Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite like the creamy, indulgent comfort of Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce to bring everyone to the dinner table. The combination of tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce makes this dish a go-to for busy weeknights and special occasions alike.

I first stumbled upon this recipe when I needed to whip up a quick yet satisfying meal for a last-minute family gathering. With a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep, I created a dish that was not only delicious but also became an instant favorite in our household.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite comfort meal. This dish is a delightful mix of creamy, savory, and satisfying flavors that make it irresistible.

First off, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a few steps, you can have this meal ready in about 30 minutes—perfect for those nights when time is tight but you still crave something homemade.

It’s also budget-friendly. With simple ingredients like ground beef, pasta, and a few dairy staples, you can serve a hearty meal without breaking the bank.

Plus, it’s versatile. Whether you want to add extra veggies, swap in a different protein, or make it a little lighter, this recipe adapts beautifully to your needs.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple, yet well-balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures.

Bowtie pasta (Farfalle) is the ideal choice for this dish. Its shape helps catch and hold onto the Alfredo sauce, ensuring every bite is full of creamy goodness. If you don’t have bowtie pasta, penne or rotini make excellent substitutes.

Ground beef adds a hearty and savory depth to the dish. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef, as it provides a good balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well.

Heavy cream and Parmesan cheese are the heart of the Alfredo sauce. The heavy cream creates a rich and luscious texture, while the Parmesan cheese adds a deep, umami-packed flavor. For a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Butter and garlic provide the foundation for the sauce. The butter adds richness, while freshly minced garlic gives the sauce an aromatic depth that ties everything together.

If you have it, a pinch of nutmeg enhances the creaminess of the sauce, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

How To Make This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Making this dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps, and you’ll have a creamy, satisfying meal in no time.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook it until al dente, according to the package instructions. Be sure to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining; this will help loosen the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden and aromatic, not brown.

Slowly pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring to combine it with the sauce. Finally, add the drained pasta, tossing everything together to coat each piece of bowtie pasta in the luscious Alfredo sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.

Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for that final touch of flavor.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, you’re in luck—this dish stores well! Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze it. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store it for up to 2 months. To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it gently in a pan with a splash of milk or cream to bring back the creamy texture.

Reheating is simple: warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Avoid microwaving on high, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be adapted to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.

If you’re looking to lighten it up, swap out the heavy cream for half-and-half or a combination of milk and Greek yogurt. You’ll still get a creamy texture with fewer calories.

For a different protein, try using Italian sausage for a spicier kick, or swap in grilled chicken for a leaner option with extra flavor.

Want to add more veggies? Mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes make excellent additions that complement the richness of the Alfredo sauce beautifully.

If you prefer a non-dairy version, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and opt for nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese.

No matter how you customize it, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is bound to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy experimenting, and happy cooking!

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