Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

There’s something truly comforting about a bowl of pasta coated in rich, creamy sauce, and today I’m excited to share one of my all-time favorites — Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce. Every bite is a cozy hug: tender bowtie pasta, savory beef crumbles, all cloaked in a luscious, velvety Alfredo sauce. It’s the kind of dish that feels fancy but is so easy to pull together after a busy day.

I love this recipe because it brings a perfect balance of hearty and creamy. The bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, while the seasoned beef adds an irresistible flavor that makes it hearty enough for dinner but special enough for a casual dinner party. Plus, it’s all done in under an hour — a dream come true for weeknight meals!

---

Why You’ll Love This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

This dish checks all the boxes — it’s fast, flavorful, and family-approved. You’ll appreciate how simple it is to prepare with everyday ingredients, yet the result feels like something you’d order at a cozy Italian restaurant. The creamy Alfredo sauce clings to every bowtie, and the tender beef brings a satisfying, savory punch. It’s perfect for quick dinners, meal prepping, or even a comforting weekend treat.

---

What Kind of Ground Beef Should I Use for Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce?

When it comes to choosing ground beef for this pasta dish, I personally prefer using an 85/15 blend — meaning 85% lean meat and 15% fat. This ratio gives you the perfect balance of flavor and juiciness without making the sauce greasy. If you want a lighter version, you could go for 90/10, but just remember: a little fat goes a long way in creating that rich, hearty depth of flavor that makes this pasta truly unforgettable.

---

Options for Substitutions

If you’re feeling creative or need to adapt to what’s in your fridge, this recipe is wonderfully flexible:

• Ground Turkey or Chicken: For a lighter alternative, ground turkey or chicken work beautifully and still pair well with the creamy Alfredo sauce.
• Pasta Variations: Don’t have bowtie pasta? Penne, rotini, or even fettuccine can step in and do the job.
• Different Sauces: Swap out Alfredo for a creamy pesto sauce or a light garlic cream if you’re craving something different.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip the beef and add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted veggies for a meatless twist.
• Cheese Boost: Stir in a handful of shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for an even cheesier finish.
• Plant-Based Beef: Want to make it meatless but keep that hearty feel? Plant-based ground “beef” is a fantastic swap.

---

Ingredients for Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

• Bowtie Pasta (Farfalle): The fun, textured shape holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly, making every bite flavorful and satisfying.
• Ground Beef (85/15 blend preferred): Adds a rich, savory depth and hearty bite that balances the creamy Alfredo sauce beautifully.
• Alfredo Sauce (homemade or store-bought): The creamy star of the dish, bringing lusciousness and a velvety texture that coats the pasta and beef.
• Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic boosts the flavor, adding warmth and a delicious aroma.
• Parmesan Cheese (grated): Melts into the sauce, enhancing its creaminess and giving it that signature savory bite.
• Heavy Cream: Deepens the richness of the Alfredo sauce, making it luxurious and extra creamy.
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors throughout the dish.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the beef and garlic, adding a touch of richness without overpowering the dish.
• Fresh Parsley (chopped): A bright, fresh finish that cuts through the richness and adds a pop of color.

---

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing lightly with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

---

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and the ground beef. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks, and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is browned and fully cooked through, about 6–8 minutes. Remove any excess grease from the skillet if necessary.

---

Step 3: Add Garlic and Season

Stir the minced garlic into the cooked beef and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn — you want it golden and aromatic.

---

Step 4: Combine Alfredo Sauce and Beef

Lower the heat to medium-low and pour the Alfredo sauce over the beef. Stir gently to combine. Add a splash of heavy cream and half of the grated Parmesan cheese. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together.

---

Step 5: Toss Pasta into Sauce

Add the drained bowtie pasta directly into the skillet with the beef and Alfredo sauce. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is evenly coated and warmed through. Add a little reserved pasta water if you need to loosen the sauce.

---

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with the remaining Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Finish with a few cracks of fresh black pepper. Serve hot and enjoy every creamy, savory bite!

---

How Long to Cook Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

The total cooking time for this delicious dish is about 30–35 minutes:

• Pasta: 8–10 minutes to cook to al dente.
• Beef: 6–8 minutes to brown properly.
• Sauce and Assembly: Another 10–15 minutes to combine everything, simmer the sauce gently, and toss it all together.

This means you can have a hearty, comforting dinner on the table in just over half an hour — perfect for busy evenings when you still want something homemade and satisfying!

