Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Creamy alfredo sauce cascades over tender beef and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, creating a mouthwatering comfort meal that melts in your mouth.

The combination of rich, velvety sauce and hearty protein brings instant warmth to your dinner table.

Weeknight dinners demand simple yet delicious solutions that satisfy everyone’s hunger.

This classic Italian-inspired dish blends robust beef with delicate pasta shapes for a balanced and indulgent experience.

Each forkful promises a delightful mix of textures and flavors that will have you coming back for seconds.

The recipe transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that feels both elegant and comforting.

Why You’ll Love Beef Bowtie Alfredo Pasta

• Whip Up Quickly: This recipe requires minimal prep and cooking steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute meal solutions.
• Satisfy Comfort Food Cravings: Rich Alfredo sauce and hearty ground beef create a creamy, indulgent dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate.
• Kid-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Bowtie pasta and simple ingredients appeal to both children and adults, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys their meal.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ground beef for chicken, add vegetables, or experiment with different cheese toppings to make this recipe uniquely yours.

What You’ll Need for Bowtie Alfredo Pasta

• Bowtie Pasta: A classic pasta shape that catches sauce beautifully and provides a fun texture to the dish.
• Ground Beef: A protein-rich meat that adds hearty flavor and substance to the pasta recipe.
• Alfredo Sauce: A creamy white sauce that brings rich, smooth consistency to the meal.

• Garlic, Salt, Pepper: These classic seasonings enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.

• Olive Oil: A cooking fat that helps sauté garlic and prevent sticking.
• Parmesan Cheese, Fresh Parsley: These ingredients add a sharp, salty note and fresh herbal garnish to complete the recipe.

Cooking Steps for Beef & Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Step 1: Boil Bowtie Pasta

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Bring the water to a rolling boil and add the bowtie pasta.

Cook the pasta until it reaches that perfect al dente texture.

Once done, carefully drain the water using a colander and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: Sizzle Aromatic Garlic

Grab a spacious skillet and pour in some olive oil.

Heat the oil over medium flame.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around the pan, releasing its incredible fragrance.

Stir the garlic gently to prevent burning.

Step 3: Brown Ground Beef

Introduce ground beef to the skillet with the sizzling garlic.

Break up the meat with a wooden spoon, ensuring it cooks evenly.

Continue cooking until the beef transforms into a rich, golden-brown color.

Tip the skillet to drain any excess fat.

Step 4: Create Creamy Sauce Blend

Pour the Alfredo sauce into the skillet with the browned beef.

Stir everything together and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes.

This allows the flavors to mingle and the sauce to heat thoroughly.

Step 5: Combine Pasta And Sauce

Add the previously cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet.

Gently toss everything together, making sure each pasta piece gets coated with the luxurious beef and Alfredo sauce.

Step 6: Finish With Flourish

Sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the dish.

Season with a pinch of salt and a dash of black pepper.

For a pop of color and freshness, garnish with chopped parsley.

Serve hot and enjoy your delectable meal!

Tips for Creamy Alfredo Sauce on Pasta

• Rinse bowtie pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
• Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and keep the sauce from becoming too oily.
• Warm Alfredo sauce slowly to prevent separation and maintain a creamy, silky texture.
• Freshly grated Parmesan will melt better and provide a more robust flavor compared to pre-packaged cheese.
• Chop fresh parsley just before serving to maximize its bright, fresh flavor and vibrant green color.

Bowtie Pasta Variations to Mix Things Up

• Vegetarian Pasta Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or sautéed mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian version that maintains the creamy texture.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Swap regular bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten-sensitive diets.
• Spicy Southwest Remix: Add diced bell peppers, chili powder, and swap Alfredo sauce with a spicy chipotle cream sauce for a zesty flavor profile.
• Lighter Protein Option: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef, and substitute traditional Alfredo with a lighter Greek yogurt-based sauce to reduce calories.

Serving Up Beef Bowtie Alfredo Pasta

• Hearty Family Dinner Centerpiece: Serve this rich pasta dish as the main attraction for a cozy family meal, paired with a crisp green salad for balanced nutrition.
• Elegant Entertaining Option: Present in a large serving platter with extra Parmesan cheese on the side, creating a restaurant-style presentation that impresses guests.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in meal prep containers for a delicious next-day lunch, easily reheated in the microwave with a sprinkle of fresh herbs to brighten flavors.
• Veggie Boost Companion: Add steamed broccoli florets or roasted zucchini directly into the pasta for extra nutrition and color, making the dish more wholesome and satisfying.

How to Store Bowtie Alfredo Leftovers

• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Cool the dish completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Place a portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or water to restore moisture, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warm.
• Warm the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a little extra Alfredo sauce or milk to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently to ensure even heating and maintain creamy texture.

FAQs

• Is bowtie pasta necessary for this recipe?

While bowtie pasta adds a fun shape, you can substitute with other pasta types like penne or rotini without changing the recipe’s core flavor.

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean protein alternative that works perfectly in this recipe and provides a similar taste profile.

• How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper during cooking to increase the heat level according to your preference.

• Do I need fresh Parmesan cheese?

Fresh Parmesan offers the best flavor, but pre-grated cheese from the store will work fine if that’s what you have available.

Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Creamy beef and bowtie pasta creates a comforting Italian-inspired meal perfect for family dinners. Hearty ground beef and tender pasta blend seamlessly with rich alfredo sauce, delivering a satisfying culinary experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound ground beef

Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) bowtie pasta

Sauce and Cheese:

• 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Seasonings and Cooking Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook bowtie pasta in salted water at a rolling boil for 8-10 minutes until al dente, then thoroughly drain and reserve.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high temperature, then sauté minced garlic until aromatic and golden, approximately 30-45 seconds.
3. Introduce ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into small crumbles and cooking until completely browned and no pink remains, roughly 6-7 minutes.
4. Eliminate excess grease from the beef by carefully draining fat using a slotted spoon or tilting the pan.
5. Pour Alfredo sauce into the skillet with browned beef, stirring consistently and allowing the mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes until uniformly heated.
6. Gently fold cooked bowtie pasta into the beef and sauce mixture, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated and warmed through.
7. Season the dish with freshly ground black pepper and kosher salt to enhance flavor profile.
8. Finish by generously sprinkling grated Parmesan cheese across the top and garnishing with finely chopped fresh parsley for vibrant color and additional taste dimension.

Notes

• Enhance pasta texture by cooking al dente, ensuring a slightly firm bite that prevents mushiness when mixed with sauce.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, lighter dish without compromising flavor.
• Customize protein options by substituting beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.
• Boost nutritional value by adding sautéed vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini for extra color and nutrients.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 655 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 44 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg