Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

There's something incredibly comforting about a bowl of Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce. The combination of tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a creamy, garlicky Alfredo sauce makes this dish an instant family favorite.

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I first made this recipe on a night when I needed something quick but satisfying. It was one of those throw-together meals that ended up being a huge hit, and now it’s a staple in our dinner rotation. It's rich, indulgent, and perfect for both busy weeknights and special occasions.

Why You'll Love This Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce

Get ready to fall in love with this creamy, hearty pasta dish. It's easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for the whole family.

First, it's incredibly simple. With just a handful of ingredients and a few easy steps, you can have dinner on the table in under 30 minutes.

It's also budget-friendly. Ground beef and pasta are both affordable staples, making this a great meal for feeding a family without breaking the bank.

The flavors are out of this world. The richness of the Alfredo sauce paired with the savory beef and tender pasta creates a mouthwatering combination that's hard to resist.

This dish is also highly versatile. You can tweak it based on what you have on hand—swap the beef for chicken or turkey, add vegetables, or spice it up with some red pepper flakes.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple but flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making the final dish irresistibly delicious.

Bowtie pasta is the star of the show. Also known as farfalle, this pasta holds up well to creamy sauces and has just the right amount of bite. If you don’t have bowtie pasta, penne or rotini are great alternatives.

Ground beef adds a rich, savory depth to the dish. I recommend using 80/20 ground beef for a balance of flavor and tenderness. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work well.

Heavy cream and butter form the base of the Alfredo sauce. This combination creates a luxurious, velvety texture that coats every piece of pasta beautifully. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich.

Garlic and Parmesan cheese are essential for an authentic Alfredo flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan is always best, as it melts smoothly into the sauce, adding depth and umami. Garlic enhances the overall flavor, making the dish even more irresistible.

A large skillet and a sturdy pot for boiling pasta are all the special equipment you need for this recipe. If you have a wooden spoon for stirring the sauce, even better—it helps incorporate the ingredients smoothly.

How To Make This Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce

Cooking this dish is a breeze, and the results are absolutely worth it. Here’s how to put it all together step by step.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining the rest.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about a minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic—it should be golden and aromatic, not browned.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce to create a creamy, rich consistency. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Return the cooked ground beef to the skillet, stirring it into the Alfredo sauce. Then, add the drained bowtie pasta, tossing everything together until well coated. Let it simmer for a minute to allow the flavors to meld.

This entire dish comes together in about 25 minutes, making it a fantastic choice for busy nights when you need a satisfying meal in a hurry.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them properly to enjoy later. This pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The sauce will thicken as it sits, but a splash of milk or cream when reheating will help restore its creamy texture.

For freezing, transfer the cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container and store it for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stovetop over low heat.

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a pan with a little extra cream or milk to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving on high heat, as it can cause the sauce to separate.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is easily adaptable, so feel free to get creative with it based on your preferences and available ingredients.

For a healthier twist, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a mixture of milk and Greek yogurt. It lightens the dish while still maintaining a creamy texture.

Want to add veggies? Toss in some sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers. They add extra nutrients and a pop of color.

If you like a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or stir in a spoonful of spicy Italian sausage along with the ground beef.

Cheese lovers can amp up the flavor by mixing in some shredded mozzarella or provolone for extra cheesiness.

For a different protein option, replace the beef with shredded rotisserie chicken, grilled shrimp, or even Italian sausage for a fun twist on the classic dish.

No matter how you customize it, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is sure to be a hit. It’s a creamy, comforting, and satisfying meal that will have everyone coming back for more!

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