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
Scale
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.
