made with heavy cream, butter, Parmesan cheese, and garlic creates the best texture and flavor. However, if you're short on time, a good-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce will also do the trick.

Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan is key here! It melts more smoothly into the sauce compared to the pre-shredded versions, which often contain anti-caking agents that affect the texture.

Seasonings and Extras: A little garlic, Italian seasoning, and black pepper go a long way in enhancing the dish. If you love a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will add a subtle kick.

How To Make This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Creating this creamy, savory dish is easier than you think. Follow these steps for a perfect bowl of pasta every time.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and bring it to a gentle simmer.

Once the cream is warm, gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth. Season the sauce with Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a pinch of salt to taste. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Finally, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the sauce, tossing everything together until well coated.

Let the pasta sit for a minute or two so the sauce can thicken slightly, then serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and freshly chopped parsley if desired.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores beautifully!

For refrigeration, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The Alfredo sauce may thicken slightly, but it can easily be revived when reheating.

For freezing, place cooled portions in freezer-safe containers. It will keep well for up to 2 months, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces can change in texture after thawing.

To reheat, gently warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s creamy consistency. If microwaving, heat in short intervals, stirring in between to prevent the sauce from separating.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how customizable it is! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

Want to add some vegetables? Stir in some baby spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.

Need a low-carb version? Swap the bowtie pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower gnocchi for a lighter alternative.

Prefer a different protein? This dish also works wonderfully with chicken, Italian sausage, or shrimp instead of beef.

Looking for a spicier kick? A sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce can add the perfect amount of heat.

If you're avoiding dairy, you can try a dairy-free Alfredo sauce made with cashew cream or coconut milk, though the flavor will be slightly different.

No matter how you make it, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is a deliciously creamy, comforting dish that’s sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Happy cooking!

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