Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

There's something incredibly satisfying about a plate of creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce. The way the rich, velvety sauce clings to the pasta and tender beef creates a dish that's as indulgent as it is simple to make.

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something hearty yet effortless. Using ingredients I already had on hand, I was surprised at how quickly it came together – and even more surprised at how fast my family devoured it. Now, it's a go-to meal whenever we need comfort in a bowl.

Get ready to add this easy and satisfying dish to your dinner rotation.

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

Get ready to fall in love with a meal that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. This dish checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight dinner.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality pasta dish on the table in under 30 minutes.

It’s also a budget-friendly option. Ground beef is an affordable protein, and since the sauce is made with common pantry staples, you won’t need any fancy ingredients.

Not to mention, it’s kid-approved. The creamy Alfredo sauce is mild and comforting, making it a great option for picky eaters. Plus, bowtie pasta adds a fun touch that kids love.

Best of all, it’s completely customizable. You can switch up the protein, add veggies, or even make it a little spicy for an extra kick.

Once you try this recipe, you’ll see why it deserves a permanent spot in your meal plan.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet well-balanced ingredients. Each component brings something special to the table, making every bite rich and satisfying.

Bowtie pasta is the perfect choice for this dish. Its unique shape helps hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring every forkful is packed with flavor. If you don’t have bowtie pasta, penne or rotini make great substitutes.

For the beef, I recommend using lean ground beef. It provides a hearty texture without making the dish overly greasy. If you prefer, you can swap it for ground turkey or Italian sausage for a different flavor profile.

The Alfredo sauce is what brings everything together. Made with butter, garlic, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese, it creates a rich, velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully. If you want a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

A touch of garlic and Italian seasoning enhances the depth of flavor, giving the dish that classic, comforting taste. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.

You’ll need a large skillet and a pot for boiling the pasta. A wooden spoon or spatula is helpful for breaking up the beef as it cooks.

How To Make This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Bringing this creamy, beefy pasta dish to life is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps to create a meal that’s sure to become a family favorite.

Start by cooking the bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water. Follow the package instructions, cooking until al dente. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spatula as it browns. Cook until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess grease and set the beef aside.

In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in heavy cream, stirring continuously to combine. Let it simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Lower the heat and stir in grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt into the sauce. Sprinkle in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet, stirring to coat it in the creamy Alfredo sauce. Finally, toss in the drained bowtie pasta, making sure every piece is coated in the luscious sauce. Let it cook for another minute to absorb the flavors.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan and fresh parsley if desired. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, while the sauce is creamy and smooth.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry – this dish stores well and reheats beautifully.

To store in the fridge, transfer the pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but a splash of milk or cream when reheating will bring it back to its original creamy consistency.

For freezing, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm the pasta gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream to loosen the sauce. Avoid overheating, as the sauce may separate if exposed to high heat.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is endlessly adaptable, so feel free to get creative and make it your own.

Swap the beef for grilled chicken, shrimp, or even crumbled sausage for a different protein twist. Each option brings a unique flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy Alfredo sauce.

Add some vegetables for extra nutrition. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers make great additions without overpowering the dish. Broccoli is another great option, adding a bit of crunch and color.

Make it spicy by adding crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper. If you love heat, consider using a spicy Italian sausage instead of ground beef.

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half and use whole wheat pasta. You can also use a reduced-fat Parmesan cheese to cut down on calories.

Experiment with different cheeses to give the Alfredo sauce a unique twist. Try adding a bit of Gouda, Fontina, or even a touch of blue cheese for an unexpected depth of flavor.

No matter how you customize it, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is guaranteed to be a hit. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy every creamy, comforting bite!

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