Beef Bowtie Pasta Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Luscious Beef Bowtie Pasta Alfredo Sauce Recipe for Dinner Magic

Creamy, comforting beef bowtie pasta alfredo sauce brings pure culinary magic to your dinner table.

Weeknight meals demand something special that hits all the right flavor notes.

This classic dish combines tender beef with silky alfredo sauce and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta.

Rich, velvety sauce clings to each pasta curve, creating a delectable bite every time.

Cheese melts seamlessly into the savory meat, promising a meal that satisfies deep hunger.

Seasoned with subtle herbs and garlic, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary dinner.

Grab your skillet and prepare for a restaurant-worthy meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

FAQs

  • Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with other short pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or shells. Choose pasta with ridges or curves to help hold the creamy sauce better.

  • Is it possible to make this dish lighter?

To reduce calories, use lean ground beef, low-fat cream, and less cheese. You can also replace some heavy cream with milk or add more vegetables to increase nutritional value.

  • What can I do if the sauce is too thick?

If the sauce becomes too thick, slowly add a little more beef broth or pasta water to thin it out. Stir continuously to maintain a smooth, creamy consistency. Add liquid gradually to control the sauce’s thickness.

Alfredo Beef Bowtie Pasta Highlights

  • Whip Up a Crowd-Pleaser: This beef bowtie pasta delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, making it a go-to meal for busy families and hungry groups.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Skip multiple dirty dishes by cooking everything in a single skillet, transforming beef, pasta, and creamy sauce into a delicious dinner without complicated cleanup.
  • Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by swapping ground beef with chicken, adding vegetables like spinach or mushrooms, or adjusting cheese quantities to match personal taste preferences.
  • Comfort Food Champion: Loaded with rich, cheesy sauce and tender pasta, this dish provides the ultimate comfort food experience that feels like a warm culinary hug on any evening.

Beef Bowtie Alfredo Ingredient List

Main Ingredients:

Pasta:
  • Bowtie Pasta: A fun, bow-shaped pasta that catches and holds sauce beautifully.
Protein:
  • Ground Beef: The hearty protein that adds rich flavor and substance to the dish.

Sauce Components:

Dairy Ingredients:
  • Heavy Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Mozzarella Cheese: These creamy ingredients create a luxurious, smooth Alfredo-style sauce with deep, cheesy flavor.
  • Beef Broth: Adds depth and richness to the sauce, enhancing the overall meaty profile.

Aromatics and Seasonings:

Herbs and Spices:
  • Garlic, Italian Seasoning, Salt, Pepper: These seasonings provide layered, classic Italian-inspired flavor to the beef and sauce.

Cooking Ingredients:

Cooking Essentials:
  • Olive Oil: Helps brown the beef and prevents sticking while adding a subtle, fruity undertone.
  • Parsley: A fresh, optional garnish that adds a bright, herbal note to the finished dish.

How to Make Alfredo Bowtie Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta Perfection

Grab a large pot and fill it with water.

Sprinkle in some salt and wait for a rolling boil.

Drop the bowtie pasta into the bubbling water and cook until it’s perfectly tender.

Drain the pasta, but keep it warm and ready for its saucy destiny.

Step 2: Sizzle Ground Beef

Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium flame.

Crumble the ground beef into the pan, breaking it into small pieces.

Cook until the meat turns a beautiful golden brown and loses all its pink color.

Tip out any extra grease to keep things light.

Step 3: Awaken Garlic Aromas

Toss minced garlic into the beef pan.

Stir quickly for about a minute until the kitchen fills with an irresistible fragrance.

Be careful not to let the garlic burn – we want flavor, not bitter bits.

Step 4: Build Creamy Sauce Foundation

Pour in heavy cream and beef broth, mixing them with the seasoned beef.

Let the mixture simmer gently, watching it slowly thicken and become more luxurious.

The sauce is developing its magical consistency.

Step 5: Cheese Magic Transformation

Lower the heat and sprinkle in your cheeses:
  • Parmesan cheese
  • Mozzarella cheese

Stir continuously until they melt into a smooth, dreamy sauce.

Season with:
  • Italian seasoning
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Step 6: Unite Pasta and Sauce

Slide the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet.

Gently toss everything together so each pasta piece gets a luxurious coating of the creamy beef sauce.

Let it all mingle for a few minutes to blend the flavors.

Step 7: Final Flourish

Remove from heat and serve immediately.

Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color.

Offer extra Parmesan on the side for cheese lovers who want an extra kick.

