There's something incredibly comforting about a big bowl of creamy pasta, and this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is no exception. The tender beef, perfectly cooked pasta, and rich, velvety Alfredo sauce come together in a dish that's both satisfying and easy to make.

I first made this recipe on a chilly evening when I was craving something warm and indulgent but didn't want to spend hours in the kitchen. With just a few simple ingredients, I had a restaurant-quality meal on the table in under 40 minutes. It's now a go-to dish for busy nights and family dinners.

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

Get ready to add this pasta dish to your regular meal rotation. Not only is it irresistibly creamy and flavorful, but it also comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknights.

One of the best things about this recipe is how fast and easy it is to prepare. You can have a comforting, homemade meal ready in about 30-40 minutes, with minimal prep work.

It's also a fantastic way to make the most of budget-friendly ingredients. A little beef goes a long way in this dish, and pantry staples like pasta and cream make it an affordable option without sacrificing taste.

Versatility is another major perk. You can easily switch up the protein, add vegetables, or adjust the seasonings to fit your preferences. Whether you're cooking for picky eaters or looking to clean out your fridge, this recipe is incredibly adaptable.

Ingredients Notes

The magic of this dish lies in its simple yet carefully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in building a well-balanced flavor and texture.

Bowtie pasta is the perfect choice for this dish. Its unique shape holds onto the creamy Alfredo sauce, ensuring each bite is full of flavor. If you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, penne or rotini make great substitutes.

For the protein, ground beef is quick-cooking and adds a rich, savory taste. You can also use thinly sliced steak or even leftover roast beef for a different texture and depth of flavor.

The star of the sauce is heavy cream, which creates a luxurious, velvety texture. If you’re looking for a lighter alternative, half-and-half works, though the sauce won’t be as thick and creamy.

Parmesan cheese adds a nutty, salty flavor that enhances the Alfredo sauce. Be sure to use freshly grated Parmesan for the best results, as pre-grated cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly.

A touch of garlic and butter rounds out the sauce, giving it a deep, rich taste. Fresh garlic is best, but garlic powder can work in a pinch.

How To Make This Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce

Making this dish is simpler than you might think. Follow these steps for a creamy, delicious pasta dinner.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and set aside, reserving a small amount of pasta water to help with the sauce later if needed.

While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned and fully cooked through, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds to a minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter.

Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently, allowing the cream to thicken slightly before gradually adding the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese has fully melted into the sauce, creating a smooth, creamy consistency.

Return the cooked beef to the skillet and stir to combine. Add the drained pasta, tossing everything together until the bowtie pasta is well coated in the Alfredo sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Let the pasta sit for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve hot, garnished with extra Parmesan and freshly chopped parsley for a finishing touch.

Storage Options

This dish stores well, making it great for meal prep or leftovers. Store any remaining pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to help loosen the sauce. Stir frequently until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short bursts, stirring between intervals to ensure even heating.

Freezing is possible, but the creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing. If freezing, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months and reheat gently, stirring well to bring the sauce back together.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is incredibly flexible, allowing you to customize it to your taste or dietary needs.

For a different protein option, swap the ground beef for ground turkey, chicken, or Italian sausage. Each brings its own unique flavor to the dish.

Vegetables make a great addition. Try stirring in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for added texture and color.

If you prefer a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream, or use a combination of cream and chicken broth to cut down on richness while still maintaining flavor.

To make it gluten-free, simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta in place of the bowtie pasta.

Experiment with different cheeses. While Parmesan is classic, adding a bit of Gruyère, mozzarella, or Asiago can elevate the sauce even further.

No matter how you customize it, this Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is sure to become a household favorite. Enjoy!