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

Scale

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)

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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.