Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe

If you’re in the mood for a comforting, rich, and creamy pasta dish, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is exactly what you’re looking for. Imagine succulent beef, velvety Alfredo sauce, and tender bowtie pasta all coming together in a bowl to create a meal that feels like a hug from the inside. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or making something special for a date night, this dish has got you covered.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its balance of simple ingredients that come together to create a flavorful, filling, and indulgent meal. The creamy Alfredo sauce envelops the beef and pasta in a rich, decadent coating that you’ll savor with every bite. This recipe will quickly become a family favorite and one you’ll keep in your back pocket for those busy weeknights when you crave something hearty and satisfying. Ready to dive into the creamy deliciousness? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

1. Creamy Dreaminess: The homemade Alfredo sauce is thick, creamy, and buttery, making every bite melt in your mouth. It adds a luxurious texture to the beef and pasta that will leave you wanting more.
2. Hearty and Satisfying: With ground beef as the protein and bowtie pasta as the base, this dish is filling and perfect for a hearty meal that can satisfy even the biggest appetites.
3. Quick and Easy: You can make this dish in under 30 minutes. It’s the ideal meal for busy evenings when you need something comforting and flavorful, but without spending hours in the kitchen.
4. Kid-Approved: If you’re cooking for little ones, this dish is a winner. The creamy sauce and familiar flavors of pasta and beef make it a hit with kids (and adults too!).
5. Versatile: This recipe is super adaptable. Feel free to swap the ground beef for chicken, sausage, or even a plant-based protein for a different twist. Plus, you can add your favorite veggies to the dish to customize it to your taste.

Ingredients in Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients that come together to make this creamy pasta dish:

• Ground Beef:
  The star of the show! Ground beef adds a rich, savory flavor that perfectly complements the creamy Alfredo sauce. You can use lean ground beef for a lighter version or go for regular beef if you want a richer taste.
• Bowtie Pasta:
  Also known as farfalle, these little bowtie-shaped pasta are perfect for this recipe. The shape allows them to hold onto the sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is coated in that creamy Alfredo goodness.
• Butter:
  The base of our creamy Alfredo sauce. Butter provides a smooth texture and a rich flavor that makes the sauce indulgent and comforting. Don’t skimp on the butter—this is where the magic happens!
• Heavy Cream:
  Heavy cream is what gives the Alfredo sauce its rich and silky consistency. It adds that indulgent feel to the sauce, making it thick and creamy.
• Parmesan Cheese:
  Freshly grated Parmesan is key to making an authentic Alfredo sauce. It brings in that sharp, nutty flavor that cuts through the richness of the butter and cream, creating a perfect balance of flavors.
• Garlic:
  A bit of garlic infuses the sauce with warmth and depth. The garlic gives the Alfredo sauce that unmistakable flavor profile we all know and love.
• Salt and Pepper:
  Seasoning is essential in any dish, and a pinch of salt and pepper adds just the right amount of flavor. You can adjust these to taste based on your preferences.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are available in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions, typically for about 8-10 minutes, or until al dente. You want the pasta to have a slight bite to it, so it can hold up to the rich sauce. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set it aside. Be sure to save about a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin the sauce later.

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While your pasta is cooking, place a large skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef. Cook the beef, breaking it apart with a spatula or wooden spoon, until it’s browned and fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat from the beef, then return it to the skillet. At this point, the beef is ready to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce, but you can season it with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.

Step 3: Make the Alfredo Sauce

In the same skillet with the beef (to keep all those delicious beef juices!), add the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute, until the garlic becomes fragrant. This step infuses the butter with that garlic flavor that will elevate the entire dish.

Next, pour in the heavy cream. Stir the mixture gently to combine the cream and butter. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer. Once it begins to simmer, reduce the heat slightly and cook for about 3-5 minutes, until the sauce begins to thicken.

Step 4: Add Parmesan and Season

Now, it’s time to make your sauce extra creamy and cheesy! Stir in the Parmesan cheese slowly, allowing it to melt completely into the sauce. The sauce should become thick and velvety at this point. Taste the sauce and season it with salt and pepper as needed. If you want a little extra richness, you can add more butter or cream at this stage.

