If you are craving a rich, comforting, and downright delicious meal, the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish combines perfectly cooked bowtie pasta with tender, savory ground beef and a luxuriously creamy Alfredo sauce that’s cheesy and irresistible. Whether you’re looking to impress family or just treat yourself to something cozy, this recipe delivers big on flavor and satisfaction, making it a go-to on busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe lies in its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly special. Each item plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and that beautiful creamy consistency.
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta: The perfect shape to hold onto the rich Alfredo sauce and bits of ground beef.
- 1 lb ground beef: Adds hearty, savory depth, making the dish satisfyingly meaty.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For browning the beef and giving it a lovely, rich base flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with a warm, aromatic punch.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Brings subtle herbal notes that complement the creaminess perfectly.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors without overpowering.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- 2 cups heavy cream: The star of the sauce, giving it that luscious, silky texture.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty goodness that thickens and flavors the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Adds gooey, melty richness for an irresistible finish.
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, vibrant touch that brightens up every bite.
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed): The secret to adjusting the sauce’s consistency perfectly.
How to Make Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente—this means it should be tender yet still have a slight bite. Drain the pasta, but make sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the pasta water; it’s a golden ingredient you might want to use later to loosen the sauce. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the beef and sauce.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet heated over medium, pour in the olive oil, and add the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks and let it brown evenly until fully cooked through with no pink remaining. Once browned, if there’s excess grease, drain it off for a leaner sauce. This beef base will provide that mouthwatering savory note that defines this dish.
Step 3: Build the Alfredo Sauce
To the skillet with the cooked beef, add the minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Stir and sauté for about one minute, or until the garlic is fragrant, filling your kitchen with an amazing aroma. Reduce the heat to low, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. Let the cream simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
Step 4: Add the Cheeses
Now it’s time for the good stuff—stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses. Keep stirring until the cheeses melt completely and the sauce thickens to a rich, silky consistency. This creates the creamy Alfredo sauce that beautifully coats every bit of pasta and beef.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Finally, add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated. If you find the sauce is too thick, gently stir in some of the reserved pasta water, just a splash at a time, until you reach your preferred creaminess. For that fresh pop of color and flavor, sprinkle on the chopped parsley if you like, and serve it hot to enjoy every luscious forkful.
How to Serve Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic choice for adding both brightness and a little crunch to your plate. For an extra layer of flavor, you could also grate a little more Parmesan right on top or sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes if you love a bit of gentle heat.
Side Dishes
This creamy and hearty dish pairs wonderfully with simple green salads dressed lightly with vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus also work beautifully, offering color and crunch alongside this comfort food favorite.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the Beef and Bowtie Pasta in rustic bowls and garnish with a lemon wedge on the side, which offers a bright sip of acidity that contrasts deliciously with the creamy sauce. Alternatively, you can plate it attractive in layered pasta bowls topped with fresh herbs and a drizzle of good quality olive oil for that extra gourmet feel.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce should be stored in an airtight container and refrigerated within two hours of cooking. It keeps well for up to 3 days, offering a convenient, ready-to-reheat meal for busy evenings.
Freezing
While creamy pasta dishes don’t always freeze perfectly, you can freeze this recipe if needed. Use a freezer-safe container and leave some headspace because the sauce might expand slightly. To ensure the best texture, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to bring back the sauce’s creaminess. Stir frequently to heat evenly and avoid separating the sauce. You can also microwave it covered with a small amount of liquid added, testing halfway through for even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for this dish, you can swap it with penne, rigatoni, or even rotini. Just make sure the pasta shape holds sauce well for the best experience.
Is there a lighter version of this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe?
Yes! You can use half-and-half or milk instead of heavy cream, and choose lean ground turkey instead of beef to reduce fat. Keep in mind the sauce won’t be quite as rich or thick, but it’ll still be tasty.
Can I prepare this dish ahead for a dinner party?
Definitely smart to prep parts ahead. You can cook the pasta and brown the beef in advance, then quickly combine and melt the cheeses when you’re ready to serve to keep that fresh, creamy texture.
What can I add to make this recipe more vegetable-friendly?
Add in some sautéed mushrooms, steamed broccoli, or even peas during the last step when tossing pasta with sauce. These boost nutrition and texture without overpowering the flavors.
How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from splitting?
Cook the sauce gently over low heat and stir often. Avoid boiling the cream after adding the cheese to prevent curdling. Adding cheese gradually helps create a smooth, creamy sauce every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a recipe that feels like a warm hug on a plate, the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe truly shines. It’s straightforward, satisfying, and wonderfully flexible—a dish to make again and again for friends, family, or just because you deserve it. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll become a fast favorite in your recipe collection!
Print
Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Kid-Friendly
Description
This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce combines tender ground beef with creamy Parmesan and mozzarella cheese sauce, served over perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. A comforting and hearty American main course, easy to prepare on the stovetop in just 30 minutes, ideal for a family-friendly dinner.
Ingredients
Protein and Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
Sauce and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (if needed)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked through. Drain excess grease if necessary.
- Sauté Aromatics and Season: Add minced garlic, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Sauté for about 1 minute until the garlic is fragrant.
- Prepare Alfredo Sauce: Reduce the heat to low, then stir in the heavy cream. Allow it to simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Mix in the grated Parmesan and shredded mozzarella cheeses, stirring continuously until the cheeses melt and the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually stir in some of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired, then serve the creamy beef and pasta mixture hot.
Notes
- Ground beef can be substituted with ground turkey or Italian sausage for varied flavors.
- For added vegetables, try incorporating steamed broccoli or sautéed mushrooms into the dish.
