Beef And Bowtie Pasta With Alfredo Sauce Recipe

There’s something so comforting about the creamy, savory goodness of Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce. From the very first bite, you’re greeted with tender beef, silky pasta, and a rich, velvety sauce that wraps everything in irresistible flavor.

I first made this dish on a cold evening when all I had on hand were some bowtie noodles, ground beef, and a jar of Alfredo sauce. With a few tweaks and additions, it turned into a family favorite that we now make almost weekly – and always in double batches!

Whether you're looking for something quick, hearty, or just a little indulgent, this pasta checks all the boxes. Let’s dive into why this one deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation.

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

Get ready to meet your new go-to comfort food. This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is rich, creamy, and surprisingly simple to pull together – the kind of weeknight magic we all need more of.

It’s incredibly quick and easy. From start to finish, you can have this dish on the table in about 30 minutes. It uses pantry staples and a handful of fresh ingredients, so there’s no need for an extra grocery run.

It’s a crowd-pleaser. Whether you're feeding picky kids, hungry teens, or guests with high expectations, this pasta always hits the mark. The creamy Alfredo sauce pairs beautifully with the savory beef, making it a satisfying dish for everyone.

Budget-friendly and flexible. Ground beef and bowtie pasta are affordable ingredients that stretch far. You can feed a whole family – and probably still have leftovers – without breaking the bank.

Perfect for leftovers. This pasta reheats like a dream, making it an ideal candidate for meal prep or next-day lunches. The flavors only deepen overnight!

Once you try it, you'll see why this creamy, beefy pasta has earned a permanent place in our rotation. Now let’s take a closer look at what you’ll need to make it.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. It uses familiar, easy-to-find ingredients – but when combined, they create something truly special.

Bowtie pasta (farfalle) brings a fun and elegant twist to the dish. Its little ridges and unique shape help catch the Alfredo sauce, making every bite creamy and flavorful. You could swap in penne or rotini, but bowties really elevate the texture.

Ground beef is the savory star here. I like to use 85/15 for a good balance of flavor and richness. Make sure to brown it well – that deep, caramelized flavor is essential. You can also drain off excess grease if needed, depending on your preference.

Alfredo sauce, whether store-bought or homemade, adds indulgent creaminess. If you have time, making a simple homemade Alfredo with butter, cream, and Parmesan adds an extra level of richness. But no judgment if you go with the jar – it’s weeknight cooking after all!

Garlic and onion give the base of this dish incredible depth. They’re sautéed with the beef, infusing it with flavor and bringing the whole dish together. Don’t skip these – even just a little goes a long way.

Parmesan cheese adds the perfect salty, nutty finish. I always grate a little fresh on top before serving. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference in flavor and presentation.

As for equipment, all you’ll need is a large pot for boiling pasta and a deep skillet or sauté pan for cooking the beef and sauce. A wooden spoon and a colander round out the must-haves.

How To Make This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce

Making this creamy, beefy pasta is as easy as it gets – and totally doable even on your busiest nights.

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to the package directions. Be sure to give the pasta a good stir early on to prevent sticking. Once done, drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water.

While the pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef, breaking it up as it browns. Let it sit undisturbed for a few minutes to develop some caramelization, then continue cooking until fully browned and no pink remains. If there’s excess grease, drain it off before moving on.

Lower the heat to medium and stir in your diced onion and minced garlic. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent. This step builds a base of flavor that really sets the dish apart.

Next, pour in your Alfredo sauce and stir to combine with the beef mixture. If the sauce is too thick, you can loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water. Let everything simmer together for a few minutes so the flavors can meld.

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss gently to coat every piece in that luscious sauce. Take a moment to taste and adjust with salt and pepper if needed. Then, sprinkle in some freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until it’s melty and delicious.

From prep to plate, this dish takes about 30 minutes. Expect creamy, cheesy perfection with every bite – comfort food at its finest!

Storage Options

This pasta holds up surprisingly well, making it a fantastic choice for leftovers or make-ahead meals.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. I like to portion it out into single servings for easy grab-and-go lunches.

You can also freeze it, though the texture of the sauce may change slightly after thawing. To freeze, place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag. It will stay good for about 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

When it comes to reheating, a splash of milk or cream in the pan (or bowl, if microwaving) will help revive the sauce and bring back its silky texture. Heat gently over medium-low heat or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between each.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best parts of this recipe is how flexible it is. You can mix and match ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

If you're not a fan of ground beef, ground turkey or Italian sausage are excellent alternatives. Both bring their own unique flavor profiles and work beautifully with the Alfredo sauce.

Want to sneak in some veggies? Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas just before serving. They add color, nutrients, and a fresh element that balances the richness of the sauce.

For a bolder flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a spoonful of pesto to the Alfredo. It adds a layer of complexity without overpowering the dish.

If you're watching your dairy intake, there are several dairy-free Alfredo sauces on the market made from cashews or cauliflower. Pair with plant-based ground meat for a fully dairy-free version.

And don’t forget the cheese lovers – toss in some shredded mozzarella or provolone for extra gooeyness. It’s a great way to level up the comfort factor.

Feel free to make this recipe your own! It’s forgiving, adaptable, and always delicious no matter how you customize it.

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