Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

There's nothing quite like the savory aroma of beef and bowtie pasta with Alfredo sauce filling the kitchen on a cool evening. The rich, creamy sauce clings to each ribbon of pasta, wrapping every bite in velvety goodness, while tender bites of seasoned ground beef bring hearty comfort to the dish.

this Recipe

This recipe holds a special place in our weeknight dinner rotation. I first whipped it up on a whim with just a few pantry staples and some leftover ground beef, and it instantly became a family favorite. It’s quick, easy, and always hits the spot after a long day. Let me show you exactly how to make it.

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

Get ready to fall in love with your new go-to comfort meal. This beef and bowtie pasta with Alfredo sauce is more than just delicious – it’s practical, satisfying, and perfect for busy nights.

First, it’s incredibly quick to prepare. From start to finish, you’re looking at just about 30 minutes. That means you can get a warm, hearty meal on the table without spending your entire evening in the kitchen.

It’s also wonderfully easy. No complicated steps or fancy ingredients – just straightforward cooking that even beginner cooks can feel confident tackling. You’ll brown some beef, boil some pasta, stir together a creamy sauce, and dinner is done.

Budget-friendly meals are always a win, and this one is no exception. You’ll need just a handful of affordable ingredients, many of which you probably already have on hand. It’s perfect for feeding a hungry family without breaking the bank.

And let’s not forget how versatile it is. Want to swap the beef for sausage? Go for it. Add some spinach or mushrooms for extra veggies? Absolutely. This dish is a blank canvas for your favorite flavors and additions.

Now that you know why this recipe is a keeper, let’s talk about what goes into it.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in building flavor and texture, coming together to create a bowl of creamy, satisfying pasta that’s both cozy and crowd-pleasing.

Bowtie pasta, also known as farfalle, is the perfect shape for this recipe. Its ridged edges and pinched centers do a fantastic job of catching all the creamy Alfredo sauce, making every bite deliciously coated. While other pasta shapes can work, farfalle adds a touch of charm and texture that really complements the beef.

Ground beef brings the hearty, savory flavor that anchors the dish. I like using 85/15 lean-to-fat ratio for the best flavor without too much grease. Browning it with a little salt, pepper, and garlic powder elevates the flavor and pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce.

Alfredo sauce is where the magic happens. You can make your own from scratch using butter, cream, garlic, and Parmesan, or use a high-quality jarred version if you’re short on time. Either way, it delivers that luscious, rich coating that brings the pasta and beef together into one irresistible dish.

Parmesan cheese adds that nutty, salty finish to the Alfredo and helps thicken it slightly. Use freshly grated if you can – the flavor is deeper and it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.

You’ll also want to keep a bit of garlic and onion on hand to build extra flavor into the beef. Just a few minutes of sautéing makes a big difference in the depth of the final dish. A large skillet and a trusty pasta pot are all the equipment you’ll need – no fancy tools required.

How To Make This Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce

Making this dish is simple and satisfying, with just a few key steps to follow. Whether you’re cooking for your family or meal prepping for the week, the process is stress-free and totally rewarding.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your bowtie pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Don’t forget to stir occasionally so the pasta doesn’t stick. Once it’s cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a half cup of the pasta water just in case you need to loosen the sauce later.

While the pasta cooks, heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add finely chopped onion and cook until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Toss in your minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon as it browns. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook until the beef is fully browned and no longer pink, about 6–8 minutes. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before moving on.

Once the beef is ready, reduce the heat to medium and pour in your Alfredo sauce. Stir well to combine, letting it heat through and bubble gently. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it to your desired consistency.

Add the cooked pasta directly into the skillet with the beef and sauce. Stir gently until all the bowties are coated in the creamy mixture and everything is well combined. Sprinkle in some grated Parmesan cheese and give it another stir to melt the cheese into the sauce.

The entire process should take around 30 minutes, start to finish. What you’ll end up with is a creamy, beefy pasta that feels like a hug in a bowl – warm, filling, and oh-so-satisfying.

Storage Options

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, this dish stores beautifully. Let the pasta cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days.

For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in single-serving portions. Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Make sure to press out as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. It should keep for up to 2 months.

When you’re ready to reheat, the stovetop is your best friend. Add a splash of milk or cream to a skillet over low heat, then add the pasta and stir gently until warmed through. This helps revive the sauce and brings back its original creamy texture.

Microwaving works too, especially for quick lunches. Just add a tablespoon of water or milk before reheating and cover loosely to avoid drying it out.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this recipe is how easily it can be customized. Whether you’re working with dietary restrictions or just want to switch things up, there are plenty of options.

If you’re not a fan of beef or want something lighter, ground turkey or chicken make great substitutes. They absorb the flavor of the Alfredo sauce beautifully and keep the dish a bit leaner.

To sneak in some extra nutrition, try adding vegetables like spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms. Simply sauté them alongside the onions and garlic before adding the beef, or stir them in with the sauce at the end.

Craving a little spice? Use Italian sausage or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the beef as it browns. You can also stir in a spoonful of pesto for a delicious herby twist.

If you’re dairy-free, there are some wonderful plant-based Alfredo sauces on the market now. Pair it with dairy-free Parmesan-style shreds, and you’ll still get that creamy richness without the lactose.

Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this dish your own. Whether you're working with what’s in your pantry or catering to your crew’s preferences, this recipe is the perfect base for all kinds of delicious experiments.

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