Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Creamy Alfredo beef and bowtie pasta might sound like a classic comfort dish waiting to surprise you.

Delightful combinations emerge when tender meat meets silky sauce and playful pasta shapes.

pasta lovers appreciate how simple ingredients can create magical meals in minutes.

Hearty protein blends seamlessly with rich, velvety cream sauce, creating an irresistible dinner option.

Weeknight cooking becomes effortless with this quick and satisfying recipe that promises maximum flavor.

Home chefs can master this dish with minimal preparation and maximum enjoyment.

You’ll want to savor every delicious bite of this crowd-pleasing meal that brings warmth to your table.

What to Serve with Beef and Alfredo Bowtie Pasta

• Pair Perfectly Creamy Comfort
• Match this rich beef pasta with a crisp, medium-bodied red wine like Chianti that cuts through the creamy sauce while complementing the beef's robust flavor.
• Refreshing Herbal Complement
• Serve alongside a bright, zesty arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to balance the dish's heaviness and add a fresh, peppery contrast.
• Cool Creamy Sidekick
• Accompany the meal with a cold, tangy tzatziki dip that provides a cool, cucumber-based relief from the warm, hearty pasta, creating a delightful palate-cleansing experience.
• Texture-Enhancing Crunch
• Top with toasted garlic breadcrumbs or crispy pancetta bits to introduce a delightful textural element that adds depth and excitement to each bite of the creamy pasta.

Twists to Try on Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Pasta

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour. Use a certified gluten-free Alfredo sauce to maintain dietary restrictions.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or roasted mushrooms for a protein-rich alternative. Choose a vegetarian Alfredo sauce to complete the meatless transformation.
• Low-Carb Option: Substitute bowtie pasta with zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash. Use a lighter cream sauce and increase protein content with extra ground beef or added chicken.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Replace heavy cream and Parmesan with coconut cream and nutritional yeast. Select a dairy-free Alfredo sauce or create a homemade version using cashew cream.

FAQs

• Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, rigatoni, or rotini that hold sauce well.

• Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, and use lean ground beef to reduce overall calories and fat content.

• How can I add more vegetables to this recipe?

Incorporate sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or bell peppers directly into the beef mixture for extra nutrition and flavor.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Prepare the dish and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently on the stovetop, adding a splash of pasta water to restore sauce consistency.

Why Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Hits the Spot

• Minimize cleanup by preparing the entire meal in a single pan, making weeknight cooking a breeze.
• Indulge in a rich, luxurious pasta dish that delivers ultimate satisfaction with its velvety Alfredo sauce and perfectly seasoned beef.
• Easily adjust spice levels, add extra cheese, or throw in additional vegetables to suit individual taste preferences.

Ingredients for Beef and Bowtie Alfredo Pasta

• Bowtie Pasta: Classic pasta shape that catches and holds sauce perfectly.
• Ground Beef: Hearty protein that adds rich flavor to the dish.
• Alfredo Sauce: Creamy white sauce that provides luxurious base for the recipe.

• Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese: Adds richness and depth to the sauce.

• Salt, Pepper, Onion Powder, Italian Seasoning, Garlic, Fresh Parsley, Red Pepper Flakes: Enhance and balance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

How to Make Beef and Bowtie Pasta Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil Pasta to Perfection

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt.

Toss in bowtie pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Carefully scoop out some pasta water before draining the pasta completely.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add ground beef and break it apart while cooking.

Sprinkle in salt, pepper, and onion powder to enhance the meat’s flavor.

Drain any excess fat to keep the dish light and delicious.

Step 3: Infuse with Aromatic Flavors

Toss minced garlic and Italian seasoning into the browned beef.

Stir and cook until the kitchen fills with a mouthwatering aroma and the garlic becomes fragrant and golden.

Step 4: Create Creamy Alfredo Sauce

• Alfredo sauce
• Heavy cream
• Parmesan cheese

Gently stir the ingredients until they meld into a smooth, velvety sauce that coats the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Beef

Pour the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet.

Toss everything together, ensuring each pasta piece gets completely covered in the luscious sauce.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top.

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for those who enjoy a little kick.

Serve immediately while the dish is piping hot and irresistibly creamy.

Pro Tips for Creamy Alfredo with Beef and Pasta

• Save the starchy pasta water to help thicken and smooth out the sauce if it becomes too thick or dry.
• Remove excess beef fat for a lighter, less greasy dish that lets the Alfredo sauce shine.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly and delivers a richer flavor compared to pre-packaged grated cheese.
• Chop fresh parsley right before serving to maintain its bright color and release maximum flavor when sprinkled on top.
• Keep the heat low when adding cream and cheese to prevent separation and maintain a silky, creamy sauce consistency.

How to Store and Reheat Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo

• Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Seal tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish.
• Pack the pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain best quality and flavor.
• Place a single serving in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle a few tablespoons of water or extra cream to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to restore moisture. Stir gently and frequently until heated through, preventing sauce separation and maintaining creamy texture.

Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 18 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty beef and bowtie pasta with alfredo sauce brings comfort and elegance to weeknight dinners. Creamy sauce and perfectly seasoned beef create a delightful meal you’ll savor from first bite to last.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef (80/20 for best flavor)
• 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie (farfalle) pasta
• 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Dairy and Cream:

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Seasonings and Spices:

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook bowtie pasta until perfectly tender, typically 8-10 minutes. Carefully set aside a half cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining the pasta.
2. Heat a spacious skillet over medium-high temperature and thoroughly brown the ground beef, incorporating salt, pepper, and onion powder. Eliminate any excess grease from the pan.
3. Introduce finely chopped garlic and Italian seasoning into the browned meat, sautéing until an aromatic fragrance emerges, approximately 1-2 minutes.
4. Lower the skillet’s heat and gently incorporate Alfredo sauce, rich heavy cream, and grated Parmesan cheese. Whisk continuously until the mixture transforms into a velvety, uniform sauce.
5. Fold the drained pasta into the creamy beef mixture, ensuring each bowtie is luxuriously coated with the silky sauce. If the consistency seems thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to achieve desired smoothness.
6. Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top and sprinkling red pepper flakes for an optional subtle kick of heat. Serve immediately while piping hot for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Swap ground beef with lean turkey or plant-based crumbles for a healthier, lower-fat alternative that keeps the protein content high.
• Use gluten-free bowtie pasta to make this dish completely gluten-free without compromising texture or taste.
• Enhance the sauce’s richness by adding a splash of white wine or a pinch of nutmeg for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
• Control sauce consistency by gradually adding reserved pasta water if the mixture becomes too thick, ensuring a silky, perfectly coated pasta dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 564
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 785 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg