If you are craving a comforting, flavorful, and satisfying meal that comes together quickly, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining tender ground beef with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta and a luscious homemade Alfredo sauce creates a dish that feels both indulgent and homey. This recipe is a celebration of rich, creamy textures with a hint of Italian flair, ensuring every bite is packed with deliciousness. Whether for a weeknight dinner or an unexpected guest, this dish will become a fast favorite in your culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe is a cinch, and each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor and texture. From the hearty ground beef to the creamy Parmesan-enriched sauce, these essentials come together to create a harmonious and deeply satisfying meal.
- 1 lb ground beef: Provides a rich, meaty base that makes the dish hearty and filling.
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle): The charming shape adds texture and helps hold onto the creamy Alfredo sauce.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Used to sauté the beef and garlic, adding a subtle fruity undertone.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic flavor that brightens the rich sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings classic herbaceous notes that complement the beef and sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to enhance all the flavors perfectly.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the silky, luxurious base of the Alfredo sauce.
- 1/2 cup milk: Adds a little lightness and helps balance the richness of the cream.
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Delivers that signature nutty, salty punch that makes Alfredo sauce irresistible.
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter: Enhances the sauce’s creaminess and adds a subtle richness.
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (optional): A little extra garlic flavor boost if you love garlic as much as I do.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish): Gives a pop of color and a fresh, herbal finish.
How to Make Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This ensures your pasta has just the right amount of bite to hold up beautifully when tossed with the creamy sauce. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef
While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it’s nicely browned and cooked through. The caramelization here adds deep, savory flavor to the dish. Season with salt, pepper, and the dried Italian seasoning as it cooks.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
Once the beef is browned, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir continuously for about a minute until fragrant, careful not to burn it. This step unlocks the warm, aromatic essence that will uplift the whole dish.
Step 4: Prepare the Alfredo Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and milk, stirring to combine. Add the butter and garlic powder, letting everything melt together smoothly. Slowly sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese while stirring, allowing it to melt into a thick, creamy sauce. The key is to keep the heat gentle so the sauce stays silky without breaking.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet with the beef and Alfredo sauce. Stir gently to coat every piece of pasta in the creamy goodness. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your perfect consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Your Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe is nearly ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To finish off, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a vibrant green color and a hint of freshness that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce. For an extra touch, you can also grate some additional Parmesan on top or sprinkle red pepper flakes if you fancy a little spice.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a fantastic accompaniment, perfect for mopping up every last bit of that luscious Alfredo sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe in individual bowls topped with shaved Parmesan and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil. You can also add caramelized mushrooms or sun-dried tomatoes on top to amp up the flavor and visual appeal.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld nicely overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.
Freezing
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze leftover Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe. Pack it tightly in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet or microwave, stirring occasionally to maintain the creamy texture. Add a splash of milk or cream if the sauce thickens too much during reheating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding the sauce, you can use penne, fusilli, or even fettuccine to get a similar creamy, satisfying result.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Simply omit the ground beef and add sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based meat substitute for that hearty texture and savory flavor.
Can I substitute heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce, but it won’t be as rich and creamy. Adding a bit more flour or cornstarch can help thicken the sauce if needed.
What type of cheese works best in this Alfredo sauce?
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese is the classic choice because it melts smoothly and has a wonderful nutty flavor. Avoid pre-grated cheese as it can lead to a grainy sauce.
How do I prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?
Keep the heat low when melting the cheese and butter, and stir constantly. Avoid boiling the sauce, as high heat can cause it to separate or curdle.
Final Thoughts
Making the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce Recipe is like giving yourself a big, cozy hug on a plate. It’s straightforward, delightful, and loaded with layers of flavor that everyone will adore. I encourage you to try this recipe soon and watch it become an instant classic in your home, perfect for sharing with family and friends on any occasion.
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Beef and Bowtie Pasta with 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 creamy and hearty dish combining savory ground beef with tender bowtie pasta in a rich homemade Alfredo sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight meal, it features a blend of garlic, Italian seasoning, and Parmesan cheese to create a deliciously creamy and flavorful pasta entree.
Ingredients
Meat and Pasta
- 1 lb ground beef
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 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 until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until fully browned and no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Sauté garlic and season: Add the minced garlic, dried Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper to the cooked beef. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Prepare Alfredo sauce: Reduce heat to medium, then stir in the butter, heavy cream, and milk. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until it starts to thicken, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic powder if using.
- Add Parmesan cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and sauce is creamy and smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet with the Alfredo sauce and beef. Toss thoroughly to coat the pasta evenly with sauce and beef mixture.
- Serve: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Use fresh garlic and good quality Parmesan for the best flavor.
- For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
- You can add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce if it gets too thick.
- To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta.
