If you have been searching for a comforting yet impressive pasta meal to make any night a little more special, then you absolutely must try this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe. It brings together tender bowtie pasta coated in a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce, paired with savory, perfectly seasoned ground beef. This dish is the kind of recipe that fills your kitchen with welcoming aromas and leaves everyone at the table happily satisfied. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this is a surefire way to impress without spending hours in the kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem straightforward, but they each play a vital role in creating that rich, hearty, and luscious flavor profile this dish is loved for. The combination of simple pantry staples and fresh touches come together beautifully to make every bite memorable.
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta: Its unique shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, giving each forkful a delightful texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the beef evenly.
- 1 lb ground beef: The star protein delivering a savory and hearty element to the dish.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Introduces a fragrant punch that wakes up the entire flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that brings warmth and depth to the beef mixture.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the other flavors and balances the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of subtle heat.
- 2 cups heavy cream: Creates the velvety and luxurious base for the Alfredo sauce.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce, giving it a rich, tangy, and cheesy dimension.
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter: Boosts the sauce’s richness and smooth texture.
- 1/2 cup milk (as needed to thin sauce): Used to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): Adds a fresh pop of color and brightness to finish the dish.
- Red pepper flakes (optional for garnish): For those who love a little exciting kick.
How to Make Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente, which means it still has a slight bite to it. This perfect texture is key as it will soak up the creamy sauce in the next steps without getting mushy. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside so it’s ready to be tossed later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a spacious skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and add the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, ensuring it browns evenly and no pink remains. Browning the beef properly not only adds flavor but also helps lock in juices. If there’s excess fat, carefully drain it off to keep the dish rich but balanced.
Step 3: Add Flavor to the Beef
Next, stir in the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook this fragrant mixture for about a minute until the garlic releases its aroma and the spices meld into the beef. This builds the base flavor that will elevate every bite of your Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe.
Step 4: Make the Alfredo Sauce
Turn the heat down to low and add the unsalted butter along with the heavy cream to the skillet. Stir gently until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth and slightly thickened. Then slowly sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring to let it melt perfectly into a creamy, cheesy sauce. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash or two of milk to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Return the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss everything well to ensure that each piece of pasta is generously coated in the rich Alfredo sauce combined with savory beef. Allow it to simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors marry beautifully and the dish heats through completely.
How to Serve Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Before serving, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant burst of color and fresh herbaceous note. If you like a subtle heat, a dash of red pepper flakes can really awaken the creamy richness. These simple garnishes instantly elevate the presentation and taste of your dish.
Side Dishes
This indulgent pasta pairs wonderfully with crisp, fresh side salads like a classic Caesar or mixed greens tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Roasted or steamed veggies such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also make great companions to add variety and freshness to your meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, serve your Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe in individual shallow bowls sprinkled with extra Parmesan and a sprig of parsley for charm. Alternatively, layering the pasta in a casserole dish with mozzarella on top and baking briefly gives a delightful golden crust that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, pack any leftovers into an airtight container and refrigerate. This dish keeps well for up to 3 days, making it perfect for next-day lunches or quick dinners.
Freezing
You can freeze leftovers, though the texture may slightly change due to the cream sauce. Use freezer-safe containers and consume within 1 to 2 months for best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk if necessary to bring back the sauce’s creamy consistency. Stir frequently to avoid burning and ensure even warming. You can also microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I substitute ground beef with another protein?
Absolutely! Ground Italian sausage works wonderfully and adds a lovely spice, while ground turkey or chicken can be used for a lighter option. Just adjust seasoning accordingly to keep the balance of flavors.
Is it okay to use pre-shredded Parmesan cheese?
Yes, pre-shredded Parmesan is convenient and will work just fine. However, freshly grated Parmesan tends to melt more smoothly and really enhances the sauce’s texture and flavor.
How do I make the Alfredo sauce thinner if it’s too thick?
Simply add milk a little at a time while stirring until you reach the desired consistency. This won’t dilute the flavor much but will make the sauce easier to coat the pasta.
Can I add vegetables to this pasta dish?
Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or even spinach make excellent additions that complement the creamy sauce and beef wonderfully.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Bowtie (farfalle) is ideal because its shape holds the sauce well, but you could also try penne, rotini, or rigatoni for similar results.
Final Thoughts
This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe has quickly become one of my absolute favorite go-to meals for its comforting, crowd-pleasing nature. It strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and approachable, making it ideal for both busy weeknights and special occasions. I can’t wait for you to try it and share the joy it brings around your table!
Print
Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce recipe combines tender ground beef and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta in a creamy, cheesy Alfredo sauce. It’s a rich and comforting Italian-American dish perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner. The sauce is made with heavy cream, butter, and Parmesan cheese, seasoned with garlic and Italian herbs, and can be garnished with fresh parsley and a hint of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
Ingredients
Pasta and Meat
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb ground beef
Seasonings
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Alfredo Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup milk (as needed to thin sauce)
Garnish (Optional)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- Red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Brown Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about one minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Make Alfredo Sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add unsalted butter and heavy cream to the skillet. Stir continuously until the butter melts and the mixture becomes smooth.
- Add Cheese: Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt fully into the sauce, creating a creamy consistency.
- Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out, stirring to combine.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Return the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Simmer: Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes on low heat to ensure it is heated through and flavors meld.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and red pepper flakes over the top before serving for color and a slight kick.
Notes
- For added flavor and nutrition, sauté mushrooms or steam broccoli and stir them into the pasta before serving.
- You can substitute ground Italian sausage for the ground beef if preferred.
- Pre-shredded Parmesan cheese is convenient but freshly grated Parmesan melts better and creates a smoother sauce.
