Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Name: Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle); 1 lb ground beef; 2 cups Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 small onion, diced; 1 tbsp olive oil or butter; ½ tsp salt (or to taste); ½ tsp black pepper (or to taste); ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

by Sally Thompson

Indulge in the rich and comforting flavors of Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce—a creamy, hearty dish that combines tender ground beef, perfectly cooked farfalle pasta, and a luscious Alfredo sauce. This easy-to-make meal is perfect for weeknight dinners or when you’re craving a satisfying, homemade dish with minimal effort.

Creamy and Savory Pasta Delight

This dish brings together the best of both worlds: the heartiness of seasoned ground beef and the smooth, velvety richness of Alfredo sauce. The bowtie pasta (farfalle) adds a unique texture, holding onto the creamy sauce beautifully for every bite.

Whether you’re preparing a family dinner, a comforting meal after a long day, or a dish to impress your guests, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is sure to become a favorite. It’s simple to prepare, yet delivers a restaurant-quality taste that everyone will love!

Ingredients for Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

To create this rich and satisfying dish, you’ll need a combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients that enhance both texture and flavor.

Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle) – This pasta shape is perfect for holding onto the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring every bite is coated in deliciousness.
Ground Beef – Lean ground beef adds heartiness and flavor to the dish, making it a satisfying meal.
Alfredo Sauce – A rich and creamy sauce made from butter, cream, and Parmesan cheese, bringing a luscious texture to the dish.
Garlic – Fresh minced garlic enhances the depth of flavor, complementing the creamy sauce and seasoned beef.
Onion – Diced onions add a subtle sweetness and enhance the savory flavors in the dish.
Parmesan Cheese – A final sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan brings extra cheesiness and umami to the pasta.
Olive Oil or Butter – Used for sautéing the garlic and onions, adding richness to the overall flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper – Essential seasonings to balance the flavors and enhance the taste of the dish.
Fresh Parsley (optional) – A garnish of fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish.

How to Make Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Making this dish is simple and requires just a few steps to bring everything together for a creamy, satisfying meal.

Step 1:

Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water to adjust the sauce’s consistency if needed.

Step 2:

In a large skillet, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and the onion becomes translucent.

Step 3:

Add the ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and fully cooked, seasoning with salt and black pepper to taste. Drain any excess grease.

Step 4:

Pour the Alfredo sauce into the skillet with the cooked beef, stirring well to combine. Let the sauce simmer on low heat for a couple of minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 5:

Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 6:

Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Serve warm and enjoy!

How Long to Cook Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Cooking times can vary based on different factors, but here’s a general guideline to ensure everything is cooked to perfection:

Pasta Cooking Time – Bowtie pasta (farfalle) typically takes 10-12 minutes to reach al dente when boiled in salted water. Be sure to follow the package instructions for best results.
Browning the Beef – Cooking ground beef over medium heat takes about 5-7 minutes. Be sure to break it apart while cooking for an even texture.
Simmering the Alfredo Sauce – Letting the sauce simmer with the beef for 2-3 minutes helps the flavors meld together. Avoid overheating to prevent the sauce from separating.

Total cooking time for this dish is approximately 25-30 minutes, making it a quick and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

How to Store Leftovers

If you have leftovers, this dish stores well and can be enjoyed later with a quick reheat. Follow these storage tips to keep it fresh:

Refrigerator – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency.
Freezer – While pasta dishes with creamy sauces don’t always freeze well, you can freeze this meal for up to 1 month. To freeze, let the pasta cool completely, then store it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips for the Best Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

To make this dish even more delicious, consider these helpful tips:

Use Fresh Parmesan – Freshly grated Parmesan melts better into the sauce and enhances the overall flavor.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta – Cooking pasta to al dente ensures it holds its shape and doesn’t become mushy when mixed with the sauce.
Adjust the Consistency – If the Alfredo sauce is too thick, add a bit of reserved pasta water, milk, or cream to loosen it to your preference.
Enhance the Flavor – Try adding Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, or a pinch of nutmeg for extra depth.
Make it a One-Pot Dish – If you want to simplify cleanup, cook the beef in a deep skillet, then add the cooked pasta and Alfredo sauce directly into the same pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different pasta?

Yes! While bowtie pasta works great, you can use penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni as substitutes.

What can I add for extra flavor?

Mushrooms, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or red pepper flakes make great additions to elevate the flavor.

Can I use homemade Alfredo sauce?

Absolutely! If you prefer homemade, a simple Alfredo sauce made with butter, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese will make this dish even richer.

How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?

If the sauce thickens too much while cooking, simply add a little milk, cream, or pasta water to reach your desired consistency.