Description
This hearty Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender ground beef, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce made from heavy cream, Parmesan, and mozzarella cheeses. Garnished with fresh parsley, this recipe is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 pound ground beef
Pasta
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta
Sauce
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Other
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Boil Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil over medium-high heat for the bowtie pasta.
- Cook Pasta: Once boiling, add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain Pasta: Drain the pasta in a colander, setting it aside and reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water for later if needed.
- Heat Oil: While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add olive oil.
- Cook Beef: Add ground beef to skillet, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked.
- Remove Beef: Use a slotted spoon to remove cooked beef from skillet and set aside.
- Melt Butter: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
- Sauté Garlic: Add minced garlic and stir frequently for about 1 minute until fragrant, careful not to burn.
- Add Cream: Pour in heavy cream, stirring to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- Simmer Sauce: Allow cream to simmer for 3-4 minutes stirring occasionally until it thickens slightly.
- Add Seasonings and Cheese: Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using).
- Melt Cheese: Stir sauce until cheese melts and mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Return Beef: Add cooked ground beef back into the skillet and stir to combine with the sauce.
- Combine Pasta: Add drained bowtie pasta to skillet and gently toss to coat with sauce, using reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Add Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over pasta and stir until melted into the sauce.
- Heat Through: Continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to ensure pasta is well coated and heated through.
- Season to Taste: Remove skillet from heat, taste, and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if desired.
- Garnish: Transfer pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your creamy beef and bowtie pasta!
Notes
- Reserving pasta water helps adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
- Crushed red pepper flakes are optional and add a spicy kick if desired.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream, but the sauce will be less rich.
- Leftovers can be stored refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