If the sauce gets too thick, you can thin it out by adding a small amount of the reserved pasta water until it reaches the desired consistency.

Step 5: Combine the Beef, Pasta, and Sauce

Add the cooked pasta and beef into the Alfredo sauce. Stir everything together, making sure that all the pasta is coated in that creamy, cheesy sauce. Let the mixture simmer for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the pasta to absorb some of the sauce and the beef to blend in seamlessly. Everything should be warm and well combined.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce in large bowls or on plates. You can sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top for an added cheesy kick, or garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or basil for a pop of color. Dig in and enjoy the creamy, savory goodness of this dish!

How to Serve Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

This dish is rich and filling on its own, but if you want to make it a complete meal, here are some serving suggestions:

• Garlic Bread: Nothing pairs better with Alfredo pasta than some warm, crispy garlic bread. It’s perfect for dipping into the creamy sauce!
• Fresh Green Salad: A light and crisp salad balances out the richness of the pasta. Try a simple Caesar salad or a mixed greens salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• Roasted Vegetables: Roasted broccoli, asparagus, or zucchini make great side dishes to add some color and nutrients to your meal.
• Extra Cheese: Add even more cheesy goodness by topping the pasta with extra Parmesan or mozzarella cheese. The more, the merrier!

Additional Tips

• For a Lighter Version: If you want a lighter version of this dish, you can substitute half-and-half or whole milk for the heavy cream. You can also use lean ground beef or even ground turkey to reduce the fat content.
• Spicy Kick: If you like a little heat, try adding red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Add Veggies: Feel free to throw in some vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or peas for added flavor and nutrition. Just sauté them along with the garlic for a few minutes before adding the cream.
• Make-Ahead: You can make the sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove, adding a little more cream or pasta water to loosen it up.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 680
Total Fat: 39g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 95mg
Sodium: 550mg
Total Carbohydrates: 42g
Dietary Fiber: 2g
Sugars: 3g
Protein: 34g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A1: Yes! You can swap the bowtie pasta for any other pasta shape, like penne, fusilli, or spaghetti. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the Alfredo sauce and cook the beef ahead of time. Store them separately in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve. If you want, you can even assemble the dish the day before and store it in the fridge until it’s time to bake or reheat.

Q3: Can I freeze Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce?
A3: Yes, this dish freezes beautifully. Store it in an airtight container for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight and then warm it up on the stove, adding a little cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creamy texture.

Q4: Can I make this dairy-free?
A4: Yes! Swap out the butter, cream, and Parmesan for dairy-free alternatives like plant-based butter, coconut cream, and dairy-free cheese. You might also want to add a little nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor.

Q5: Can I add other proteins?
A5: Yes! Chicken, sausage, or even shrimp would work wonderfully in this dish. Just cook them separately and add them to the sauce before combining with the pasta.

Q6: How do I make the Alfredo sauce thicker?
A6: If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to simmer for an extra 5-10 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency. You can also add more Parmesan cheese to help thicken it.

Q7: How can I make this spicier?
A7: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the Alfredo sauce for a spicy twist. Start with a small amount and taste as you go to avoid overpowering the dish.

Q8: Can I use pre-made Alfredo sauce?
A8: Absolutely! If you’re short on time, you can use store-bought Alfredo sauce, though making it from scratch will give you a richer and more flavorful result.

Q9: How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?
A9: Keep the heat on low and don’t let the sauce come to a boil. Stir frequently and add the cream slowly. If the sauce seems to separate, you can add a little extra cream or butter and stir until smooth.

Q10: Can I add veggies to this recipe?
A10: Yes! Feel free to add spinach, mushrooms, peas, or any other vegetables you enjoy. Just sauté them in the pan with the garlic before adding the cream.

Conclusion

This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is a decadent and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. The creamy Alfredo sauce, tender beef, and hearty pasta come together in a way that feels indulgent yet comforting. Plus, it’s a dish that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe will quickly become a go-to favorite! Enjoy every creamy bite!

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