---

Tips for Perfect Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

• Salt Your Pasta Water: It’s your only chance to season the pasta itself! A good handful of salt in the water makes a world of difference.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes the flavor brighter and more authentic compared to jarred varieties.
• Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for just al dente so it doesn’t become mushy once it absorbs the sauce.
• Drain Beef Properly: After browning, drain any excess fat to keep the Alfredo sauce rich but not greasy.
• Simmer, Don’t Boil the Sauce: A gentle simmer keeps the sauce creamy. Boiling can cause it to separate.
• Reserve Pasta Water: Before draining pasta, save a little of the cooking water. It’s liquid gold for adjusting the sauce texture.
• Grate Parmesan Fresh: Pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly. A block of Parmesan grated at home makes the sauce silkier.
• Add a Touch of Nutmeg: Just a pinch (optional) deepens the Alfredo flavor without overpowering it.

---

Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

• Using Too Lean Beef: Super-lean ground beef (like 93/7) can make the dish dry. A little fat adds flavor and richness.
• Skipping the Garlic Step: Don’t rush or skip the garlic — it brings an essential aromatic base to the whole dish.
• Boiling the Alfredo Sauce: High heat can cause Alfredo to break and turn oily. Keep it at a gentle simmer for a creamy consistency.
• Overcooking the Pasta: Mushy pasta ruins the texture. Always check a minute before the suggested cook time.
• Not Draining the Beef Well: Excess fat can make the sauce greasy and heavy instead of creamy and luscious.
• Adding All Parmesan at Once: Stir half into the sauce and sprinkle the rest on top for layered flavor.
• Ignoring Pasta Water: A splash of pasta water can rescue a sauce that’s too thick or heavy.
• Overcrowding the Skillet: If your skillet is too small, cook the beef in batches for even browning.

---

What to Serve With Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce?

1. Garlic Bread

Golden, crispy garlic bread is the ultimate sidekick for soaking up every last drop of that Alfredo goodness.

2. Caesar Salad

A cool, crisp Caesar with creamy dressing perfectly complements the rich pasta.

3. Roasted Asparagus

Light and fresh, roasted asparagus balances the creaminess of the Alfredo sauce beautifully.

4. Steamed Broccoli

Simple steamed broccoli adds color, nutrition, and a light crunch to your plate.

5. Caprese Salad

Fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, basil, and a drizzle of balsamic make for a refreshing, tangy side.

6. Sautéed Spinach

A quick sauté with garlic makes spinach an easy and nutritious partner to the pasta.

7. Antipasto Platter

An assortment of marinated veggies, olives, and cheeses is a fun, Italian-inspired starter.

8. Lemon-Butter Green Beans

Bright, zesty green beans cooked in lemon butter add a vibrant note to the meal.

---

Storage Instructions

Refrigerating:
Let the Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce cool completely before transferring it into an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to help loosen up the sauce and revive its creamy texture.

Freezing:
This dish can be frozen, but keep in mind that cream-based sauces can sometimes separate when thawed. If you still want to freeze it, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the fridge and gently warm on the stovetop with a little extra cream.

Reheating Tips:

• Microwave individual portions in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.
• For the stovetop, reheat gently over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of liquid as needed to bring the sauce back together.

---

Estimated Nutrition

Please note nutrition values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.

Per Serving (approximately 1 ½ cups):

• Calories: 590
• Protein: 24g
• Fat: 32g
• Saturated Fat: 15g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 3g
• Cholesterol: 105mg
• Sodium: 740mg

This makes it a hearty and satisfying meal — rich in protein and indulgently creamy, perfect when you want a treat-yourself dinner!

---

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different pasta shape instead of bowtie?

Absolutely! Penne, rotini, fusilli, or even fettuccine work wonderfully. Just choose something that holds onto the sauce well.

2. Is it better to make homemade Alfredo sauce or use store-bought?

Both options are great! Homemade gives you full control over flavor and ingredients, but a good-quality store-bought Alfredo sauce saves time and still tastes amazing.

3. Can I add vegetables to this dish?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, broccoli, or peas are fantastic additions that complement the creamy sauce beautifully.

4. How can I make this dish spicier?

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the beef or stir them into the sauce for a gentle kick.

5. What’s the best way to prevent the Alfredo sauce from separating?

Keep the heat low and steady when warming the sauce. Boiling can cause it to break and become oily.

6. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the dish a day ahead, refrigerate it, and reheat gently with a splash of milk or cream to freshen up the sauce.

7. What if I don’t eat beef — what can I use instead?

Ground turkey, chicken, Italian sausage, or even a plant-based ground alternative work beautifully in this recipe.

8. Can I use gluten-free pasta?

Of course! Just make sure to cook the gluten-free pasta according to its specific package directions, as it can cook faster than regular pasta.

---

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s comforting, creamy, and impressively simple, Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is your new go-to. This dish combines rich, savory flavors with a silky sauce that wraps around every piece of tender pasta. Whether you’re serving it to your family on a busy weeknight or presenting it at a casual dinner with friends, it’s bound to win everyone over. And with flexible ingredient swaps and quick prep, it’s truly a recipe you’ll find yourself returning to again and again.

---

Print