Indulge in a heavenly Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, a comforting, family-friendly dinner that combines tender ground beef, al dente farfalle pasta, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. The beef and Alfredo sauce create a perfect harmony of flavors that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal. This creamy beef and bowtie pasta dish will have everyone asking for seconds of the delicious pasta smothered in savory beef and Alfredo sauce!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: On the table in 30 minutes with minimal prep work.
- Family Favorite: Kids and adults alike love this creamy, comforting pasta dish.
- Versatile: Easy to customize with additional vegetables or different protein options.
- Perfect for Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day for lunch.
- Restaurant Quality: Enjoy a gourmet pasta dish without the restaurant price tag.
Ingredients
- Ground Beef – Lean ground beef provides hearty protein and rich flavor to complement the creamy sauce.
- Bowtie Pasta – Also known as farfalle, these pasta shapes hold the sauce perfectly in their little nooks and crannies.
- Alfredo Sauce – Creates a luxuriously creamy base that coats every bite with velvety goodness.
- Garlic – Fresh minced garlic adds aromatic depth and savory notes to the dish.
- Italian Seasoning – A blend of herbs that elevates the flavor profile with hints of basil, oregano, and thyme.
- Parmesan Cheese – Adds a salty, nutty flavor that enriches the creamy sauce.
- Heavy Cream – Creates an extra silky texture and richness in the sauce.
- Butter – Adds a beautiful richness and helps to create a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Onion – Finely diced onion adds sweetness and depth of flavor to the beef and Alfredo sauce combination.
- Salt and Pepper – Essential seasonings to enhance all the flavors in the dish.
- Fresh Parsley – Optional garnish that adds a pop of color and fresh flavor.
All exact measurements, cooking times, and detailed instructions can be found in the complete recipe card at the end of this post!
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Fill a generously sized pot with water, add a hearty pinch of salt, and bring to a rolling boil. Introduce the bowtie pasta and cook until it reaches that perfect al dente texture – typically 10-12 minutes, but always follow package guidance. Before draining, capture approximately 1/2 cup of the starchy cooking water. Set your perfectly cooked farfalle aside, ready to become the canvas for our creamy beef and Alfredo sauce masterpiece.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
As your pasta simmers, place a spacious skillet on the stove and set the heat to medium-high, allowing the pan to properly warm up before adding ingredients. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
Step 3: Add Aromatics
Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Introduce the freshly minced garlic to the mixture and allow it to cook for just half a minute, until it releases its aromatic oils and fills your kitchen with its irresistible scent.
Step 4: Season the Meat
Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture and stir to combine, allowing the seasonings to toast slightly and release their flavors.
Step 5: Create the Creamy Sauce
Incorporate the butter into the skillet and watch as it transforms from solid to liquid, creating a rich foundation for your sauce. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Alfredo sauce and allow the mixture to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
Step 6: Combine and Finish
Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Sprinkle in most of the Parmesan cheese and stir to incorporate.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer your completed masterpiece from the heat source to an awaiting serving vessel, ready to be presented to your eager diners. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Present this delightful creation while still wonderfully warm, accompanied by crusty garlic-infused bread or a crisp garden salad for a perfectly balanced meal experience.
Pro Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cook the bowtie pasta just until al dente as it will continue to cook slightly when added to the hot sauce.
- Reserve Pasta Water: The starchy pasta water is perfect for thinning out the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Meat Options: Ground turkey or Italian sausage can be substituted for the ground beef for a different flavor profile.
- Fresh vs. Store-Bought Alfredo: While store-bought Alfredo sauce works perfectly, you can make your own for an extra special touch.
- Add Vegetables: Spinach, peas, mushrooms, or roasted red peppers make excellent additions to this versatile dish.
How to Serve
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but pairs beautifully with:
- Crusty artisan bread or garlic-infused baguette slices, perfect for capturing every last drop of that magnificent sauce
- A bright, crisp garden salad with tangy vinaigrette dressing that provides refreshing contrast to the dish’s luxurious richness
- Steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for extra vegetables
- A sophisticated glass of ruby-hued red wine such as Merlot or Chianti for the grown-ups, its balanced tannins complementing the creamy richness of the dish
Storage
- Refrigeration Approach: Preserve remaining creamy beef and bowtie pasta in airtight containers for enjoyment within 3-4 days.
- Freezing Method: This beef and Alfredo sauce pasta creation maintains quality when frozen up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Revitalization Technique: Gently warm your creamy beef and bowtie pasta using stovetop heat with a splash of cream to restore its luxurious texture, or use microwave medium power with occasional stirring for even heating.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this creamy beef and bowtie pasta ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare this beef and Alfredo sauce pasta dish up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of cream to maintain the creamy texture.
What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can work as substitutes, though the sauce won’t be quite as rich. For a dairy-free option, full-fat coconut milk provides a similar creaminess.
My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water, milk, or broth to reach your desired consistency.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is ideal for holding the sauce, penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine would all work well too.
How do I know when my pasta is al dente?
Al dente pasta should be firm to the bite but not hard in the center. Start testing about 2 minutes before the package directions suggest it will be done.
Can I add vegetables to make this a one-pot meal?
Yes! Spinach, mushrooms, peas, or bell peppers make excellent additions. Add heartier vegetables like mushrooms when cooking the onions, and more delicate ones like spinach or peas in the final minutes of cooking.
Conclusion
This Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta with its rich Alfredo sauce is the perfect comfort food for busy weeknights or special family gatherings. The combination of tender ground beef and creamy sauce creates a luxurious pasta dish that’s both satisfying and simple to prepare. For another delicious pasta option, check out our Grilled Shrimp Pasta Recipe that features the same comforting elements your family will love. Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters or pasta enthusiasts, this beef and Alfredo sauce pasta is sure to become a regular request in your home cooking rotation.
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Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta: 3 Irresistible Alfredo Tips
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulge in a heavenly Creamy Beef and Bowtie Pasta, a comforting, family-friendly dinner that combines tender ground beef, al dente farfalle pasta, and a rich, velvety Alfredo sauce. The beef and Alfredo sauce create a perfect harmony of flavors that’s ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights when you need a hearty meal. This creamy beef and bowtie pasta dish will have everyone asking for seconds of the delicious pasta smothered in savory beef and Alfredo sauce!
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (lean)
- 8 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 2 cups Alfredo sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, freshly grated
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 small onion, finely diced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Brown the Beef – While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
- Add Aromatics – Reduce heat to medium and add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the onion begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Season the Meat – Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the beef mixture and stir to combine, allowing the seasonings to toast slightly and release their flavors.
- Create the Creamy Sauce – Add the butter to the skillet and allow it to melt. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Alfredo sauce and allow the mixture to heat through for about 2-3 minutes.
- Combine and Finish – Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Sprinkle in most of the Parmesan cheese and stir to incorporate.
- Serve – Remove from heat and transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with the remaining Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- For a lighter version, substitute ground turkey for beef and use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add vegetables like spinach, peas, or mushrooms for extra nutrition and flavor.
- The dish will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container.
- When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to maintain the creamy consistency.
- For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of white wine to the sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 675
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 25g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 155mg
Keywords: creamy beef and bowtie pasta, beef and alfredo sauce, farfalle pasta with beef, creamy pasta dinner, ground beef pasta, easy pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, family-friendly pasta, one-pot meal, comfort food