Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

There's something undeniably comforting about a big bowl of Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce. The combination of tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and a rich, creamy sauce makes for a meal that's both indulgent and satisfying.

this Recipe

I first discovered this dish when looking for a way to elevate a simple weeknight pasta dinner. With just a few tweaks, a regular beef and pasta dish turned into a creamy, flavor-packed masterpiece that my family now requests regularly.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to pasta dinner! This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is the perfect balance of simplicity and decadence.

First, it's quick and easy to prepare. In just about 30 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal on the table, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

It's also a budget-friendly dish. Using affordable ingredients like ground beef and bowtie pasta, you can feed the whole family without breaking the bank.

Plus, this recipe is incredibly versatile. Whether you want to switch up the protein or add some extra veggies, there are plenty of ways to make this dish your own.

Finally, the creamy Alfredo sauce takes everything to the next level. Made from scratch with butter, cream, and Parmesan, it clings perfectly to the pasta and beef, creating a luxurious bite every time.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish comes from its simple yet delicious ingredients. Each one plays a key role in making the flavors come together beautifully.

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) is ideal for this dish. Its shape holds onto the Alfredo sauce beautifully, ensuring each bite is packed with creamy goodness. However, you can swap it out for penne or rotini if needed.

For the beef, I recommend using lean ground beef or thinly sliced steak. Ground beef makes for a quicker meal, while steak adds a bit of extra indulgence. Whichever you choose, make sure to season it well for maximum flavor.

The Alfredo sauce is the heart of this recipe. Made with butter, heavy cream, and freshly grated Parmesan cheese, it creates a luscious, velvety sauce that coats the pasta and beef perfectly. Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it doesn’t melt as smoothly.

A touch of garlic and Italian seasoning enhances the flavor of the dish. Freshly minced garlic provides a wonderful aromatic depth, while a pinch of Italian seasoning ties everything together.

You’ll also need butter and olive oil for sautéing, which adds a rich depth of flavor to the beef and the sauce.

How To Make This Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce

Creating this delicious pasta dish is easier than you might think. Let’s go step by step to ensure perfection every time.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the ground beef (or thinly sliced steak). Cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it up as it cooks. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

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

Gradually stir in the Parmesan cheese, mixing until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and mix it into the Alfredo sauce. Add the drained bowtie pasta, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the sauce.

Serve immediately, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a beautiful finishing touch.

Storage Options

If you have leftovers, don’t worry—this dish stores well! Allow the pasta to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container.

For refrigeration, store in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk to revive the creamy texture.

For freezing, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating on the stove.

To reheat, warm in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a bit of cream to bring back the sauce’s smooth consistency.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is flexible and can be easily customized to fit your preferences!

Want a lighter version? Swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or a milk-and-butter combo. The sauce won’t be as rich, but it will still be delicious.

For a different protein, try using chicken or shrimp instead of beef. Cook them the same way you would the beef for a tasty twist.

If you love veggies, add in spinach, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers. These ingredients blend beautifully with the creamy sauce and add extra nutrients.

To make it even more flavorful, mix in a dash of red pepper flakes for a little heat or a spoonful of pesto for an herby twist.

No bowtie pasta? No problem! You can substitute penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni—anything that holds sauce well will work great.

No matter how you make it, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is a meal you’ll want to keep in your regular rotation. Give it a try and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

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