If you are craving a dish that combines comforting pasta with hearty beef and a luxuriously smooth sauce, look no further than this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe. It’s a harmonious mix of tender ground beef, perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, and a rich Alfredo sauce that clings to every bite. This dish brings warmth and satisfaction with every forkful, making it a beloved favorite for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple yet essential ingredients is the first step toward creating a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and color. Each component plays a role, from the ground beef that provides hearty protein, to the fresh Parmesan that gives the sauce its cheesy depth, and the bowtie pasta which adds a playful shape and satisfying bite.
- 1 lb ground beef: The main protein that brings savory richness to the dish.
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle): A fun-shaped pasta that holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used for sautéing, it infuses the beef and garlic with a mild, fruity flavor.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant aroma and depth to the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs that complements both the beef and sauce beautifully.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The base of the Alfredo sauce providing unmatched creaminess.
- 1/2 cup milk: Lightens the sauce slightly, balancing richness and smoothness.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for that signature nutty, salty flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds silkiness and a buttery finish to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): Offers a subtle garlic boost for a more intense flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Provides vibrant color and a fresh herbal note to the finished dish.
How to Make Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. This careful timing ensures the pasta stays tender yet firm, ready to soak up the creamy Alfredo sauce without becoming mushy. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water just in case the sauce needs thinning later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Season with salt, pepper, and dried Italian seasoning. Cook until the beef is thoroughly browned with no pink remaining, then drain excess fat if needed. The browned beef adds a deep, savory base to the dish.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Combine
Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the beef, cooking just until fragrant, about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic as it could turn bitter. This step infuses the beef mixture with aromatic warmth, creating a perfect foundation for the sauce.
Step 4: Prepare the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
In the same skillet, add the unsalted butter, letting it melt smoothly into the beef and garlic. Stir in the heavy cream and milk, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Gradually add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir continuously until the sauce thickens to a luscious consistency. For an extra garlic kick, sprinkle in the optional garlic powder. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your preferred texture.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Fold the cooked bowtie pasta into the Alfredo sauce and beef mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat every bowtie pasta piece in the creamy sauce. This step ensures the flavors marry perfectly and each bite offers a satisfying blend of beef, pasta, and cheese.
How to Serve Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding fresh chopped parsley on top isn’t just for a pop of color; it imparts a subtle freshness that brightens the richness of the cream sauce. You could also sprinkle a little extra Parmesan for those who want an extra cheesy finish. Garnishes make the dish feel special and inviting at the table.
Side Dishes
This beef and bowtie pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts. The acidity and crunch from these sides help balance the creamy richness and hearty flavors, creating a well-rounded meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this dish family-style in a large shallow bowl to invite sharing and warmth. Or for a touch of elegance, plate individual servings with a sprinkle of parsley and a small drizzle of good quality olive oil to enhance visual appeal and flavor. Pair it with freshly cracked black pepper for a bit of texture and spice.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce will thicken as it cools, making it perfect to reheat gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of milk to restore its creamy texture.
Freezing
This dish freezes well if stored without fresh garnish. Use a freezer-safe container, and it will keep for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to maintain the best flavor and texture.
Reheating
Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a little milk or cream to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. Stir frequently to warm evenly and avoid scorching. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals, stirring in between.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for this recipe because of its shape and texture, you can substitute with penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.
Is ground beef the only meat option?
You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, or even Italian sausage for a spicier twist. Each brings a unique flavor profile to the dish.
Can I make the Alfredo sauce without heavy cream?
For a lighter sauce, you might use whole milk or a combination of milk and cream cheese, but keep in mind it won’t be quite as rich and creamy as the classic blend called for in the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use gluten-free bowtie pasta options, which are widely available now, and ensure any seasoning blends you use are gluten-free as well. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Can this recipe be doubled or halved easily?
Yes, it scales beautifully! Just keep the ratios the same and cook in a pan large enough to accommodate the ingredients so everything cooks evenly and the sauce develops properly.
Final Thoughts
Nothing beats the cozy appeal of this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe. Whether you are feeding your family or entertaining friends, it offers a delightful combination of flavors and textures that feels both indulgent and homey. Go ahead and give it a try — I promise it will become one of your go-to comfort meals that everyone asks for again and again.
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Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Alfredo Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Description
This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is a hearty and satisfying dish combining savory ground beef, tender bowtie pasta, and a rich, creamy homemade Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner, this recipe offers a delightful balance of flavors with garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese all coming together in a luscious sauce that coats every bite.
Ingredients
Meat and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
Cooking Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Alfredo Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions, usually about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until fully browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté Garlic and Season: Add the minced garlic and dried Italian seasoning to the browned beef. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Prepare the Alfredo Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the heavy cream, milk, and unsalted butter over medium heat. Bring to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to melt the butter.
- Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and optional garlic powder until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes creamy, about 3-5 minutes. Do not boil to avoid curdling. Adjust salt and pepper if needed.
- Combine Pasta, Beef, and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta and the ground beef mixture to the Alfredo sauce. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce and distribute the beef throughout.
- Serve and Garnish: Spoon the pasta onto plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley if desired. Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
- For a thicker sauce, reduce the amount of milk or simmer the sauce a little longer.
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese yields the best flavor and texture in the sauce.
- Adding a pinch of nutmeg to the Alfredo sauce can enhance the flavor subtly.
- Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.