Pro Tips for Alfredo Pasta

  • Stir bowtie pasta occasionally while cooking to keep the pieces separate and ensure even cooking.
  • Use lean ground beef or drain excess fat thoroughly to avoid a greasy dish and maintain a cleaner sauce texture.
  • Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to create a smooth, lump-free Alfredo sauce without separating.
  • If sauce seems too thick, thin it with a splash of pasta water or beef broth to reach desired creaminess.
  • Sprinkle fresh basil or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor complexity and subtle heat.

Bowtie Alfredo Pasta Variations

  • Gluten-Free Pasta Swap: Replace bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, quinoa, or chickpea flour to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
  • Vegetarian Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles, lentils, or mushrooms for a meat-free version that maintains the creamy sauce's richness.
  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Alternative: Use cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of pasta to create a low-carb, keto-friendly meal that still delivers bold flavors.
  • Dairy-Free Cream Sauce: Swap heavy cream and cheese with coconut cream, nutritional yeast, and cashew-based cheese alternatives for a lactose-free adaptation.

Serving Alfredo Bowtie Pasta

  • Italian Restaurant-Style Plating: Twirl the pasta onto the center of a white plate, creating a stylish mound that showcases the creamy beef and bowtie pasta. Sprinkle extra parsley and Parmesan cheese on top for a professional restaurant presentation.
  • Family Comfort Meal: Serve in large, deep bowls with crusty garlic bread on the side. Let everyone dig into this hearty, satisfying dish that feels like a warm hug on a chilly evening. Perfect for gathering the whole family around the dinner table.
  • Wine Pairing Suggestion: Complement the rich, creamy sauce with a medium-bodied red wine like Chianti or Pinot Noir. The wine's acidity will balance the dish's richness and enhance the beef's savory flavors, creating a delightful dining experience.

Storing Alfredo Bowtie Pasta Properly

  • Store leftover Beef Bowtie Pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Seal the container tightly to prevent moisture and odors from affecting the dish's flavor.
  • Warm the pasta gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of beef broth or cream to restore moisture and prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and maintain the sauce's creamy consistency.
  • Transfer cooled pasta to a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the texture and taste of the dish.
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Beef Bowtie Pasta Alfredo Sauce Recipe

Beef Bowtie Pasta Alfredo Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 37 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy beef bowtie pasta alfredo sauce brings Italian comfort to dinner tables with rich, cheesy goodness. Hearty pasta and tender beef create a luxurious meal you’ll savor with each delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound ground beef

Pasta:

  • 12 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)

Sauce and Seasonings:

  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
  • 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with salted water and bring to a rolling boil at high heat. Immerse bowtie pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes until perfectly tender yet retaining a slight bite. Drain thoroughly without rinsing to maintain sauce adhesion.
  2. Heat olive oil in a deep skillet over medium temperature. Introduce ground beef and fragment with a wooden utensil. Sauté for 5-7 minutes until meat transforms from pink to rich brown, eliminating excess grease.
  3. Incorporate minced garlic into the browned beef. Stir continuously for approximately 1 minute, ensuring aromatic release without scorching.
  4. Stream heavy cream and beef broth into the skillet, blending seamlessly with meat and garlic. Allow liquid to reach a gentle simmer, reducing for 5 minutes while developing a subtle thickening consistency.
  5. Lower heat and progressively integrate Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses. Whisk consistently until cheese melts completely, creating a velvety smooth sauce. Season with Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to elevate flavor profile.
  6. Transfer cooked pasta into the creamy beef mixture. Gently fold until each pasta piece becomes luxuriously coated. Permit brief 2-3 minute integration to allow flavor absorption and sauce penetration.
  7. Remove from heat and plate immediately. Optional: Sprinkle fresh parsley and provide additional Parmesan for individualized garnishing preferences.

Notes

  • Select lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a cleaner, more balanced sauce.
  • Consider using whole wheat bowtie pasta for added fiber and a nutty flavor profile.
  • Reserve a small amount of pasta water to help adjust sauce consistency if needed during cooking.
  • Try different cheese combinations like sharp cheddar or fontina for unique taste variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 600
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 18g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 100mg
Lena Martinez

Lena Martinez

Contributing Writer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southwestern and Latin American cuisines, Vegetarian and plant-based recipe development, Culinary education and community outreach ​

Education

Santa Fe Community College, Santa Fe, NM
Certificate in Culinary Arts

Emphasized Southwestern cuisine and sustainable cooking practices


Lena grew up surrounded by the colors, spices, and traditions of the Southwest – flavors that sparked her love for bold, honest cooking. After earning her Culinary Arts certificate at Santa Fe Community College, she made it her mission to teach home cooks how to create flavorful, plant-powered meals without the fuss.
Her recipes are packed with vibrant ingredients, simple steps, and the kind of heart that turns a regular meal into something you’ll want to share. Outside the kitchen, Lena spends her time wandering farmers’ markets, trading family recipes, and helping young chefs find their voice through food.

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