Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

There's something truly comforting about a big bowl of beef and bowtie pasta coated in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. The way the tender pasta cradles the silky sauce, paired with hearty, seasoned beef, makes this dish a go-to comfort meal in our house.

I first discovered this recipe on a busy weeknight when I needed to use up some ground beef and leftover pasta. With just a few pantry staples and a quick homemade Alfredo sauce, it turned into a meal that my whole family couldn’t get enough of. Now, it’s a staple in our meal rotation.

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

Get ready to fall in love with this indulgent yet simple pasta dish. It’s everything you want in a weeknight meal—hearty, flavorful, and easy to prepare.

This dish comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy nights when time is tight. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a creamy, satisfying dinner on the table without breaking a sweat.

It’s budget-friendly, too. Using ground beef instead of pricier cuts of meat keeps costs down while still delivering plenty of protein and flavor. Plus, most of the ingredients are kitchen staples you likely already have.

The creamy Alfredo sauce is simply irresistible. Made with butter, garlic, cream, and parmesan cheese, it coats the bowtie pasta beautifully, creating a rich and decadent experience in every bite.

Best of all, this dish is incredibly versatile. You can switch up the protein, add vegetables, or tweak the sauce to fit your personal taste. It’s an easy recipe that adapts to whatever ingredients you have on hand.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet flavorful ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making this meal absolutely delicious.

Bowtie pasta is the perfect choice for this recipe. Its unique shape helps hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. If you don’t have bowtie pasta, penne or rotini make great substitutes.

Ground beef adds a hearty, savory element to this dish. I recommend using 85/15 ground beef for the best balance of flavor and texture. If you prefer a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken can also work well.

Heavy cream is the secret to a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. While you can substitute half-and-half for a lighter version, using full heavy cream gives the sauce that classic indulgent taste and texture.

Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with an aromatic depth of flavor. Sautéing it in butter before adding the cream enhances its natural sweetness and makes the sauce more flavorful.

Parmesan cheese brings the Alfredo sauce together, creating that signature cheesy, nutty flavor. Be sure to use freshly grated parmesan rather than pre-shredded for the smoothest consistency.

A large skillet and a pot for boiling the pasta are all you need to whip up this delicious meal in no time.

How To Make This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Making this dish is incredibly simple, and it all comes together in just a few easy steps.

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. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce later.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Drain any excess grease and season with salt, pepper, and a touch of Italian seasoning for extra flavor.

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in minced garlic and let it cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly as it warms up.

Slowly add the freshly grated parmesan cheese to the sauce, stirring until it’s completely melted and smooth. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes until it thickens slightly. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Finally, add the drained pasta and gently toss everything together, making sure the sauce coats every piece of bowtie pasta evenly.

The entire process takes about 25 minutes from start to finish, making this the perfect meal for when you need something quick, comforting, and satisfying.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, store them properly to enjoy later. Place any remaining pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it sits, but you can easily reheat it with a splash of milk or cream.

For longer storage, freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

To reheat, warm the pasta over low heat in a skillet, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of milk or cream to bring the sauce back to its creamy consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

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

Swap out the ground beef for Italian sausage to add a bit of spice and a more robust flavor. You can also use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker alternative.

Add some vegetables for extra nutrition. Spinach, mushrooms, or roasted bell peppers all complement the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.

Make it a little lighter by using half-and-half instead of heavy cream, or try a dairy-free alternative like coconut cream for a unique twist.

For a gluten-free version, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta. The sauce itself is naturally gluten-free, making this an easy adaptation.

Experiment with different cheeses by adding a bit of gouda or asiago to the parmesan for an extra cheesy kick.

This beef and bowtie pasta with Alfredo sauce is a crowd-pleaser that you can customize to fit your preferences. Give it a try, and soon it’ll become one of your go-to comfort meals!

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