Save This Beef and Bowtie Pasta with Alfredo Sauce is the ultimate comfort food, combining tender ground beef, creamy Alfredo sauce, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. It's a hearty, satisfying dish that's easy to prepare and sure to impress your family or guests. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this creamy pasta will be a hit.
I first made this recipe on a busy Tuesday when everyone wanted something comforting but I didn't have much time to fuss. The creamy Alfredo sauce and beef were so popular that the whole family requested seconds, and it quickly became part of our regular dinner rotation.
Ingredients
- Bowtie (farfalle) pasta: 12 oz
- Ground beef (80/20 for best flavor): 1 lb
- Alfredo sauce (store-bought or homemade): 2 cups
- Heavy cream: 1 cup
- Parmesan cheese, grated: ½ cup
- Garlic, minced: 2 cloves
- Onion powder: 1 teaspoon
- Italian seasoning: ½ teaspoon
- Salt and black pepper: To taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped: 2 tablespoons
- Red pepper flakes (optional): ½ teaspoon
Instructions
- Cook pasta:
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain.
- Brown beef:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef, seasoning with salt, pepper, and onion powder. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add garlic and seasoning:
- Add minced garlic and Italian seasoning to the beef, sauté until fragrant.
- Make sauce:
- Reduce heat to low and add Alfredo sauce, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce:
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, toss to coat evenly in the sauce.
- Garnish and serve:
- Garnish with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes. Serve hot.
Save This dish always brings everyone together for dinner: the kids love the cheesy pasta while adults get a flavorful, hearty meal. It's become a favorite during family movie nights, with leftovers disappearing just as quickly as the first servings.
Serving Suggestions
Pair this pasta with a simple green salad and garlic bread to round out the meal. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese adds even more flavor.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk to revive the creamy texture.
Variations
Try swapping out ground beef for Italian sausage or ground turkey. You can also add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrition without changing the classic creamy taste.
Save This Beef and Bowtie Pasta is pure comfort in a bowl; make it once and watch it become a family tradition.
Kitchen Help
- → Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, penne or rigatoni work well, though bowtie pasta holds sauce nicely and gives a classic feel.
- → Is store-bought Alfredo sauce recommended?
Store-bought Alfredo sauce is convenient and blends well. Homemade sauce adds richness if you prefer scratch-made flavors.
- → How can I lighten the sauce?
Use half-and-half in place of heavy cream for a lighter texture, though the result may be less creamy.
- → What toppings can enhance the dish?
Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or chopped walnuts for additional crunch and flavor before serving.
- → How should leftovers be stored?
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently with added milk or cream.
- → Can I make it spicier?
Add red pepper flakes while garnishing to introduce a mild heat to the pasta, or sauté them with garlic for extra spice.